Wow, that was powerful stuff. You can see how much it hurts him when he says at the start it's been since his surgery in 2009, I'm glad you found another way to enjoy it Taj. This year as I ride into my 40's hoping my back will stay together just a little longer I'll find inspiration in my old vids of guys like you and all the other timeless riders of the 90's to 2000's.
Taj, you were a big positive influence on me during my early teens growing up. You motivated me a lot! Thanks for all your great video parts. They literally made my quality of life better. The stoke you created in my body was real. I wish you the best. Be happy. I am and my bmx bike has a lot to do with it even though I suck at riding.
Taj you lived a life you will remember . It's still in your heart and soul & it is who you are. I never got probut I still like to take the united out every now and then and pedal around to keep my legs in motion. I'm 55 and had have alot of wrecks and got titanium in me so I hurt most of the time and arthritis in my hands so bad I can't grip the bars like I need to but I still pedal around. Some people love motorcycles I love bicycles. It's 2 wheels right? Lol. Taj just remember u wasn't a bad dude you still are a bad dude! Peace bro. Alabama Boy BMX 4LIFE
This should be a series. Would love to see what happened to Chris Stauffer, Jason Enns, Bennett, Stricker, and of course Mr. Aitken. All those old school legends.
I think the first clip I ever saw of him was the downside whip on vert at the Stone Edge BS contest. I knew right away I was watching someone very special. Thanks for everything, Taj.
I was at that contest. I was 15 years old and I shook Mat Hoffman's hand on the deck of that vert ramp.That was my local skatepark, and watching all my heroes descend on my home turf like that was simply mind-blowing. That was the last Hoffman BS contest before ESPN took over as the biggest contest series around. I always hated them for that, because as cool as the courses they built were, they weren't real skateparks, where 15-year old kids hung out waiting for their heroes to come by and show them crazy lines they never knew existed.
the most influential rider of all time, at least in the top 3. taj and joe's parts in "Made In Taiwan" are what made me love bmx, he made me look at riding like art and took my attention off the xgames. my first nice frame was a t1 progression and i still have it. 18 years later i still make it to the trails and i still try to mimic his style I will always support what he is involved with and will always support his endeavors. I wish he could still ride.
im from Greece and i remember trying to find money as a teen to buy RideBMX magazine all the way from the US. I remember that wallride like it was yesterday 0:37 whoa... i remember riding for 20km brakeless in Athens to find spots to ride, the best years of my life. I remember all the cool kids riding Terrible 1s. The Taj vibe was very popular in Athens were the ramps are diy and sponsors rare.
Style for miles.... Taj was a huge influence in 90s, along with Joe Rich, Jimmy Levan and any Road Fools regular. Props video was hugely responsible for bringing the underground to the surface and letting small town guys like me see what these guys could do. Going big was redefined. Thanks for the interview and it's cool that Taj is still involved in the industry. I'm 45 and still pedal, nothing impressive but my 4 year old thanks I'm awesome.
Taj instantly got my attention with when I first properly got into bmx and T-1 still remain a massive part of what amazing about bmx, I'm literally in the middle of breaking down my barcode to rebuild and revisit the best years of my life. Taj u are for sure one of the greatest parts of bmx history u and T-1 team 💯
thank you very much TAJ you are one of my heroes of which I will always remember your great riding style and inspire me to be like you as a child, you will always be a legend 😭🙏 a big hug and blessings from Mexico🇲🇽
I remember first watching Taj from the Hoffman BS (bicycle stunt) series in South Padre Island in 96ish? Bmx was and still is a culture to its own. Taj is one of those indelible bmx heroes from that culture.
Hey Taj. Can't say that you were my favorite rider, but I will always remember the old videos of you. Even if you were not one of my favorites, you were inspiring and I always wanted to go out and shred after seeing you ride. And that is all that matters when it comes to bmx. Also, you never stopped riding bmx. Since we have you all over youtube, you will be riding bmx forever! It is sad to see that you had an accident but I am happy to see you are still in the industry. All the best wishes man! Cheers for the memories!
Crazy! I remember riding with Taj back at Woodward in 91 I think it was... I just remember I could never say his last name! He had a knee brace on that summer as he had blown his knee out and was worried he would never be able to turn pro in the sport we loved. But, then throughout the 90's I would see his name and it was cool knowing he made it! Great guy! Totally chill and the perfect guy to hang out and bs with! Great to see his accomplishments and the way BMX has molded so many of our lives who grew up riding every single day and hour we could for so many years.
this is one of the best TH-cam videos I have ever watched. I love it. not just because it about BMX or because it's about Taj, but because it's a great story with great edits and ALOT of inspiration! great job!! it does help that it's about Taj.... just sayin
Certain ppl in life inspire u in a way u can't explain and taj was my first inspiration and idol, I still love watchin his sections and I don't think t-1 isn't the same without taj. Thanks for the video
Wow. Time flies. Made me smile that he’s still working in the bicycle industry. Dude is without a doubt a pioneer. I remember on one of the old props video magazine vhs tape he did a manual across some flower planters for what seemed like 2 minutes. We were all trying to emulate it.
Great piece. Brought back memories from my days on a bike. 20 plus years back. I was mostly a racer but lived for dirt jumping. Taj was a legend. I had a bad crash that left me with an acute subdural hematoma. Damn near killed me at 15 years old. So, I know that empty feeling of having to give it up. I still have my old bike though. Thanks for the video.
What a great production featuring such a great rider. Talk about a trip down memory lane! So stoked to see that clip through the rafter at Ray's MTB. Thanks Ride.... Thanks, Taj.
I love this. Taj was my all time favorite rider. Growing up watching him influenced me so much. I even got dreads in high school cuz I thought he looked so bad ass. Lol. Always a great inspiration. Thanks Taj for being you. Great memories. Great friends to share them with. - Pete - Ontario
I ordered both of your books tonight Taj..so excited to see your art skills.. They remind me so much of your moms from the previews..especially the rabbit!
THATS CRAZY THE SAME HAPPENED TO ME IN MY EARLY RIDING DAYS .I STOPPED FOR 10 YRS IM 32 NOW...I JUST STARTED RIDING AGAIN ....LEGS DONT FAIL ME NOW....
Im a 32 yea old, grown ass man... And I still hope one day to live out my childhood dreams of meeting Taj, having a coffee together and just going for a pedal! I started doing grizz airs and X-ups(atleast they were to me at the time) as a young boy, just because of Taj!
This really should be a series. I was struggling hard after BMX ended for me, and one night in a bar I asked Freimuth if he felt similar after he stopped. Then I asked others. Slowly, as I talked to other riders about this, I realized I wasn’t as alone as I thought I was. A series about how people find a new identity after BMX would be incredible, and I think it would help quite a few people know that what they’re feeling and going thru after BMX is completely normal. I’m 42 now, and I’ve found a way to live without the intense focus on BMX. It’ll always be there, and I’ll always be proud of my time in it. I felt so lost, alone, and hopeless for 10 years after I put the BMX down. I hope others find their way, too. ❤️🩹
Before today, I had never heard of Taj nor of Fairdale. I went in to help build some bikes a friends Bike Shop and the first bike that I built today was a Taj Fairdale. What an incredible experience that was, as I kept taking off all of the packing/shipping protection layers and slowly exposing the paint job and logo and chrome. I was really stoked on how the bike looked and so now that I am home for the evening and have a little time, I decided to research about Taj and Fairdale Bikes. Now after watching this video, I am typing this message and even More STOKED Than Earlier !!!👍👍 WOW
Damn I remember back in 2000 going to Austin as a kid with my older friends. All of a sudden I woke up from the drive there and we were at the famous terrible one backyard. I got to see taj, Joe rich, sandy Carson, Ruben alcantara all in front of me just hanging out and taj was grilling some vegan burgers and asked me if I wanted one. Man what a memory I got to experience. Those guys are legends and to have been there that moment was crazy
This is just so rad. Taj was always such a huge inspiration, and it’s cool to see how he’s continuing to be part of the whole bike thing even after a major injury. Nice
Taj, you're an absolute shredder, super cool dude, and an inspiration to me personally for as long as I care to remember! My first American BB, external headset barcode, combined with watching your timeless style through *props* , completely changed my life forever! I'm not worthy to bear your name but.. you can't help good taste. You're an immortal in my books, that's for certain. I've still got your 10yr+ primopro f&r tyres, my original T-1 frame, some bars and one of the first coalition seats on the wall. You're the man, and it's fricken *AWESOME* to see back at ride! Even if only briefly. *PLEASE THOUGH!* #bringbacktheroscoeshoe! Quite simply, the best ever riding shoe! And I know at least Aaron will agree with that. Thanks heaps for the feature ridebmx. And Taj, you rock!
I live in southwest Michigan and I never would have thought about leaving till I started riding I see where he is coming from...also have mad respect for this dude!
Wow, that was powerful stuff. You can see how much it hurts him when he says at the start it's been since his surgery in 2009, I'm glad you found another way to enjoy it Taj. This year as I ride into my 40's hoping my back will stay together just a little longer I'll find inspiration in my old vids of guys like you and all the other timeless riders of the 90's to 2000's.
Taj, you were a big positive influence on me during my early teens growing up. You motivated me a lot! Thanks for all your great video parts. They literally made my quality of life better. The stoke you created in my body was real. I wish you the best. Be happy. I am and my bmx bike has a lot to do with it even though I suck at riding.
Growing up in the 90's riding BMX, Taj was definitely a HEAVY influence on me.
Taj you lived a life you will remember . It's still in your heart and soul & it is who you are. I never got probut I still like to take the united out every now and then and pedal around to keep my legs in motion. I'm 55 and had have alot of wrecks and got titanium in me so I hurt most of the time and arthritis in my hands so bad I can't grip the bars like I need to but I still pedal around. Some people love motorcycles I love bicycles. It's 2 wheels right? Lol. Taj just remember u wasn't a bad dude you still are a bad dude! Peace bro. Alabama Boy BMX 4LIFE
Just found this... a few years late, perhaps, but it brought back some really positive memories. Taj, your style is legendary.
This should be a series. Would love to see what happened to Chris Stauffer, Jason Enns, Bennett, Stricker, and of course Mr. Aitken. All those old school legends.
Aspire7 if only mirra was here... :( so sad but his legacy will live forever in BMX!
Shelby Jensen I totally agree
Aspire7 stauffer aint got nothin to offer!
richo2765
Classic
And whatever happened to Jay Miron......
I think the first clip I ever saw of him was the downside whip on vert at the Stone Edge BS contest. I knew right away I was watching someone very special. Thanks for everything, Taj.
I was at that contest. I was 15 years old and I shook Mat Hoffman's hand on the deck of that vert ramp.That was my local skatepark, and watching all my heroes descend on my home turf like that was simply mind-blowing. That was the last Hoffman BS contest before ESPN took over as the biggest contest series around. I always hated them for that, because as cool as the courses they built were, they weren't real skateparks, where 15-year old kids hung out waiting for their heroes to come by and show them crazy lines they never knew existed.
One of my heroes. Taj was a genius rider and still is a brilliant man. I quit too and feel very lost sometimes. Thanks Taj
Taj, loved you as a rider, and love you as an artist.
the most influential rider of all time, at least in the top 3. taj and joe's parts in "Made In Taiwan" are what made me love bmx, he made me look at riding like art and took my attention off the xgames. my first nice frame was a t1 progression and i still have it. 18 years later i still make it to the trails and i still try to mimic his style I will always support what he is involved with and will always support his endeavors. I wish he could still ride.
Love you Taj! Bmx God and legend!!!
I wish I could like this more than once
My favorite BMX RIDER of all time 💯
this was so good! Taj is my hero and I'm so grateful I got to go on trips with him and ride in some crazy finals at the Backyard jams
Sebastian Keep your a legend too Seb good to be humble though mad props
I thought I was the only one who tail-whips with the front foot. Props, what a legend. I remember seeing your pics in BMX Plus growing up in the 90s!
My favorite rider since '94
im from Greece and i remember trying to find money as a teen to buy RideBMX magazine all the way from the US. I remember that wallride like it was yesterday 0:37 whoa... i remember riding for 20km brakeless in Athens to find spots to ride, the best years of my life. I remember all the cool kids riding Terrible 1s. The Taj vibe was very popular in Athens were the ramps are diy and sponsors rare.
No way, I had so many similar memories growing up in Michigan, the Barcodes were the most sought after frame back in the day.
a legend in more ways than 1
Not too many riders have a style all their own like Taj. Glad to see life after BMX is treating him well.
Yes!!! I already love Taj for everything he has done for the bmx world. And to know we both have a corgi, I love it!!!!!!!
Thank you Taj!!
Beautiful. I grew up on the 95-2005 years of riding. He was a top 5 favorite of mine. Thankful for this.
one of the best to touch a bmx.
Facts
Taj was one of the nicest, solid guys I got to know from the Spooky days. Stoked to watch this Taj.
All i can say is "Thanks Taj🙏🏽"
Style for miles.... Taj was a huge influence in 90s, along with Joe Rich, Jimmy Levan and any Road Fools regular. Props video was hugely responsible for bringing the underground to the surface and letting small town guys like me see what these guys could do. Going big was redefined.
Thanks for the interview and it's cool that Taj is still involved in the industry. I'm 45 and still pedal, nothing impressive but my 4 year old thanks I'm awesome.
The nostalgia, knew pretty much every magazine shot and video clip. One of my favorite riders of all time, thanks Taj!
Taj is such a cool and unique person. one of the best to ever do it
My Hero, thank you for one of the best time in my live! Thanks Taj💪
I wish there were more like buttons for this video. Taj was and continues to be one of my heroes.
Taj is great. He was one of my favorite riders in the 90s. His parts in videos always pushed me
One of the most humble bmx riders I ever met. True legend and inspiration. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Taj, you are one of my favorite riders!
This was way more emotional than I thought it would be. Excellent work.
Taj! My childhood B.M.X. hero! WE LOVE YA BRUV!!!!!
Taj instantly got my attention with when I first properly got into bmx and T-1 still remain a massive part of what amazing about bmx, I'm literally in the middle of breaking down my barcode to rebuild and revisit the best years of my life. Taj u are for sure one of the greatest parts of bmx history u and T-1 team 💯
thank you very much TAJ you are one of my heroes of which I will always remember your great riding style and inspire me to be like you as a child, you will always be a legend 😭🙏 a big hug and blessings from Mexico🇲🇽
this is the best taj compilation
After I saw Taj's part from Forward my riding changed... best rider ever!
As someone who grew up watching Taj ride, thank you so very much for producing this video. I hope many more are to come!
This had me in tears. This is the BMX we know and love. Well the majority of us atleast.
You ARE BMX to me Taj. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this sport & the culture. Live free. Ride hard. 🤘🏿
I remember first watching Taj from the Hoffman BS (bicycle stunt) series in South Padre Island in 96ish? Bmx was and still is a culture to its own. Taj is one of those indelible bmx heroes from that culture.
I think ride should do this type of videos to all the pro rides. thanks for doing this to one of my all time favorite riders.
Hey Taj. Can't say that you were my favorite rider, but I will always remember the old videos of you. Even if you were not one of my favorites, you were inspiring and I always wanted to go out and shred after seeing you ride. And that is all that matters when it comes to bmx.
Also, you never stopped riding bmx. Since we have you all over youtube, you will be riding bmx forever!
It is sad to see that you had an accident but I am happy to see you are still in the industry. All the best wishes man! Cheers for the memories!
Taj, thank you for all you've given to the sport! You're a legend who continues to inspire all of us.
Crazy! I remember riding with Taj back at Woodward in 91 I think it was... I just remember I could never say his last name! He had a knee brace on that summer as he had blown his knee out and was worried he would never be able to turn pro in the sport we loved. But, then throughout the 90's I would see his name and it was cool knowing he made it! Great guy! Totally chill and the perfect guy to hang out and bs with! Great to see his accomplishments and the way BMX has molded so many of our lives who grew up riding every single day and hour we could for so many years.
That felt very nostalgic. So well put together, gotta respect the legends.
this video almost brought a tear to my eye. Mad respect goes out to Taj and Ride.
this is one of the best TH-cam videos I have ever watched. I love it. not just because it about BMX or because it's about Taj, but because it's a great story with great edits and ALOT of inspiration! great job!!
it does help that it's about Taj.... just sayin
One of the true Icons of BMX. Looked up to you for years !!
4:34 I was there at the Derby backyard jam 2002, been looking for the clip of his whip since then... thanks for this. thanks Taj.
one of the most influential riders ever! glad i lived that era! best looking whips ever! cheers man
Certain ppl in life inspire u in a way u can't explain and taj was my first inspiration and idol, I still love watchin his sections and I don't think t-1 isn't the same without taj. Thanks for the video
Wow. Time flies. Made me smile that he’s still working in the bicycle industry. Dude is without a doubt a pioneer. I remember on one of the old props video magazine vhs tape he did a manual across some flower planters for what seemed like 2 minutes. We were all trying to emulate it.
One of the best to ever do it.
Life is better on a bike, well said sir. You are definitely an inspiration to me.
My favorite rider when I was a kid..he's an absolute legend to our sport. So humble and chill.
Such a great video! I returned to BMX after being away from it for a good 10 years and Taj was always a hero to me.
Taj is the man. This was awesome!!!
This is the best BMX video which has been made for quite a while. Very inspirational
Great piece. Brought back memories from my days on a bike. 20 plus years back. I was mostly a racer but lived for dirt jumping. Taj was a legend. I had a bad crash that left me with an acute subdural hematoma. Damn near killed me at 15 years old. So, I know that empty feeling of having to give it up. I still have my old bike though. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for all the memories and inspiration, Taj.
What a great production featuring such a great rider. Talk about a trip down memory lane! So stoked to see that clip through the rafter at Ray's MTB. Thanks Ride.... Thanks, Taj.
Hands down my all time favorite rider!
I love this. Taj was my all time favorite rider. Growing up watching him influenced me so much. I even got dreads in high school cuz I thought he looked so bad ass. Lol. Always a great inspiration. Thanks Taj for being you. Great memories. Great friends to share them with. - Pete - Ontario
Thank you Taj & Ride BMX ....Legends!
🤘thank you Taj, for all of it🤘
I ordered both of your books tonight Taj..so excited to see your art skills.. They remind me so much of your moms from the previews..especially the rabbit!
THATS CRAZY THE SAME HAPPENED TO ME IN MY EARLY RIDING DAYS .I STOPPED FOR 10 YRS IM 32 NOW...I JUST STARTED RIDING AGAIN ....LEGS DONT FAIL ME NOW....
Im a 32 yea old, grown ass man... And I still hope one day to live out my childhood dreams of meeting Taj, having a coffee together and just going for a pedal!
I started doing grizz airs and X-ups(atleast they were to me at the time) as a young boy, just because of Taj!
Taj in Etnies Forward was peak level BMX feels for me in high school - one of the unsung greatest of all time.
I miss those old BMX days in the 90s
SO AWESOME TAJ IVE LOVE YOUR RIDING SINCE I WAS A KID AND IM 32 NOW MUCH LOVE MUCH RESPECT! AND THE DRAWINGS ARE SICK!
TAJ WAS AND STILL IS AND IDOL THE MANNN!! I was watchin back in the day.. I still have my T1..
Much love Taj thank you for the experiences we had shared,You and Joe changed my life,Terrible One for life! -A.
One of my all time favs! Thank you for always bringing power and originality to BMX!
This really should be a series. I was struggling hard after BMX ended for me, and one night in a bar I asked Freimuth if he felt similar after he stopped. Then I asked others. Slowly, as I talked to other riders about this, I realized I wasn’t as alone as I thought I was. A series about how people find a new identity after BMX would be incredible, and I think it would help quite a few people know that what they’re feeling and going thru after BMX is completely normal. I’m 42 now, and I’ve found a way to live without the intense focus on BMX. It’ll always be there, and I’ll always be proud of my time in it. I felt so lost, alone, and hopeless for 10 years after I put the BMX down. I hope others find their way, too. ❤️🩹
Legend Taj. Great film Chris.
Thanks for doing this, Taj was a huge inspiration to me growing up
1of the best and 1 of my favorite rider !!!
Thumbs up for these one 👍
Before today, I had never heard of Taj nor of Fairdale. I went in to help build some bikes a friends Bike Shop and the first bike that I built today was a Taj Fairdale. What an incredible experience that was, as I kept taking off all of the packing/shipping protection layers and slowly exposing the paint job and logo and chrome. I was really stoked on how the bike looked and so now that I am home for the evening and have a little time, I decided to research about Taj and Fairdale Bikes. Now after watching this video, I am typing this message and even More STOKED Than Earlier !!!👍👍 WOW
One of My favorite riders👍
Absolutely one of my favorite riders. This guy is just great. Taj, wish you all the best. Your one hell of a dude.
Damn I remember back in 2000 going to Austin as a kid with my older friends. All of a sudden I woke up from the drive there and we were at the famous terrible one backyard. I got to see taj, Joe rich, sandy Carson, Ruben alcantara all in front of me just hanging out and taj was grilling some vegan burgers and asked me if I wanted one. Man what a memory I got to experience. Those guys are legends and to have been there that moment was crazy
This is just so rad. Taj was always such a huge inspiration, and it’s cool to see how he’s continuing to be part of the whole bike thing even after a major injury. Nice
Brilliant, real hero of mine growing up!
So good, everything about this was spot on. Taj is an talent and such a humble guy.
What a legend! great video hope to see more of these
A true legend. I still have and ride my original Hoffman TAJ from 94.
Taj, you're an absolute shredder, super cool dude, and an inspiration to me personally for as long as I care to remember! My first American BB, external headset barcode, combined with watching your timeless style through *props* , completely changed my life forever! I'm not worthy to bear your name but.. you can't help good taste. You're an immortal in my books, that's for certain.
I've still got your 10yr+ primopro f&r tyres, my original T-1 frame, some bars and one of the first coalition seats on the wall.
You're the man, and it's fricken *AWESOME* to see back at ride! Even if only briefly.
*PLEASE THOUGH!* #bringbacktheroscoeshoe!
Quite simply, the best ever riding shoe! And I know at least Aaron will agree with that.
Thanks heaps for the feature ridebmx.
And Taj, you rock!
I live in southwest Michigan and I never would have thought about leaving till I started riding I see where he is coming from...also have mad respect for this dude!
Always loved Taj's Art tbh ... saw it on Etnies grounded .. Such a RAD dude
Waouh ! This video was awesome, congrats Ride BMX for honouring bmx culture!
2:27
That brings back memories. I remembered the whole thing.
Thanks Taj!!!
such an amazing video so sad but so beautiful I love riding
One of the greatest right there.
Thanks for this video. its so well made. Taj is a legend, and im Happy to see these clips.
awesome work! Taj is one of the greatest ever !!!