The legendary biker and daredevil Evel Knievel has died at the age of 69. I remember as a kid watching him jump his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and watching him crash as well. I remember his signature Star Spangled leather jump suits, and the impression he made on me.
Yes I will admit, as a young kid, Evel Knievel was one of my hero’s. I remember thinking how crazy it was for him to try jumping the Snake River Canyon and thinking that he was going to die. Although he did not make it across the Snake River Canyon, I was glad that he did not die.
Upon hearing the news of his death I felt a slight sickness in my stomach. For better or worse, Evel Knievel was a unique American Icon. There have been many imitators, riding souped up motocross bikes that were or are set up for jumping. However, no one will come close to the image and notoriety that Evel Knievel created for himself jumping his V-Twin Harley Davidson, and breaking many bones.
This article is not intended as a news report of his death, if you want a news report, you can find all kinds of articles about his death and life on the Internet. Instead this article is my small tribute to the man. Click here to go to the official Evel Knievel website.
Just an FYI some people spell Evel’s name as Evil. He did not want people to spell his name as Evil because he did not want people to think of him as Evil. The actually spelling of his name is Evel Knievel and not Evil Knievel. You can read facts about his life by clicking here now.
Below is a decent tribute video to Evel Knievel. The first few seconds of the video start off with a guy singing his song about Evel Knievel, but then many of his great jumps are shown. Check it out!
Rest in Peace Evel Knievel~~~~~~
By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2007