R.I.P Evel

[grail21]

What a bumout to start the weekend.

http://www.evelknievel.com/

[sweatmachine]

got a link to some info? I hadn't seen anything about it yet. Sucks!

nevermind:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071130/...RYGOceL02s0NUE

[jcruz]

yup. just heard the news. RIP.







http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...x.html?cnn=yes

[grail21]

It's up on his site, but his site is getting slammed, so it's having a hard time loading.

[sweatmachine]

dude was a ruler for sure. I saw his bio on the history channel a few months ago. I especially liked the part where he took a baseball bat to the author that wrote a tell-all story about him when his kids were young, oh, and he attacked the guy with both of his (Evel's) arms broken from a crash.

[grail21]

[Knuckle$]

ist bud elkins....now evel knievel...jeez. what a fuckin bummer.

[GAMBLER]

"Next year the Ideal Toy Company is going to make a lot of Evel Knievel toys. ... One toy I'd like them to make is my own idea; I think it's the most super toy in the world. You wind it up, it goes like a little bugger, goes across the floor, grabs this little Barbie doll, throws her on the floor, gives her a little lovin', jumps back on the motorcycle and goes whizzing out the door screaming, 'G.I. Joe is a faggot!' "



RIP EK!

[CCRider]

Sports Illustrated has a story on it. Dead today @ 69.
Search CNN

[el_butche]

dammit... he was my child hood hero.

butche

[whiskytango]

Butte Montana lost a son today. He will certainly be missed.

[Destralo Roach]

Yep, my hero as well......Valhalla bound!!....Roach.

[rustbike]

that sucks

[rotorhead]

Damn.....I was just looking at the proof sheet on Ebay the other day of the images that were used on the lunch box. He was always my HERO and will be missed.

[tikipunx]

Rest In Peace Evel! You're a true American Hero!!!!!!

[geasy$]

Definitely an icon who made a huge imprint on our history!


R.I.P. Evel.............................................. ..............OG

[road apple]

Crushed. He had me a hello. I can't tell you how much of my childhood was built around that guy. Larger than life.

2 weeks ago I started having a totally custom Evel outfit made for me. Flared pants, huge belt, cape etc. Now I guess it's a tribute piece.

[jamie desoto]

this is off yahoo news 10 min ago

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Evel Knievel, the hard-living motorcycle daredevil whose jumps over Greyhound buses, live sharks and Idaho's Snake River Canyon made him an international icon in the 1970s, died Friday. He was 69.


Knievel's death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs.
Knievel had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his bone-shattering spills.
Immortalized in the Washington's Smithsonian Institution as "America's Legendary Daredevil," Knievel was best known for a failed 1974 attempt to jump Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered cycle and a spectacular crash at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. He suffered nearly 40 broken bones before he retired in 1980.
Although he dropped off the pop culture radar in the '80s, Knievel always had fans and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. In later years he still made a good living selling his autographs and endorsing products. Thousands came to Butte, Mont., every year as his legend was celebrated during the "Evel Knievel Days" festival.
"They started out watching me bust my ass, and I became part of their lives," Knievel said. "People wanted to associate with a winner, not a loser. They wanted to associate with someone who kept trying to be a winner."
His death came just two days after it was announced that he and rapper Kanye West had settled a federal lawsuit over the use of Knievel's trademarked image in a popular West music video.

[TheTruant]

Wow...bummer

[stoneblue]

Damn last of the real IRON men.....wish i still had all the old action figures/newspaper clippings that i collected.....as a kid i would go out and make a ramp and try to imitate his jumps on my bike after watching him jump/crash.......rest in peace ya madman

[momo1326]

Rest In Peace Evel. Hope He's Doin Some Wheelies Up There.

[JON]

Man, I had the lunchbox when I was in kindergarten and I broke three bicycles as a kid idolizing him. What a bummer!

[InvisibleKid]

That sucks...I probably still have my Evil lunchbox and action figures packed away in an old box somewhere. Maybe they will re-release some new stuff in his memory. I would dig having my son take an E.K. lunchbox to school.

[Halseth]

Rest in peace my childhood hero. Besides my huffy, his lunchbox and the toys were my prized possesions.

Now watch this video and try to comprehend how incredibly small your nut sack really is.

[Oklahoma]

Hell Raiser For Sure, you couldn't life life any fuller. R.I.P. Evel was the Man!

[Grease Rod]

I can't even believe this. When I was growing up, this man was my hero. I wanted to be just like him. My sister rushed in earlier today to tell me the news and I was stunned. This man truly inspired a generation of daredevils. Without Evel I wouldn't have started riding motorcycles or skateboarding which are two of my favorite activities now. It's like a piece of me is missing now. I will remember you forever Evel Knievel.


Rest In Power.

[thecary]

fuck man, this sucks.

i propose a toast to the baddest, craziest s.o.b. to get on two (or no) wheels.

[BikerWanabe]

I just found out. Had I found out earlier, I would have ridden to work in the rain, out of respect.

[Tman]

Rip

[BikerWanabe]

How many here had that Evel Knievel wind up motorcyle, where you cranked the wheel and it launched across the room (or usually about 3 feet before taking a digger)? That's all I can think about right now.

[Fredo]

The man is gone , the legend lives on.
I used to sit in front of the TV mouth agape watching this man.
RIP

[Bugles]

[Ghostrider 61]

An icon. RIP Evel.

[aermacchi man]

R.I.P. Evil this just ruind my day..

[MurderMike]

Fuck me, I was already in a bad mood today now this!

[BadMonkeyMW]

Buck up, little soldiers. It's a bummer, but I don't focus on Evel being gone as much as the things he did in life. We're all dead as fuckin' fried chicken sooner or later, but going out and doing the things he did while he was here are what make life worthwhile.

Go out and do something stupid in Evel's honor!! They don't make them like that guy anymore. Viva Evel!!!

[el_butche]

anyone know where to find the jim rome interview?

"Do you know who the hell I am?"

butche

[sparkydeluxe]

One of the toughest sons of bitches that ever lived, and a strong idol of mine and others. He will be missed

[Dr. Benway]

Shit. All I have to watch is "Viva Knievel".

[me-ohsS&C]

R.I.P. Evel

[bigassbike]

too bad, there was a pretty surly interview with him in last months(maybe this months) maxim magazine. still hangin it all out there till the end.

RIP

[Richie]

My second bicycle was an AMF Evel Knievel model complete with number plate & gas tank...I was a fan ever since.
He was one of the few people who's name I use regularly as a verb.

[WATKINS BOYZ]

damn what a shame of all the dude man i dug him as long as i can remember

RIDE IN PEACE E.K.

[Hardball]

The man was an American Icon. Sorry to see him go. But...for a guy like that, who did what he did, to die at home, at his age, is remarkable in and of itself. He cheated Death for many years, and it made us all smile to watch.

[lackluster]

Originally Posted by JON

Man, I had the lunchbox when I was in kindergarten and I broke three bicycles as a kid idolizing him. What a bummer!

I had the same lunchbox when I was in kindergarten. Now that I'm thirty and a high school shop teacher, I still take that same lunchbox to school some days! lackluster

[jnukes]

I remember the hours I spent ramping my wind up Evel motorcycle down my steps.

[dandruff]

I think everyone should do a shot of Wild Turkey in honor of the worlds greatest stuntman. There will never be anyone like him again. I met him a few years ago, he was very cool. Rest in peace, Robert Craig Knievel.

[gdoug76]

Its Always Sad When An Icon Passes. But I Always Saw Evel As Invincible.

[Billdozer2]

The dude should have died a long time ago but I think he was waiting to hit fine '69 first!

Thanks EK, you inspired me and a million other toughskin-wearing jackass kids to put an old door on a tipped-over trash can and go for it.

Who today is a true legend like this man? Even if only half the stories are true...

[Dragon]

I must be old, all my heros are gone....

Originally Posted by Dr. Benway

Shit. All I have to watch is "Viva Knievel".

This one is worthwhile to add to the home library - a documentary from A&E/History Channel....some good clear historical footage - http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=73374


And, there was a real good thread with pix & folks' memorabilia just last month, re EK's birthday - http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=24222

.

[stepchild]

i know what ya mean Dragon , allotta people ive watched and respected have went away in recent years

RIP EVEL KNIEVEL

[Luke Nosewalker]

RIP Evel you lived an awesome life...

[Gas House Gorilla]

R.I.P. Evel, I read a bio by Ace Collins last year and learned alot about a truely great man. I would love to see that Jim Rome interview as well, anyone got it?

[xicano]

damn another hero / icon gone.

[Doc22]

Logged in and saw the yahoo news about it.

I thought to myself it can't be true.

Still can't really believe it.

[RI t100r]

just saw it on the nightly news. that guy was one of,if not my only childhood heros. jumping shit on my bmx pretending to be him. rest in peace!

[mad750]

Another one of my heros in heaven. Once a hero always a hero.
Rest in peace Evel!!

[Animal Mother]

End of an era.

[sentinelT]

Like his friend Billy Rundel said, "Superman just doesn't die, right?"

RIP

[JDAWG]

As with many who were born in the late 60's, myself included, he was more than just some crazy ass, womanizing, live life to the fullest kind of a guy, he was our HERO !! and still remains an icon of the 70's and 80's. This guy wasn't afraid to do BALLS TO THE WALL CRAZY STUFF , while everyone else talked about death defying stunts, he was grabbing a handful of throttle and gettin' it done. Another of my long time hero's gone to that place we all can only hope for. "EVIL KNIEVEL LIVES IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER !!!

[choppertown]

RIP to a legend

[dalebfast]

RIP E.K.
I grew up wondering how you could do all those crazy motorcycle stunts. Then I grew up and realized that you did it on an Ironhead!!!! Now THAT took balls!!
Sportsters Forever! (as long as we can get parts)

Dale

[Hardball]

I just remembered being 12 years old and breaking my collarbone trying to copy Evel Knievel by jumping my brother's bike off a big steel slide at the local park. Made the jump, broke the handlebars and smacked into a maple tree. Spent the rest of that summer in a shoulder brace.

But I made that jump.

R.I.P. Evel

[flattracklarry]

R.I.P., Ruler.

[GAMBLER]

EK was a real SOB & an American original... at one event a Hell's Angel threw a crowbar at him, stepped out of the crowd and right in the way of Evel's runway. No prob, Evel just low sided the bike right into the dude. Of course more HA's come to the defense of their buddy but the crowd backed the daredevil & really messed those folks up.




some great pictures...
http://www.time.com/time/photogaller...495885,00.html

infamous...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYGGCVE2lKY

[62rambler]

He was an ego trip know it all that didn't give a damn what anyone else thought SOB. Thats why he was one of my hero's. He did it his way and didn't give a shit what anyone else thought of him. RIP Evel RIP

[HD48FL]

A true legend.

[sweatmachine]

Originally Posted by Billdozer2

Who today is a true legend like this man? Even if only half the stories are true...

Bill, between Evel and Bud Elkins I'm reminded of the George Jones song "Who's gonna fill their shoes?"

[flying eyeball]

"Thanks EK, you inspired me and a million other toughskin-wearing jackass kids to put an old door on a tipped-over trash can and go for it. "

+100


If that ain't the truth Bill...How many of us are wearing scares on our bodys from trying to be "EVEL"...

You have been loved and will be missed by many...the ruler is gone..

[Rudehog]

"Evil Knievel" it's funny how he did not like to be refered to as a "Hero" he said that our countries servicemen and women are the true heros and he was right but he was a Living Legend for all of us who were young and impressionable and lucky enough to grow up in the 60's & 70's. The fact that he preached to his young fans to stay in school and away from drugs while wearing a star spangled suit then hopping on the bike and risking his life for our entertainment made him a household name.

Mr.Knievel is as much of an "Icon" as Elvis or Marilyn Monroe IMHO.
Thanks Mr.Knievel for being who you were,my childhood would have been boring had it not been for you. My buddies and I wore out several jump ramps,I broke many bicycles.

Evil Knievel you were and still are the epidemy of "Cool".

All of these so called jump dare devils of today that take credit for breaking his records on light weight high dollar dirt bikes are nothing to me unless they can grow the nads to get on an old ironhead Harley with about 5 in of travel to break any record !

I cant imagine what Evil would have accomplished if he was in his prime this day and age with the equipment avalible.

I raise my glass to toast Evil Knievel "A true American Icon"

We will never forget you!


Sorry for going on and on.

-Eric

[Dragon]

Originally Posted by dalebfast

RIP E.K.
I grew up wondering how you could do all those crazy motorcycle stunts. Then I grew up and realized that you did it on an Ironhead!!!!

But he started out with Triumphs.

There's a Triumph EK jump bike in the local auto museum, I gotta get some pix of it.





.

[Motorcycho]

I got an evel helmet tattoo just a couple of weeks ago!

tomoro I am setting up a ramp and re-enacting my numerous evel knievel jumps from my youth!!!!

VIVA KNIEVEL!!!!!

[sweatmachine]

what a way for a God to go:

http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ipf.htm

[JON]

Originally Posted by Dragon

But he started out with Triumphs.

There's a Triumph EK jump bike in the local auto museum, I gotta get some pix of it.





.

I watched a documentary a while back and they said that his fisrt jump on television was on ABC's Wide World Of Sports and they showed the jump and he was indeed on a Triumph!

[Billdozer2]

Dragon, please get some pics of that bike. Seems like all the decent shots I find are the sportster stuff. I'd love some detailed pics of a Triumph he actually jumped and how much it was modified, etc.

Motorcycho, let's see that new ink. I've got an EK one I've been thinking of lately and I'd sure like to see what you did first.

[todd]

Originally Posted by BikerWanabe

How many here had that Evel Knievel wind up motorcyle, where you cranked the wheel and it launched across the room (or usually about 3 feet before taking a digger)? That's all I can think about right now.

one of my favorite xmas presents to this day.

viva knievel!

[Motorcycho]

I believe he also jumped an Italian bike (Laverda) that was rebadged as a ...... the name slips me right now! I also remember seeing once what looked like a triumph (but it had a sporty "ham can" air cleaner on it!!! I have pics somewhere!!

[Hoofhearted]

His paddle didn't always reach the water but he was brave and fearless. RIP

[Motorcycho]

Here is a great site with lots of kooky Evel stuff!!
http://www.stevemandich.com/evelincarnate/index.htm
and.... I have a CD with almost an hours worth of Evel Knievel songs if anytone is interested!!!
VIVA KNIEVEL!
(I'm gonna go watch it right now!)

[1fastfx]

Grew up in the late 60s nd 70s watching evil on wide world of sports,always showing him as the feature event.The next day every kid on the block was outside jumping something with there bicycles untill we broke,not the bikes.He was larger than life and ment more to any 7 year old than any other celeb of the era.Later in life you herd the stories of antics on the road and run ins in general,never lost that godlike status because he was the first and all other could just claim as followers.learned what he rode,xr750s,the backwards throttle to aid on landings,The man was just way cool.He walked his talk and beat his own drum.He had a good time doing it and threw a bunch of women in while he was at it.Still he spoke of rite and wrong to all the 7yr olds that still watched him and listen to what he still had to say........God speed evil....It was a good run.

[RDub]

Ride on!

[MIKE47]

Originally Posted by sweatmachine

dude was a ruler for sure. I saw his bio on the history channel a few months ago. I especially liked the part where he took a baseball bat to the author that wrote a tell-all story about him when his kids were young, oh, and he attacked the guy with both of his (Evel's) arms broken from a crash.

I saw that. I liked the part where he self-promoted himself to get to jump the fountains @ Ceasar's Palace. Got to love a guy who pulls a con like that and gets away with it.

The Legend lives on.

[Bad Liver]

I just got out my EK stuntcycle and jumped over some shit. I saw his boy Robbie jump the stage at the Buffalo Chip in 2000. Robbie should get an Ironhead to make the old man proud. Viva Knievel.

[Neo Dutch]

Evel rode Trumps, Nortons and XR750's rebadged as "American Eagle", before HD ponied up some bikes.

Evel Trivia: The footage of him crashing into the landing ramp at Ceasars Palace and then tumbling down the runway like a discarded ragdoll, before crashing into the barrier at the end, was shot by "Dynasty" star, Linda Evans.

[lolife]

R.I.P ....................The last real Hero.................... . ..

[skidlid]

Evel has gone to the ramp in the sky, fuck !!!

This was also my childhood hero , without this guy leading the way our generation of 60´s kids would have been fucking pussy´s .

we all learnt from Evel that even if its seems impossible its worth a fucking try.

Winning is not important its having the balls to do it in the first place.

I thank Evel for showing us were our balls were.

RIP Evel Knievel the last of the True Grit Riders.

Ride Long & Safe Bros

Vinny

[knievel]

The big man made the big jump.Tragic.
Beware heaven,mr XR- aviator is coming!

[sewerman]

It Just Plain Sucks!!!

[FLY49]

R.I.P. Evel, an original american bad-ass!

[sugarlou]

When my buddy was little he spotted E.K. in public at a mall or some shit..He gets crazy excited "mom, thats Evil!" He finds a pen and runs up to him for an autograph..can't believe he's meeting his hero. Evil takes the pen from him, breaks it in half..throws it and says.."get the fuck away from me". I laughed my ass off when he told me that story!!!

[Homebrew]

R.I.P. This is like hearing a super hero died.

[lvvato]

Vaya con dios.

[Frosty]

RIP Mr.Knievel.

One of the best things to happen to me was a chance meeting when I lived in AZ in the mid 80's.I didn't know what to expect when I said hello.He was nice and not crabby at all.I'll cherish this this memory of meeting a true legend.
As a kid in my neighborhood I loved to jump from the homemade ramp on my Schwinn Stingray.heck,we would jump w/any bike we could get our hands on.My late mothers bike still hangs in my dad's garage with the crank almost touching the ground from too many jumps.Makes me chuckle everytime I see it.
With another of the ones that helped showed me how cool mc's are and got me interested in motorcycling gone,I'm glad that I've become the person that I am.Jump high and long Mr. Knievel.

[HDFFR]

Evel was the man!! Every little gearheads hero of the 60's and 70's, Other kids wanted to be Micky Mantle or Joe Nameth - I wanted to be Evel Knievel!!! They'll never be another daredevil like him, no matter how far or what they jump over!!! He'll be missed. R.I.P.- GODSPEED EVEL
CHRIS

[tiberius]

Evel was at the Del Mar track a number of years ago. There was also a group of show moto-jumpers performing that day. Those guys were lazily hanging out while the guys on the bandstand did they're usual yada-yada over the microphone. Then they hand the mike to Evel...those moto guys suddenly realized who's voice they were hearing, and stumbled, fell, jumped to get within sight of their hero. Whether they knew it or not, they performed a tribute to Evel that day that maybe only I saw. But the looks on their faces when they realized that they were within feet of the man who inspired their very presence that day at that event...brings a smile. I like to think that they gave their all for that performance that day.
RIP Evel

[Erndog]

RIP,
The man was a true American icon. Larger than life. I cant think of anyone at the moment who can match his karisma, bravery, uniqueness. A patriot, dare- devel, ass kicker, who could "talk the talk" and "walk the walk". Doubt, major injuries and pain never got in the way of his dreams. The list goes on.
I just joined the JJ a couple weeks ago and mentioned him in my intro, I took his presence for granted that day. While writing this I'm thinking about all the little bullshit things I put off and the unrealized ideas I've had. I think I'm going to revisit my to do list today and start getting "Evel on it". That my friends is what inspiration is.

[Rudehog]

Originally Posted by Erndog

"Evel on it". That my friends is what inspiration is.

+100

[Nads]

Badass mutherfucker ruler.
When I was a kid in England we used to wait by the telly whenever Evel was doing a stunt, same for whenever there was a moonlanding or a Muhamad Ali fight, all three are true icons of American greatness.
Evel was a worldwide nuclear bomb blast.
I saw the remains of the Snake River cycle (it is much smaller than you would think) at the old Corbin store in Daytona Beach, it took a person with enormous ballsack to get in that jalopy and attempt a stunt of that magnitude......Evel was the only one.

[Du$ty]

when i saw it on the computer..it was kind of unreal.right on..ride on..rest in peace.

[chopperluke]

RIP Evel Kneivel you will be missed by many.

[Motorcycho]

watched his greatest jumps this morning
then a old biography I had of him in the afternoon
and tonite Im gonna watch "HotRod"

VIVA KNIEVEL!

[olpatina]

rip evel................gbnf

[eb77k]

A little OT, but I had to make mention of one of my heros taking that final ride. I was lucky enough to see one of his performances at the Minnesota Dragway about 1970(?). His stand on the seat wheelies were especially impressive.

My Dad loaded all the neighborhood kids in the wagon and off we went. The actual jump was almost anticlimactic. His speech at the top of the take-off ramp, however, was particularly inspirational. I clearly remember getting very emotional (goosebumps, and teary eyes and all). He made the jump with ease, as I remember, over several Dodges from a local dealership. The mood in the station wagon on the way home was an almost eerie mix of long silences followed by eight crazy kids at once outbursts of "Did you see this or that!".

Needless to say Johnson & Johnson stock probably boomed over the next few weeks as kids far and wide required bandaids and ointment in unprecedented amounts. I know the local bike shop had a huge run on spokes, I personally collapsed a wheel on my 24" J.C. Higgins. From that moment on every hour I spent on my bicycle was only preparation for getting on one with a motor.

I can directly connect my love of flattrack style bikes, and sportsters in particular, to that moment in my life. Although not being very religious myself I can uhesitatingly state......

THANK GOD FOR EVEL KNIEVEL! I hope his last leap into the stars went as smoothly as that jump I witnessed so long ago.

[forty-six & 2]

Egay is hopping w/ 'authentic' signed Evel merch. Kinda makes me sick- profit off the dead...so soon too.

[rukwikenuf]

it's sad when such a iconic figure dies. i was never really a huge fan of Evel, as it was before my time......but everyone knows the stories. my dad used to tell me about seeing EK, and i now feel more jealous than ever


rest easy, good sir. some day we will all share your fate

[kantgetnun]

rest in peace. i whatched an interview once where his manager told him he wast going to make the wembley stadium jump and he said "what do you want me to do give all these people their money back?" and he jumped any way. thats balls puttinyourself out there and not disapointing even when you know your gonna get hurt. he was cocky but he could back it up!

[bonehead]

this was a horrible weekend... in that maxim interview evel said
this is my last interview... i am gonna die
called it out, he died when he wanted, he was not human
i drank wild turkey, and broke windows all weekend, and so did alot of my friends
i am not as old or as wise as most of you... but he was my hero
so fuck ya
dusty

[rotorhead]

Watched the specials last night on Evel's life. Seen them all before but it was my little way of paying homage to him. Checked out ebay today, found 42 lunch boxes but only 1 Stuntcycle. The coolest item I saw was a old ski jumping trophy from 1959 before he became known.

[HH Derrick]

Rip Ek

[Trip]

Sad day, but great joy in seeing a REAL MAN, ON A REAL FUCKIN BIKE, DOING REAL DANGEROUS SHIT !!!! more than once how fuckin hard would that be, not like these pretend trail bike pussies now days (excluding those Krusty Demonds dudes) I will always be in awe of that guy, always !

[Caferacingparts]

For those that wanted to hear the Jim Rome / E.K. interview, it's here with some other Jim Rome sound bites. Click the link and fast forward to the 6:15 mark. Viva Evel!
Bret @ Glass from the Past

http://www.birddogindustries.com/classicsoundbites.mp3

[gavlocked]

Yeah,mine too matey. A few months ago a friend asked me what i wanted to be when i grew up when i was a young 'un, and i said Evel Knievel and he knew exactly what i was talking about,baby! I am 37 now and funnily enough have never grown up.I would like to thank Evel for that. Nice.......Cheers Evel,hope theres lots of things to jump in Heaven/Hell. Gav

[Seek]

Rip

[Motorcycho]

we did a show last weekend and set up a little shrine for the great one!
people lit candles as we played!!!

[whiskytango]

The following is an editorial written about Evel in his hometown during the week of his funeral. Evel was buried in Butte, MT, where he was born and raised. He always considered Butte home, but in his later years had a difficult time visiting due to his respiratory problems and the high elevation of the Mining City. Butte's history in and of itself is as colorful and interesting as Evel Knievel himself and this little editorial does a good job of relating the place to the man and the man to the place. The local papers have been filled with "Evel stories" the past few weeks. I would encourage all of you, near and far, to attend the Annual Evel Knievel Days celebration in Butte in 2008 and ride the "Knievel Loop." I'm sure it will be a great year for it. Peace, and Happy Holidays!

Evel Knievel, 1938 — 2007

By The Standard Staff - 12/09/2007


Whether you love him, hate him or couldn’t care less, there’s no denying that Evel Knievel was Butte through and through.

Standard sportswriter Bill Foley nailed it in his last column when he said, “There is no other town that could have turned out Evel Knievel, and there’s no other legendary figure that more resembles his old stomping grounds.” Only a place where hundreds of men risked their lives on a daily basis to put bread on the table could spawn one whose idea of a career was to risk life and limb time and again by climbing onto a motorcycle and flying through the air.

The constant threat of death was a fact of life in the bustling mining camp of Knievel’s youth, and at quittin’ time, miners would drink, gamble and carouse just as hard as they had worked. After an equally hard sleep, they’d turn around and do it all over again.

Knievel soaked this all in, the good and the bad, and even worked in the mines himself for a few years.

But he would eventually bring his own unique twist to this idea of a risky job, opting to pack all the danger into concentrated bursts, rather than face it daily.

Some might say he learned growing up that life is cheap, since so many died in the mines, but the flip-side lesson was that life is precious and fleeting and demands to be fully lived since there may be no tomorrow.

Knievel personified this existential challenge, and what seemed to endear him most to fans worldwide was that “never say die” Butte spirit which drove him to pick up his broken body, fall after fall, and face the ramp again.

He truly was the godfather of extreme sports — a red, white and blue-clad American original — and his influence lives on today in all of those who strive to push the boundaries of the possible, whether on motorcycle, trick bike, skateboard or snowmobile.

Little did he know what he would set in motion, and you’d better believe he was one of the biggest fans around of the motorcycle performance artists who “wow” the Evel Days crowds every year with their amazing stunts.

But although Knievel launched a whole new sports genre and was a hero to many, he was no saint, nor did he ever pretend to be.

We in Butte are probably more aware than most of the icon’s shadow side, and many can surely recall times when he was anything but noble and inspiring.

He was the whole package in a larger-than-life way — at times the epitome of kindness and generosity, but also at times meaner and coarser than any self-respecting person should be. It seems he left behind a number of unpaid bills as well.

But to hold on to the bad memories and dismiss Knievel as unworthy of remembrance in his own hometown would be doing him — and Butte — a disservice.

Nobody’s perfect, not even those who condemn him, and in his later years, Knievel did strive to make amends and to make himself a better person. When he was in the worst of health, he did the most for Butte, and if you can’t admire him for anything else, at least give him credit for having the stamina to face each long day in these final years, making public appearances on Evel Days when he probably belonged in the hospital, and using his influence behind the scenes to make the festival bigger and better every year.

Knievel was proud to hail from Butte, and Butte should be equally proud to celebrate and honor his memory. This “Richest Hill on Earth” has got its faults, too, but, like Knievel, we’re working on them and improving every year.

So let’s embrace our most famous native son, as we prepare to give him a send-off worthy of America’s daredevil, and let’s feel gratitude toward him for putting Butte, America, on the map in a way no one else could.

Butte and Evel — they broke the mold after us. And, by God, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

[Destralo Roach]

A sad day indeed when Evil passed, but his ledgend will live on...Forever Evil Evil Forever!!!!!....Roach.

[Dragon]

Bumping the thread of this American Legend with a good article, found posted at the Horse today -


http://www.badassoftheweek.com/knievel.html






.

[Infektid]

Team America ...F*ck yea!

[PRANK]

Say It Aint So
Please Make it not be true!! THE REAL DARE DEVIL

[Dragstews]

Thought I would throw this in.

Met E.K. in Vegas...He came into Staz's Bike shop when I was working there. All the people in the shop stop what they were doing and was getting his autograth..I went back in the service area to get a sale flyer that the areocharger people had out...In it had a picture of Evel on a FXR with one of there Chargers on it. I wanted him to sign it..



He did sign it..Still have it today...While I was talking to him I ask him if he still had that bike...He said he did, but took off the Turbo..!!!

Being somewhat of a smart-ass.....I ask him why...Did it scare you...?

He looked at me like he wanted to take a base-ball bat to my head and then cracked a grin.....In my book this guy was one of the greats in motorcycle history....RIP E.K.

[Screws]

I didn't want to dig through the entire thread (read-lazy), but I found this in Church No4; even if it's a repeat it's worth repeatin':

"He was the last relic of the way America used to be, before the lawyers and pussies took over. A holy fool, watched over by angels who drank old style and smoked Lucky Strikes. A crazy, fearless, larger-than-life crackpot, last in a long line of same, heir to Davy Crockett, Wild Bill Hickok, P.T. Barnum, Horatio Nelson Jackson, "Cannonball Baker, and every other kook who refused to listen to reason. The world is a smaller place without him. - Coop"

What more can be said of this Man among Men?

-Screws

[snortonnorton]

wow, that is a great way to explain it.

I never new coop was such an eloquent writer.

what a great point that things must have been different before the pussification of America.

[h2omonkey]

EK has his own roller coaster in saint louis.......

http://www.sixflags.com/stLouis/rides/EvelKnievel.aspx

[GaryC]

holy blast from the past.

He actually died on my birthday (11/30). In a strange twist of fate I was heading off to a bar to celebrate the passing of another shitty year in paradise and found a puppy some asshole left for dead - freezing to death with a cheap bag of dog food by her side in a dumpster. So I scooped up the little rugrat, warmed her up & wound up keeping her, named her Knievel and she's become one of the best pups I've ever had. Sure, she's a bit cranky at times, but it is fitting of her name...and myself.

That's Knievel, all grown up. Best I figure she turned 2 in a couple months ago. It's hard to believe he died 2 years ago..which means I've had the rug rat for going on 2 years now.
http://images33.fotki.com/v1190/phot...SC_4328-vi.jpg

Anyway, he was a helluva dude, that's for sure.

[TheManInBlack]

Since this thread is up, we stopped in Butte on our way from Sturgis to Glacier Natl Park and before leaving town we made a point to go see Evels final resting place.

His grave is very humble not a huge memorial or any goofy signs just a plot next to his parents.

I like the quote at the bottom, "A man can fall many times in his life but he is never a failure if he tries to get up"

[retiredtech]

Remember the "Jump" at the Cow Palace, when the Angels tried to "Screw" with Him?

[Dragstews]

He bought that Tombstone right before he made the jump at Snake River....Just in case he did bite the bullet.

================================================== =======

This is Another time that I recall having to do with Evel...

I was working for a Shop in Clearwater Fl. (Biker's Dream)...

He just had his kidney transplant done in Tampa....The guy who gave E.K. one of his...Came in our shop and picked out two C.M.C. Customs ( later known as Indian M/C or was..) that E.K. picked up the Tad for....

[Dragstews]

Found this ....
Wanted to share it...

[La Dolce]

^ Awesome.

[Greybeard Bob]

I'm kinda new to the board and just found this thread, the OL and I went to his funeral over in Butte. I have some pictures I took that I could post up if anybody is interested.

[hdshovel82]

Originally Posted by Greybeard Bob

I'm kinda new to the board and just found this thread, the OL and I went to his funeral over in Butte. I have some pictures I took that I could post up if anybody is interested.

id like to see them

[Dragstews]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greybeard Bob

The OL and I went to his funeral over in Butte. I have some pictures I took that I could post up if anybody is interested.

id like to see them

================================================

Please do....

.....So would I......

[crider]

Post em up!

[Greybeard Bob]

Here are the pictures from Evel's funeral:

[servi53]

he was hell on wheels, to bad

[Johnny Wolf]

Tnx for posting those pix, Bob. Evel was my childhood hero.

[Dragstews]

Thanks Bob....

[LloydsvilleCustoms]

Evel was my childhood hero as well.

Doing my best to keep his memory alive - in paint.

I owe it all to George Sedlak, who painted Evel's bikes in the iconic 'Evel' style that is burned in my brain.

Part of a friend's collection, the set in the photo without a bike is going on a Sportster.

-Dave

[LloydsvilleCustoms]

Sportster 'Evel' tribute - together.

-Dave

[fuel10922]

Originally Posted by LloydsvilleCustoms

Sportster 'Evel' tribute - together.

-Dave

I dig it!

[Dragstews]

Evel painting using gold leaf, metal flake, candies and urethane clear on aluminum panel

[Metalman123]

Some had Superman we had Evel!!! great bike and great art

[gasketscraper]

[QUOTE=Dragstews;865229]

Evel painting using gold leaf, metal flake, candies and urethane clear on aluminum panel[/QUOTE

Is this your handiwork Jesse? Impressive. You are a man of many talents!

[Dragstews]

http://www.richmolnar.com/Sounds/Bar...%20do%20it.wav

[panhead48mc]

Rippin! Nice work!