Commuting - Evel_Knievel dead

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tate65
11-30-07, 04:18 PM
I know it's not commuting but this guy realy got me into bikes

(October 17, 1938 - November 30, 2007)
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575514/20071130/id_0.jhtml

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w313/Rig29er/450px-At_Home_With_Evel_Knievel.jpg


Knievel also worked in the Montana copper mines, served in the Army, ran his own hunting guide service, sold insurance and ran Honda motorcycle dealerships. As a motorcycle dealer, he drummed up business by offering $100 off the price of a motorcycle to customers who could beat him at arm wrestling.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obit_knievel

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575514/20071130/id_0.jhtml

MMACH 5
11-30-07, 04:29 PM
He was one of my idols, when I was a tyke.
I would watch him jump and crash... and then I started wondering, "Is he really that good? Isn't the idea not to crash? Did he ever bother learning how to land?"
My friends and I jumped our hand-cranked "Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle" over and into all sorts of stuff. Sometimes he would stay on, other times he ate it.
HardyWeinberg
11-30-07, 04:39 PM
My friends and I jumped our hand-cranked "Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle" over and into all sorts of stuff. Sometimes he would stay on, other times he ate it.



I bet those things are skyrocketing on ebay right now...

maximan1
11-30-07, 05:33 PM
How could he die?
I never met him :(
Mr. Underbridge
11-30-07, 07:36 PM
How could he die?
I never met him :(

Far as I can tell...old age. Believe it or not.

Relatively young for old age, but his health appears to have been failing in the last few years.

Seriously, 30 years ago what would the odds have been that the crazy old coot would have actually made it long enough to die of old age? 1%?

That guy sure lived a heck of a life.
urban_assault
11-30-07, 07:43 PM
I remember when I was little I loved Evel so much. I actually would put on my blue plastic Tonka helmet, hop on my first bike and crash intentionally, imitating what I saw Evel do.
vrkelley
11-30-07, 08:12 PM
RIP Thought he would go out in a blaze of glory...that was a big surprise
dr.raleigh
11-30-07, 08:54 PM
I can't believe he's dead.
Dahon.Steve
11-30-07, 10:50 PM
He was one of my idols, when I was a tyke.
I would watch him jump and crash... and then I started wondering, "Is he really that good? Isn't the idea not to crash? Did he ever bother learning how to land?"
My friends and I jumped our hand-cranked "Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle" over and into all sorts of stuff. Sometimes he would stay on, other times he ate it.

I had the Chopper and played to death.

The thing about Evil was that he did his stunts on Stock Harleys. A huge mistake leading to those horrific accidents.
Gojohnnygo.
12-01-07, 09:11 AM
I remember when I was little I loved Evel so much. I actually would put on my blue plastic Tonka helmet, hop on my first bike and crash intentionally, imitating what I saw Evel do.


Plus one but with out the tonka helmet.

He made more jumps then he missed!

RIP EVIL

Thank you for all the crazy jumps you MADE and didn't make.

Johnny
AlmostTrick
12-01-07, 10:51 AM
My friends and I jumped our hand-cranked "Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle" over and into all sorts of stuff. Sometimes he would stay on, other times he ate it.

Just like the real Evel!
RIP Mr Knievel.
BarracksSi
12-01-07, 11:07 AM
What kid jumping a bike didn't imagine he was Evel Knievel?

Nice video interview on the MTV page, too.
MMACH 5
12-01-07, 12:26 PM
What kid jumping a bike didn't imagine he was Evel Knievel?

We built many a ramp in our alley. I don't remember anyone ever breaking any bones but I'm sure we left quite a bit of flesh on the pavement and one kid had to get stitches in his chin. I wonder if Mr. Knievel ever realized how much he inspired the youth of the '70s.
unkchunk
12-01-07, 05:55 PM
Yeah, he was cool. Until the Snake River jump.
dwainedibbly
12-01-07, 07:17 PM
I jumped my Bianchi San Jose off a driveway culvert this afternoon in his honor.

Agreed that the Snake river jump smacked of cashing in, but whatever. I still idolized the man.
nashcommguy
12-01-07, 10:08 PM
I know it's not commuting but this guy realy got me into bikes

(October 17, 1938 - November 30, 2007)
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575514/20071130/id_0.jhtml

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w313/Rig29er/450px-At_Home_With_Evel_Knievel.jpg




http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obit_knievel

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1575514/20071130/id_0.jhtml

Is the bike he's standing next to an old Ross? Sure looks like one. And it's got a saddle that matches his helmet...how cool it that? RIP Mr. Knievel, we're going to miss you here. Bet you're setting up a ramp system to jump the heavens. One of a kind.