Mass R.I.P. Evel Knievel :( dead at 69

Evel Knievel the American hero during my childhood has passed away

Evel Knievel dead at 69

I just heard about this on the way home.

A truly great American Icon.

I too had the toys as a kid in the 70's

I had the motorcycle, car, and matchbox car of the rocket cycle.

He was an American original and if you ever get to read his life story or see a documentary (which I am sure one will be on soon) I recommend it.

People who weren't alive during Knievel's popularity may not understand how big he was during the 70's.

He was a hero to the youth , we always tried jumping our bicycles trying to emmulate him.

He is the original "extreme" motorcyclist.

God Speed Evel Knievel.

 

Before SW, Evel was 'IT" for me. I had all the toys and even tried to customize my bike to look like his. I can still remember watching his jumps on ABC's Wide World of Sports with my dad. I had always hoped that at some point, at an auto show or something that I'd get to meet him.

Hearing this afternoon that he had died, I actually got bummed out. Kind of like saying 'bye' to a part of my childhood.

God's speed Evel.