Posted on 07/27/2004 2:11:19 PM PDT by Doctor Wu
Evel Knievel's Kid To Jump Aircraft Carrier
NEW YORK CITY (Wireless Flash) -- Stunt cyclist Evel Knievel once tried to jump a canyon and now his son is trying to jump an aircraft carrier.
On July 31, "Kaptain" Robbie Knievel plans to jump over six military airplanes on the deck of the aircraft carrier museum U.S.S Intrepid.
In order to complete the 180-foot jump, Knievel says he had to build a 30-foot high ski ramp to help his bike build up enough speed.
He originally planned to jump two aircraft carriers at once but it was logistically impossible.
The stunt will be televised on TNT to promote the July 31 broadcast of "Evel Knievel," TV-movie based on the life of Robbie's father, but he says the real reason he's doing it is "...for the troops."
Please advise all emergency rooms in NYC to stand by for another organ donor.
Har, I'd like to see you try to crawl over the top of one bus.
Too funny!
Robbie has not crashed as much. He does more dangerous stunts because he can . Evel just did it by the seat of his pants. I have to say that Evel had more showman in him and less Rider skill. Robbie has more skill but less Showman. I saw Evel jump in 1975 at the Kings Island Park and it was really scary. Evel knew how to build up the crowd. When he went for the jump the whole crowd screamed as he went over the 14 greyhound buses.
Johnny: "Hillery! Clinton's butt is so big...."
Audience: "How big is it???"
Johnny: "It is so big, that Evel Knievel decided against trying to jump it in his rocket powered motorcycle. That is BIG!"
I went to school with Evel's niece years ago - man what a babe she was! (I often wonder what happened to her.)
He also uses ramps that don't suck. Of course if you've seen how Evel walks lately you'd understand why Robby uses the best equipment and people he can. He's not out there to provide people with a spectacular crash, he's trying to give them spectacular success.
Evel did say this one time.
Interviewer " What do you do for a living?"
Knievel " I jump motorcycles over canyons, bridges, cars, whatever gets in my way."
Interviewer " Why do you do that?"
Knievel " Well, Somebody had to. "
Who approved this use of taxpayer hardware? Who pays for restoration is he blows it?
He is doing it for the troops and President Bush. He also said he wants to draw attention to the ship so more will visit it.
I have seen him jump and he won't miss it.
If you're anywhere Butte Montana this weekend...
http://www.knieveldays.com/
Considering this was probably a decision made by the perfumed princes in the Pentagon, in all likelihood, they didn't consider the 'down side' (excuse the pun).
The big reason Robbie is riskier than his father relates to the improved safety in the ramps and the equipment over the years. When Senior jumped over the fountains at Caesar's Palace, note the small ramp. At the time, ramp designs weren't as CAD-advanced as they are today, and Robbie is paying dividends for having better design technology behind the risk-taking jumps.
Also lighter motorcycles make a difference. His Honda CR500 is a class away from his dad's bikes. The CR500 is a purebred motorcross bike, designed for MXGP competition.
Did Evil die. I could not find anything on him I though he passed away.
Evel is alive and well in Florida, making public appearances.
Good News! I remember him when I was small......
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.