Evel's Son Got the Right Stuff [Robbie Kneviel Jumps USS Intrepid Flight Deck to Honor Troops]

NY Daily News ^ | 8/1/04

[gopwinsin04]

'Captain' Robbie Kneviel son of famed daredevil Evel Knievel last night jumped over two helcopters and five planes on the deck of the USS Intrepid aircaft carrier turned museum.

Organizers of the stunt, broadcast like on the cable network TNT, were breathless in their depiction of the dangers that the 45 year old faced.

Two paramedics were on hand to rush him to the hospital if he crashed, and a fire boat was at the ready in case he strayed overboard, they informed the audience.

Adding to the drama, the vintage aircraft that Knievel had to soar over was tagged as 'priceless,' and the event was dedicated to the US troops in Iraq.

Knievel's arrival on Marine 6, looking like a white leather clad George Washington crossing the Deleware, helped rev up the crowd.

So did the wheelies he performed on deck--with fireworks lighting up the night sky-- as a prelude to the main event.

The actual jump was perfect, although the landing was less than majestic, with Knievel ditching his bike and sliding into bales of hay.

Afterwords, Knievel, sporting a swollen hand and scraped arm was the picture of indtrepidity.

'I had a big meal earlier,' he said. The doctors say not to eat 24 hours beforehand in case they have to operate on you. But hey, I've got confidence!'

[winodog]

I was fortunate to see him jump in vegas at the convention center but I was in Canada when he jumped ceasers.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

I saw Evel jump IN the Astrodome while they were filming
the first movie.

Is Hollywood so lacking in talent that they remake good
movies with poorer directing and acting?

[Jack Black]

His choice of bike, a Honda CR-500 (or other 2 stroke motocross bike) is SOOOOO much more appropriate than the flat track HD his dad jumped. It's designed for motocross where 50 foot jumps are common. I have picture in my garage of "Seth" doing a 200+ foot jump. He overshoots the ramp and lands on the flats but still makes it.

[numberonepal]

I bet the Snake River jump was fun!

No river, but there was a ditch in the back yard that found my ass in it more than once. Mostly we jumped garbage cans, and this was the days before there were plastic ones. I think eight was my personal best on that banana seat Western Auto Flyer with a 12in sissy bar. I might add that I didn't make it on my first attempt. Got busted trying to jump a car once, but got caught by my Dad and he made us burn the ramp (the ONE day he came home early from work!).