50th Anniversary Knievel Jump Mixdown

BYU-Idaho Radio

This year, Idaho will celebrate an American cultural icon. September will mark the 50th anniversary of legendary motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel's jump over the Snake River Canyon. Knievel was a cultural icon throughout the 1970s, known for his dangerous stunts and death-defying attitude that led him to jump over everything from buses and lions to sharks, all on a motorcycle. Kelly Knievel, Evel’s son, says that his father paid for his legacy in broken bones and blood. Kelly manages the Evel Knievel brand and was with his dad on the day he jumped the Snake River Canyon on a rocket powered motorcycle. Today, Knievel is seen as the godfather of extreme sports such as dirt-biking, off-road racing, BMX biking and more. Knieval's stunts resulted in multiple injuries. He crashed 13 times in 175 jumps. He even held the Guinness world record for the most broken bones: 35 multiple fractures requiring hospital stays and 15 major surgeries. The stunt at Snake River Canyon garnered thousands of live viewers and millions across the world on TV. Despite the adoring fans Knievel also faced criticism during his time in the spotlight. On labor day, September 1st, a parade across the Snake River Canyon bridge will take place to celebrate the icon and his stunt. Kelly says that he loves these events because of the people, especially those who come with stories of his dad. Kelly says that tickets and hotel rooms are going fast, so make sure to get yours before the end of august here: https://evelknievel.com/