I cannot speak for the man as a person but only as a personality. I'm sure I'm not the only one who watched Evel huck himself off (or into) various objects in pursuit of some higher glory. I'm sure at least a few of my childhood scars we're brought on by stunts inspired by him. I met Evel once, about ten years ago in Las Vegas. He was doing a signing for some product being released with his signature on it. Anyway, after the hubub I actually got to meet him and chat for a second. I said hello and went to shake his hand... that gesture was met squarely by two bodyguards. I guess Evel was so fragile from all of his exploits that at these events he needed hired guns to make sure no-one slapped him on the back or shook his hand. The man may have been fragile physically but he still had plenty of spark in his eyes.
I have heard various, questionable, things about his personality. All that aside his legacy may be all that is 'extreme' in 'sports' today. Love it or hate it he was the most famous Daredevil of our time.
There are not many people you will meet in your life who will destroy their body in search of something more... you know, given the opportunity, he would have done it all again in a heartbeat.
* What movie/ documentary was that where Evel takes out a bunch of Hells Angels at some stunt show by sliding right into them? I'm thinking we will watch that on our 'moto-movie-monday' as a tribute.
BORN TO LURK, FORCED TO WORK.
www.NYCvinMoto.com
www.VinMoto.org
Edited by - ROSKO on Dec 01 2007 3:52:30 PM