From Travis To Evel, A Thanks

FROM TRAVIS TO EVEL, A THANKS

ROUNDUP

EVEL KNIEVEL WAS A true pioneer. What he started has evolved into one of the most popular motorsports ever. There are thousands of riders today making a living all over the world jumping motorcycles.

Even though the sport of extreme riding has come a long way since Evel roared toward a ramp on his Harley, the idea remains the same: Entertainment.

Try something that no one believes is possible, with a mindset that the only way to truly fail is to not get up and try it again.

Evel was able to rocket himself and motorcycle jumping into the worldwide spotlight. His “go like hell” attitude was infectious. In my family’s household, and probably for millions of others still to this day, whenever someone does a great jump or gets up after a big crash, the name Evel Knievel shortly follows.

I don’t know if it was his intention or just a byproduct of his mentality, but Evel

inspired millions of people to chase their dreams and never give up. Not many people can break almost every bone in their body and still have the willpower-the guts-to get back up and try it again.

That positive attitude and raw determination can still be seen in the greats of the sport today. Motocross stars like

Doug Henry, who broke his back but continued giving the crowd a thumbs-up while being carried off the track strapped to a backboard, only to return and win the championship two years later, is a great example of that mentality.

For whatever reason, people look toward daredevils for the inspiration that they, too, can succeed against all odds, no matter what their passion may be.

For me, Evel Knievel was a hero, a pioneer and an inspiration. The world will always miss him but he will never be forgotten.

—Travis Pastrana