Evel Knievel – Snake River Canyon – September 6th 1974 – Original Press Photograph

Publisher: P.A. Reuter
Price: £75.00
Date: September 6th 1974
Photograph Size: 15.2cm x 20.4cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Evel Knievel prepares for his forthcoming jump over Snake Canyon in Idaho using his rocket powered Sky Cycle X-2. In very good condition indeed.

Evel Kneivel: Snake River Canyon: 1974: A Short Account

Evel Knievel’s attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho on September 8, 1974, was one of the most ambitious and infamous stunts in the history of daredevil performances. Known for his death-defying motorcycle jumps over cars, buses, and fountains, Knievel sought to push his limits to new extremes by tackling the 1,600-foot-wide canyon, a feat that drew massive media attention and became a symbol of his audacious career.

The Set-Up and Preparation

The jump was an extraordinary engineering challenge, as no conventional motorcycle could hope to clear such a vast gap. To accomplish this, Knievel and his team developed a custom-built “rocket cycle” called the Skycycle X-2, essentially a rocket-powered vehicle designed specifically for the jump. Built by aeronautical engineer Robert Truax, the Skycycle was powered by steam rather than fuel, using a high-pressure system to propel Knievel at speeds up to 350 mph.

The jump was meticulously planned and heavily promoted, attracting a crowd of thousands at the canyon’s edge as well as millions of viewers watching live on closed-circuit television. Knievel, clad in his iconic red, white, and blue jumpsuit, exuded his trademark confidence in interviews leading up to the event, though he was reportedly anxious, as he understood the significant risk involved.

The Jump

Knievel entered the Skycycle cockpit and was strapped in, with a parachute system in place in case of failure. As the countdown concluded, the steam rocket was fired, and the Skycycle launched off the 10-story ramp, hurtling toward the canyon’s opposite side. However, shortly after takeoff, the parachute deployed prematurely, likely due to a malfunction in the guidance system.

This premature deployment caused the Skycycle to lose momentum and veer off course. Instead of reaching the far side of the canyon, the Skycycle arced and drifted back toward the near side, descending slowly into the canyon with the parachute dragging behind. Knievel’s vehicle landed on the riverbank close to the water below, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal crash into the river.

Aftermath and Legacy

Despite the malfunction, Knievel survived the attempt without significant injury. Though he did not successfully complete the jump as intended, he emerged as a hero in the eyes of many fans, cementing his status as a fearless icon of American daredevilry. His failure was seen as a testament to his courage, as he attempted a feat few would even consider.

The Snake River Canyon jump became an integral part of Evel Knievel’s legacy, symbolising both his resilience and his relentless pursuit of extreme challenges. Although he continued to perform stunts after the canyon attempt, the jump represented the pinnacle of his career in terms of sheer spectacle and ambition.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 6001: 6001F 002504

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