Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Today in motorcycle history, July 28, 1967



  






  On only his third jump using a Triumph T120 Bonneville, America's master of self promotion, Evel Knievel crashes attempting to clear sixteen cars and trucks in Graham, Washington.










  Since trading his Norton Atlas for a Triumph, Evel Knievel successfully cleared sixteen cars in Gardena, California. "Piece of cake." So, when he attempted the same jump in Graham, Washington, the same result was expected. Always expect the unexpected.


  Landing the Bonnie's rear wheel on a panel truck that was serving as the last vehicle, Knievel was thrown an estimated 30 feet from his bike. Somehow he would only suffer a concussion and minor bruising. After a month his mind cleared and he returned to Graham on August 18 to finish the show; "give the people what they want."


  I assume the people wanted to see a crash because that's what they got. Again coming up short, Knievel crashed, breaking his left wrist, right knee and two ribs. That damn panel truck.





  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk