If you’ve ever visited Southern Idaho, you have likely seen the magnificent Snake River. Every year, about 300,000 people flock to the breathtaking Snake River Canyon, a plunging gorge that reaches a depth of over 500 feet. This scenic canyon was home to one of the most famous motorcycle stunts of all time, the Evel Knievel Snake River Jump in Idaho.
Although the Snake River Canyon is almost a quarter-mile wide at some points, this didn’t deter the adventurous Robert “Evel” Knievel from attempting to cross the gorge in a steam-propelled rocket. Keep reading to find out how Evel Knievel’s adventure ended.
The Knievel Challenge
The well-known stuntman Evel Knievel had an ambitious goal: a motorcycle jump across the Snake River Canyon. To comply with legal requirements, Knievel had to lease land on the canyon’s two sides, after which he began building a dirt ramp for a mighty 180-foot launch setup. The structure was supposed to carry the Skycycle X-2, a custom-built steam-powered rocket that Knievel intended to use for his jump.
September 8, 1974: Knievel’s Snake River Jump in Idaho
A series of failed test jumps didn’t deter Evel Knievel. On September 8, 1974, Knievel got into the Skycycle and prepared to make history. The attempt drew thousands of spectators, while TV channels broadcasted it to millions of viewers.
To Knievel’s chagrin, because of an electrical malfunction, his parachute opened while he was about halfway across the Snake River Canyon, stopping the Skycycle’s flight. The rocket began losing height, but, fortunately for Knievel, the wind blew the Skycycle back, leaving Evel Knievel with only minor injuries.
People Didn’t Forget Knievel’s Audacious Attempt
Knievel didn’t try to repeat his stunt. Although he failed, people remembered the Snake River Jump in Idaho for its courage and ingenuity. To commemorate the would-be leap across the canyon, Knievel’s fans have erected a monument, which visitors may view near the Perrine Bridge. The monument bears Knievel’s likeness and points out the original jump site.
Evel Knievel passed away in 2007. His name remains a legend, not only because of the Snake River Jump but also thanks to the many jaw-dropping stunts he accomplished, like successfully clearing 14 Greyhound buses on a Harley-Davidson XR-750. Evel’s son, Robbie Knievel, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a well-known stunt performer who set 20 world records.
Eddie Braun Keeps Evel Knievel’s Legacy Alive
On September 16, 2016, 54-year-old stuntman Eddie Braun showed the world there’s no limit to human tenacity. The well-known motorcycle stuntman recreated Evel Knievel’s Snake River Jump in Twin Falls, Idaho, in a Skycycle rocket virtually identical to the one Knievel had used, bearing the words “Evel Spirit.” Scott Truax, who designed the rocket, was the son of Robert Truax, the constructor of Knievel’s original Skycycle.
Eddie Braun’s rocket reached a speed of about 400 mph when its parachute safely deployed, enabling Braun’s safe landing across the canyon. According to Braun, his success proves that Knievel’s attempt would probably have worked if only his parachute hadn’t deployed prematurely.
Law Tigers: Protecting Bikers’ Legal Rights From Coast to Coast
Few bikers would attempt dangerous stunts like the Snake River Jump in Idaho. However, even the most careful riders may end up in an accident through no fault of their own. If you suffered a motorbike accident, contact us at Law Tigers and get fast, reliable legal help from experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. We have been representing riders and their families for over 30 years and have successfully recovered over $800 million for our clients. Call 1-888-863-7216 24/7 for a free case review. You only pay when we win.
