The Death of Evel Knievel

Dad once owned the stunt cycle (second from left, lower).

Evel Knievel didn't die jumping the Snake River Canyon or over a fountain outside Caesar's Palace. No, at the age of 69, the death-defying stunt cyclist succumbed to years of suffering from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition.

Evel Knievel was a branding genius, before many of us even knew what "branding" was. His red, white and blue outfits made collecting his action figures even more fun because you could get his action figures in a red, white or blue suit. He also emblazoned his name and logo on all kinds of things: his motorcycle, his motorhome, his rocket cycle, etc.

Dad's friend, Craig, had all kinds of Evel Knievel collectibles. Dad remembers having only one: the stunt cycle. He and Craig would spend hours cranking up the cycle to send it jumping over ramps and obstacles. It was a very simple toy, but one that gave him lots of enjoyment.

So is there an "Evel Knievel" for today's children? Not really. The popularity of the the TV "High School Musical" movies is probably the equivalent. It's definitely well branded.