As we advanced at the time, this 50th anniversary epic, which began as a symbolic tribute, quickly became an emotional tribute full of history, anecdotes and clear solidarity spirit. Among those present, the family of Evel Knievelincluding your child Kelly Knievelhis two sisters and several grandchildren, who traveled expressly from the United States to participate in commemorative events.
«It has been a wonderful experience. We feel deeply moved by the love that our father is still in this part of the world. In Wales they treated us with incredible warmth, it was as if they had the red carpetHe declared Kelly.
This was the tribute to Evel Knievel
The main event in Wembley was only one week’s culmination full of activities organized by RIDE CYMRU MCC and the beneficial organization Knievelsthat for more than a decade pays tribute to Evel Knievel touring the British roads disguised by the iconic acrobat. As expected, this year, as it is the 50th anniversary of the Wembley Salto, the program was especially ambitious.
One of the most unique moments was the premiere of “Evel Express”, A trip on the picturesque Railroad of Llangollen (North Wales), where participants, fans and families shared anecdotes and memories in a question session with the descendants of Knievel. After that, the bikers undertook a demanding route of two days and 12 hours a day on the roads of Wales.
The organizer of the event, Jason Lewishe was excited about the answer obtained: “This year we have exceeded 36,000 pounds (about 42,650 euros) for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Children). Since 2012 we have almost 290,000 pounds in donations (about 343,600 euros). What began as a small specific campaign to gather 1,000 pounds has become a movement that already lasts 14 years. And we continue with the same illusion”
“Compare Knievel with modern specialists is not fair”, He explained Lewis. “He jumped with motorcycles designed for the road, without competition suspensions or sophisticated protections. His was pure courage. It was the pioneer, and that is why it is still a legend”
The march in Wembley was also, for many, a way of closing a cycle, of celebrating not only the memory of a person, but the spirit of a time in which the impossible seemed within the reach of anyone with sufficient value to try. “It has been absolutely phenomenal. To be able to share this with the family is very special. They are grateful and, of course, we too“, said Ray Norcottone of the group veterans Knievels.
Of course, although this anniversary could be interpreted as an end point, the legacy of Evel Knievel Continue progressing. In fact, the organizers have already confirmed that in 2026 the tribute caravan will cross the Atlantic to tour the mythical Route 66 in the United States, with a new solidarity campaign aimed at supporting an American charity organization yet to be confirmed.
