Like millions of other kids who grew up during his heyday, I was enamored of the man and his jumps.

It's hard to explain to a overloaded generation that carries instant world-wide wireless entertainment in a pouch on its belt just how excited a kid could get over what often essentially amounted to a single episode of Jackass (Snake River Canyon? Rocket bike? Duuuude?).

But there was so much showmanship (seriously lacking in much of today's goobertainment), pageantry and buildup swirling around an Evel Knievel jump and it was so rare to see something like his act that each attempt became a bona fide "event".

There was also the pure "dare" in his daredevilishness. Some people tuned in to see him crash. Some people tuned in to see his succeed. Everyone watched to see him dare fate and physics without a net. That daring-do is sadly lacking nearly everywhere today (Bumfights Volume 73, anyone?).

Good luck and Godspeed, Evel. Smooth landings as you touch down in the Hereafter.