Evel Knievel R.I.P.

[Lynne]

Evel Knievel died November 30th. Aged 69.
Described as a 'man of steel and scars'.
Happened across an old documentary of some of his stunts yesterday and he certainly pushed the boundaries -breaking every bone in his body along the way.
Does anyone remember seeing the 'Wall of Death' motor cycle riders?
I think I saw them at Belle View in the 40's but also am I right it was part of the Fair that came yearly to Preston market place?
All I can remember is how close the riders came to the rim of the drum as they drove round and round at speed.
I guess it would be tame now but seemed highly dangerous at the time.

[Smithy]

Lynne, I remember the Wall of Death at Bellevue. I had 3 older brothers, all motorcycle crazy,they occasionally took me to watch the speedway at Bellevue (remember Peter Craven, speedway rider?). Wall of Death was exciting to watch, especially when 2 riders performed at the same time. It was probably early 1950's when I went. Never went to the fair at Preston, so cant help you there. Help me out with this question, as I simply cant remember: as the Wall of Death was like a huge tube stood on its end which the riders entered through a doorway at the bottom, how did the spectators view them from the top - it would have needed lots of steps and a solid wide platform as it was always popular.

[noel]

[Smithy]

Fantastic Noel..is this one of your own photos? Where and when was this taken?

[noel]

I wish, Pat. No I found a website, there are a lot more photos and articles here, http://www.thewallofdeath.com/home.html

[Lynne]

That's a great website,thanks Noel.
I think you had to climb up steps to a vewing strip surrounding the top of the drum and as you say the riders entered at the bottom.
With a bit of thought I could remember some names.
Have convinced myself that it must have also been a feature at the fair on Preston market as I only went to Bellvue a few times.
Health and Safety would have put a stop on it today as the motor cyclists did get very close to the spectators as they zoomed round.
I am not sure that the platform was all that solid, Smithy.we took more chances in those days.
The fair seemed a grand one at the time especially the Dodgems.
As far as Bellevue was concerned it must have been early days as all I can remember is what looked like the huge snake pit with all the writhing snakes.
Were they not disposed off during the war -not sure what year it was I went.
I read this morning that Knievel had his tombstone ready prepared when he tried to ride across Snake River Canyon and was badly hurt in the process.
Daft or what!
Cheers
[]

[Lynne]

Ronnie Moore born 1933 was the son of Les Moore a great exponent of the Wall of Death -apparently Ronnie was riding at the age of 12 and is still alive in NZ -I think.
They did ride at Wembley but whether they rode at Bellvue or even Preston am not sure.

[Smithy]

Once again Noel, you are a font of information on this Forum! Just looked at the web-site, fantastic. Do you remember the Wall of Death being at Preston Fair?

Looking at all the pictures Lynne, apart from the danger of riders getting close to spectators, they didn't wear safety helmets or protective clothing. Still very exciting to watch though, plus the roar of the bikes! Don't remember the pit of snakes at Bellevue either. Think I'll do a Google search for Bellevue, before Noel gets there first! (With respect Noel, only kidding!)

[Lynne]

I knew I didn't imagine the snakes