RocketCycle Jump Attempt Announced For Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Daredevil "Mad Mike" Hughes will attempt a world record at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip's 2013 daredevil extravaganza during the Sturgis motorcycle rally by jumping his outrageous steam-powered rocketcycle as far and high as Evel Knievel once attempted over Snake River Canyon, Idaho. Hughes says his rocket will hit 275 mph and propel him over 1000 feet high for a 1/4 mile without a guidance system, clearing the distance that Evel Knievel's failed Snake River Canyon jump did not. Hughes intends to make a separate Snake River Canyon attempt in 2014. Hughes' 2013 Sturgis Buffalo Chip- hosted jump will take place Tuesday, August 6; passes and more info can be found at www.buffalochip.com.

On September 8, 1974, world- renowned daredevil Evel Knievel tried the impossible by attempting a wild jump over the Snake River Canyon. However, as the Skycycle he was in cleared the edge of the canyon, his parachute deployed prematurely, resulting in Knievel's first of two serious crashes during the Wide World of Sports series. Luckily Knievel and his Skycycle landed on rocks instead of the raging river below.

Almost 40 years later, "Mad Mike" Hughes will follow Knievel's footsteps, attempting the dangerous and potentially deadly jump that failed so many years ago. Mike Hughes, a former limo driver and NASCAR crew chief, has built a steam rocket that measures 15 feet 6 inches long and weighs 900 pounds. The never-before-tested steam powered rocket cycle will provide 4,000 pounds of thrust to launch Hughes off a ramp and hopefully, into the Guinness Book of World records. The attempt will be filmed for national television.

The Mike Hughes' one time only Pre-Canyon jump will be held Tuesday August 6 during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. For more information on this and other events taking place, see www.buffalochip.com. Spectators can purchase tickets in advance or at the gate.