Biltwell, Inc.
Forget the fashion-show, don't worry about internet know-it-alls and the self righteous, just build, ride and enjoy your motorcycle!

Born Free 9 - Oak Canyon Ranch, California
Are you ready for the greatest cycle show this side of the Rockies? The Born-Free Show is about the love of old motorcycles and like minded individuals having a good time together and enjoying these bikes of the past.

March 17, 2014
March 14, 2014
Update - 3/14/2014
Hey everyone. Hope you're all doing well. Just wanted to take a moment to say thank-you for all the support and feedback! The consensus is that you really dig what we have going here with the interviews and the folks that we have as guests on the show.
I'll be putting a video update out in the next couple of days to tell you more about what we have coming up!
Till then...
-mike
January 31, 2014
Chopperprophets-S2E13 - Bill Bryant (Biltwell)
As season two comes to a close I see it ever so fitting that someone who has played such an integral role in bringing people together be the focus of tonight's interview. Bill Bryant is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Biltwell, Chopcult, and El Diablo Run. He's a husband, father, and a Marine. He's served in Iraq and helped to bring the Southern California chopper community closer. Come sit with us as we discuss these aspects of his life in depth and discover what makes Bill tick.
Web: Biltwell,Inc.
IG: @Biltwell
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
January 30, 2014
January 25, 2014
January 23, 2014
Chopperprophets-S2:E12 - Roadblock 1%r
RoadBlock 1%er grew up in Jacksonville, Florida’s Sin City neighborhood. An admitted “adrenaline junkie” in his early years, he raced on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks in Florida and Georgia with many of the great drivers from that era, including Wayne Shugart, the Ezells, Eddie MacDonald, Rance Phillips, Herb Spivey and Tiny Lund.
Fast cars led to fast motorcycles, and RoadBlock joined the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in 1971. In the years to follow, he became president of several Florida chapters, then Regional Boss, living the high-speed 1970s lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
That lifestyle caught up with him and he wound up serving thirty years in federal prison, beginning in Leavenworth U.S. Penitentiary. As one Judge declared, they wanted to make an example of him to discourage others from joining motorcycle clubs. Ironically, even from a prison cell, RB became well known in the U.S. and internationally because of his ability to survive, and his "never give up" attitude.
As for the motorcycle clubs the judge hoped to eliminate, they are stronger today than ever.
In the years following 9/11, RB began to receive correspondence from young military people. Their courage, despite the traumatic physical and mental injuries they sustained, profoundly affected RB. These vets returned home to a world they no longer felt comfortable in, just as many Vietnam vets did in RB's era. RB became an outspoken advocate for disabled vets, and the rights they were due.
In December 2009, RB finally reached his mandatory release date, and was allowed to go home after almost 30 years in prison.
He is now writing a fiction biker series set in the 1970s about the adventures of military vet Joe Wilson. Struggling with PTSD in a time when Vietnam vets were reviled and disrespected, Joe's rise to power in the notorious Regents Motorcycle Club shows one man's attempt to find his place in a changed world. The first book is appropriately titled "The Probate."
Web: Roadblock 1%r
Books: The Probate & New Orleans Revenge
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
January 16, 2014
Chopperprophets-S2E11 - Josh Kurpius
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” ― Henry David Thoreau
Few people now days actually live in the present. Neither do they look you straight in your eyes and listen to the things you have to say, instead of thinking of what they'll say next. I think that's what makes Josh so interesting. He has a natural ability to capture moments of life on film, preserving not just a pictoral account, but something greater. Join us as we peer into Josh's life on this episode of Chopper Prophets.
Web: Josh Kurpius
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
January 10, 2014
Chopperprophets-S2E10 - Andy Carter (Pangea Speed)
"Goodness does not consist in greatness, but greatness in goodness." -Athenaeus
Andy certainly brings a lot of goodness. To have had the experiences that Andy has had at such a young age and not let them go to your head or destroy you takes a certain amount of humility. Listen in as we talk life, family, and machines.
Web: Pangeaspeed
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
January 3, 2014
Chopperprophets-S2E9 - James Roper-Caldbeck (CustomsfromJamesville)
One night my wife called me over to check out a Panhead that she found on Pintrest. That's right, I said Pintrest. That site dedicated to making you feel like a complete underachiever in life because all the crafts and ideas are simple and amazing?! Anyway, I shuffled over and couldn't believe what I was looking at. On the screen was one of the most beautiful Panheads I'd seen in a while. We clicked around to find out who built it and where it was so we could see more pictures of it. Turns out this beautiful machine would lead me to contact one James Roper-Caldbeck, originally from England now residing in Denmark. It also turns out that James has a hell of a story. Grab a drink and snack and listen in as Jame's takes us on his journey...
Web: customsfromjamesville
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
January 1, 2014
December 27, 2013
Welcome to Chopper Prophets YouTube Video
Just finished up this intro/welcome video for the Chopper Prophets YouTube channel. Enjoy!
December 26, 2013
December 19, 2013
Chopperprophets-S2E8 - Mike DeFonzo (Freakoutthesquares.com)
Freakoutthesquares.com was one of the first sites I would visit when I discovered this culture. Through the site, I had access to all these different blogs, builders, and companies without having to hunt down each one. They also carried 100's of items I was interested in from groups who didn't always have their own stores. One of the minds behind this great site, Mike DeFonzo, a skater, rider, and all around motorcycle enthusiast takes us along on his journey.
Web: Freakoutthesquares.com
Storytime with Pops: Fighting Dad
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
December 17, 2013
December 12, 2013
Chopperprophets-S2E7 - Oliver Jones (The Cutrate)
When I first met Oliver, I had no idea the caliber of individual I was shaking hands with. Quiet, almost stoic, but engaged Oliver can seem at first glance like he could care less about what's going on around him. This however couldn't be further from the truth. He's a driven and observant man with conviction; A full or no throttle type guy that's not afraid to get his hands dirty to "get it done". Listen to Oliver talk about jumping in to life head first, you will not be disappointed.
Web: thecutrate.com
Instagram: @thecutrate
Storytime with Pops: A Badge and a Gun
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
December 6, 2013
Chopperprophets-S2E6 - Anya Violet (Babesrideout.com)
My wife and I first met Anya at the grand opening of Iron Cobras Fabrication located in Signal Hill, Ca. Warm, friendly, and thoughtful are the words that come to mind when trying to describe her. She's a rider, enthusiast, and all around great young woman. I believe what she's doing now will alter chopper culture for women riders from here on out. I'm honored to have her as the first female guest on CP. Check out www.babesrideout.com for stories, photos, and more!
Web: Babesrideout.com
Storytime with Pops: Damnit Tommy
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
November 28, 2013
Season 2:Week 5 - Update
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all are able to relax a little with those you care about. -mike
Chopperprophets-S2E5 - Tony Dunn (Classic Cycles Inc.)
I met Tony for the first time through his daughter-in-law at the El Diablo Run Viewing Party in Orange, California directly following BornFree 4. It's funny sometimes how you can get a flash of something that hasn't happend, but have the feeling that it already has. Like meeting someone for the first time and having that feeling that you've met before. Anyway, that's how I felt when I met Tony. I stopped by the shop (Classic Cycles Inc.) to talk with him about being on the show and we ended up talking for over an hour. This isn't Tony's first lap around the track. He's seen some pretty wild things and lived through some things that would drive a sober man to drink, yet he's come through the other side with grace.
Web: Classic Cycles Inc.
IG: CCIMotorcycles
Storytime with Pops: Raised by the Club
Music: Mothership
Edits/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
November 21, 2013
Season 2: Week 4 - Update
I'm just going to change the release of these updates to Thursdays or whenever the hell I can do them... I suck with deadlines, can you tell?
Go check out Season 2: Episode 4 - The Gorgeous George. Available now in iTunes!
Go check out Season 2: Episode 4 - The Gorgeous George. Available now in iTunes!
Chopperprophets-S2E4 - The Gorgeous George
Most people in this world are content to live life the way they're supposed to; College, Career, Marriage, House, Taxes, and Death. Not everyone can step outside the normula and just make things happen. George isn't just anyone and maybe that's why he's had some great success in leaving the world behind and following his dreams. From being a student to becoming the teacher, to rebuilding an old Airstream and living mostly off the grid George is a blessed man, but how did get to here?
IG: @TheGorgeousGeorge
Web: Gorgeous George Art
Story time with Pops: A Boy and His Dog
Music: Mothership
Edit/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
November 14, 2013
Chopperprophets-S2E3 - Max Schaaf
Max Schaaf has seen the ups and downs of this culture and weathered the storms that form where men grapple for glory and recognition. He creates his art with purpose and functionality. Even more importantly, he does what he does with passion and conviction. After speaking with him for over two hours, I feel this quote best sums up Max...
"In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
IG: 4Q69
Site: 4q69
Edit/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
November 8, 2013
Season 2: Week 2 - Update
Well, I missed posting an update for Monday, so this will have to do. Hope you enjoyed Episode 1 with Travis. He's a great guy with a lot going for him.
Check out Episode 2 with Jason Phares. Now available on the Podcast page or direct from iTunes.
Chopperprophets-S2E2 - Jason Phares
This week I sit down with Jason Phares, Owner of Harolds Ironworks. Jason is a husband, father, skater, fabricator, and metal master that is using his skills to create some amazing art. He's a ten year veteran of chopper culture, but more importantly he's passionate about motorcycles. Listen in as he gives us his life in a nutshell.
Web: www.haroldsironworks.com
IG: @haroldsironworks
Edit/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
November 1, 2013
Chopperprophets-S2E1 - Travis McLelland
It was hot, dusty, and packed with people. I've been to Cooks Corner many times before, but never have I seen it like this. Bikes everywhere, people having a good time, and there amid the chaos five choppers stood waiting for the final vote. Who would be the People's Champ? Travis McLelland, a 26 year old Canadian lad with a passion for creating and pushing his fabricating skills "calmly" stands by watching all this unfold like some crazy dream. It doesn't matter really who's bike gets voted to be "The Peoples" champ, he's already won. Won the battle against the goal he'd previously set for himself. Listen in as we talk about life, love, and the pursuit of perfection.
Web: http://hightestspeed.com/
IG: http://instagram.com/hightest_speed
Edit/Mix: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
October 28, 2013
Season 2: Week 1 - Update
Well folks, I've decided that it's faster for me just to throw up a video weekly (or so I will attempt) to give you a "behind the scenes" look at the show. Anyway, enjoy!
September 17, 2013
Season 2 - Drop Date


Before I get into Season 2, I want to tell you all how stoked I am about this show. It's turned out to be better than I ever imagined and that's because of you. This community is awesome. I'm excited to be a part of something this righteous and real.
Now, what you've all been waiting for... Season 2! I have a drop date for you. The second season of Chopper Prophets will drop Friday, November 1st and run for 13 weeks. I've interviewed some great folks so far and have some more great ones to come! As soon as I've finished recording I'll post the list of names here so you can get pumped.
I'm also working on getting some stickers, patches, hats, and shirts made so you can wear your support. As we progress I'll post up some images and ideas to see what you all think.
Keep up with CP on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Thanks again for all your support. Keep spreading the word...
-Mike
Now, what you've all been waiting for... Season 2! I have a drop date for you. The second season of Chopper Prophets will drop Friday, November 1st and run for 13 weeks. I've interviewed some great folks so far and have some more great ones to come! As soon as I've finished recording I'll post the list of names here so you can get pumped.
I'm also working on getting some stickers, patches, hats, and shirts made so you can wear your support. As we progress I'll post up some images and ideas to see what you all think.
Keep up with CP on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Thanks again for all your support. Keep spreading the word...
-Mike
July 9, 2013
Season 2 - What's Next?
Howdy friends! Now that the dust has settled from BornFree 5 and all the associated fun it's time to get back to work.
I'm working on season two of the podcast currently and hope to have a date for you soon. I think you'll really enjoy the guests and their stories that I have lined up for this next season.
Thanks for your support and comments!
June 25, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E13 - Grant Peterson (FMA/BornFree)


I thought it fitting that this, our last episode of season one should focus on the thing that really kicked off this whole idea, Born Free! I was fortunate enough to catch up with one of the minds behind the greatest motorcycle show on the west coast, Grant Peterson. Listen in as Grant walks us through the early days of the show and talks about the ups and downs of throwing a huge show like Born Free. I hope you can all make it out. See you there!
June 20, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E12 - Nate Scott (Lazarus Cycleworks)


Nate Scott is one of the main reasons I decided I wanted to be a part of this culture. When I first met him and his brother, Evan Scott, they were celebrating the opening of their shop in Signal Hill, Ca., Iron Cobras Fabrication. They were extremely welcoming to this almost 40 year old who loves two wheels, but didn't really know anything about chopper culture. Again I saw them at Born Free 4 and they welcomed me and my wife with open arms as if we were long time friends. Nate has since moved on from Iron Cobras, back to the bay area where he has come full circle and face to face with his first love... motorcycles. Listen in as we journey with Nate from his humble beginings in Maryland, to his most recent build of the bike he'll be riding to Born Free 5.
June 14, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E11 - Kenny Holman (Lone Rangers MC)
When I first started checking out blogs related to motorcycles believe it or not, The Lone Rangers MC blogspot was one of the first ones I found. There was something about these guys that caught my attention. They worked on their own bikes, supported other folks in the community, and seemed like they were all around good guys (and gals). Call me clarvoyant, because that's exactly how they are. I purchased a belt buckle for my pops from Kenny early on and he hand delivered to me, not just the buckle but a ton of other stuff! He's the real deal and good man. I think once you hear his story you'll agree.
Host/Producer: Mike Tubbs
Executive Producer: Heather Tubbs
All Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.
All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com
June 6, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E10 - Jason Welsher (ToDieFor Clothing)


Meeting Jason might have seemed like a one in a million chance or a fluke to some, except that I don't believe in "chance" meetings. Jason was pressing free Loser Machine shirts at the Loser Machine | Born Free 5 party back in March. I remember walking up and thinking, "Man, this is a hard working guy right here." I thought that he was a shirt presser lackey for Loser Machine or maybe just someone hired for the party, but I couldn't have been further from the truth. Not only is Jason the furthest thing from a "lackey", but he's the owner of a very successful clothing company called, ToDieFor Clothing. Listen in as Jason gives us a view of life through his eyes.
May 31, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E9 - Billy Childress


I first met Billy through Death Science and Instagram. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him while he was out on a business trip and we ended up talking for hours before finally hitting record. Billy is one of the most loyal, humble, and unassuming individuals I've met in a very long time. On this episode, Billy shares his passion for Photography, Choppers, and more.
May 24, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E8 - Evan Scott (Iron Cobras Fabrication)


I had the pleasure of meeting Evan through the interwebs about two years ago. The first time I met him in person was at the opening of the Cobra den in 2012. Evan has grown a love for all things metal into a small empire and has surrounded himself with a family of people who love and respect him. Listen in and find out more about Iron Cobras Fabrication and the man behind brand.
Follow Iron Cobras on Instagram @ironcobrasfabrication or visit online at www.ironcobras.com
May 17, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E7 - Jason Webber (At The Risers)


This week on Chopper Prophets I have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Jason Webber; Husband, father, skater, biker, mechanic, electrician, and the list goes on. A truly humble individual that is as blue collar as they come. Check out Jason's blog attherisers.blogspot.com and give him a follow on Instagram @jason_atr
May 9, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E6 - Daniel Thomas (Death Science/Malvista Productions)


This week I present to you one of the great film makers of our time! Daniel Thomas is also a member Death Science and an avid motorcycle enthusiast. You can check out his work by visiting his Vimeo page. I think you'll see what I mean by one of the greats of our time! Follow Daniel on Instagram @drifting_dyna
May 3, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E5 - Caleb Owens (Cro Customs)


I contacted Caleb about being on the cast and from the get go he was stoked on the idea. I could sit and talk motorcycles with him for hours. Check out www.crocustoms.com for more information about Cro Customs and Caleb.
April 26, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E4 - Larry Pierce (Garage Co. Customs)


This week I'm joined via FaceTime by the very talented and extremely humble Larry Pierce from Garage Company Customs. Larry is an invited builder for Born Free 5 and is building a killer chopped out 47' Knucklehead.
April 18, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E3 - Bryan Giles (Red Fang)


This week I have the honor of speaking with Bryan Giles of Red Fang. For more information about the band visit www.redfang.net
April 11, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E2 - Josh Stroder (Scoundrel)


This week I am joined by Josh Stroder, the creative juice behind Scoundrel a Southern California based apparel company. Find out more at www.scoudrelmc.com. For more information on Luka Balenovic, visit lukabalenovic.com.
April 4, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E1 - Matt Briel (Death Science)


For our first interview I am joined by Matt Briel of Death Science. Check out Death Science at www.deathscience.com.
March 31, 2013
Chopperprophets-S1E0 - Pre Release


A pre-release teaser for all your hard work! Keep spreading the word! We launch on April 5th!
February 2, 2013
Welcome to the Voice of Chopper Culture


We are set to launch on April 5th, 2013. Once we launch you'll find:
- Weekly Interviews (Podcast)
- Links to Blogs, Videos, and other great content
- Special Features
Come back April 5th and give us a listen. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Ride far...
-CP