”EUROPEAN “ AMERICAN RIDER STYLE

“EUROPEAN” AMERICAN RIDER STYLE

 When you learn to ride a wheelie, you realize it’s like ONE LONG CONTINUOUS CROSS UP! This is why rider STYLE is visually communicated so strongly through wheelies, and likely the reason wheelie riding is such a rewarding challenge. Tilson and his brothers as part of the La Mirada “Motorcycle Hill” crew, played an important roll in shaping California dirtblke history. They were pioneers with not only dirtblke wheelie riding, design, and aftermarket parts fabrication, but also the first series of California Moto Cross (CMC). Early on, they recognized the outward essence of passion in motion—the unique STYLE of each rider, noticed most in those weightless moments in the air, off a jump, or on a wheelie. Today we call it a “Cross Up,” or in the extreme, a “Tail Whip,” etc., but at the beginning, Tilson and his Motorcycle Hill buddies called any trace of this style: “The European,” or just “European.” Their dirtblke roll models were European. Then it became, “Hey, do a ‘Roger DeCoster’,” or “Do a Joel Robert” (pronounced Roebear). The remarkable STYLE of these two early-days European riders reached across the globe with an impact shaping Tilson’s wheelies and California dirtbike rider STYLE in general. Mark Nohr, Karl Lucas, and Tilson Shumate agree there were no outstanding American riders to look up to at the time. They say that American riders today don’t seem to understand how much of an impact European rider style had on American rider style in general. Its no wonder the 1983 Euro–Italian made WRX 250 CAGIVA dirtblke was the perfect host bike for Tilson to transform into his record setting CAGIVA wheelie machine!
 
Below is a magazine photo of Tilson test riding a Carabella for the manufacturer. The photo became well known at the newness of this type of CROSS UP STYLE in America at the time.

MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS

 
 
 

The Supernatural

 

 If you take interest in the supernatural, you should take a few minutes to read this. So many ‘random’ things came together we felt obligated to start following it.

 

 Miraculous Connections Beyond Coincidence

 

 In this fallen world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, there are moments that shine through like beacons of hope, revealing an intricate tapestry of details proving the continual involvement of a loving and redeeming God in our lives. Such is the case here, signs of hope, signs of revival… In 2024, just two days before Tilson & Melodi’s 50th Wedding Anniversary, Branden stumbled upon what his dad Tilson wrote about Evel Knievel nine months earlier—Evel Knievel getting baptized in 2007 (if you’re just landing on this page & don’t know, Evel Knievel being the world’s pioneer motorcycle daredevil, Tilson Shumate the World Wheelie Champion). Evel Knievel and Tilson Shumate met in 1984 when Knievel heard of Tilson Shumate, found his number in an old school phone book, then called him up. Tilson’s son Branden Shumate answered the phone. [Link to Fun Facts] While reading (2024), Branden realized that both Evel Knievel’s baptism and Tilson & Melodi’s Anniversary are on the same day, April 20th. The Dare Devil / Wheelie Champion connection got Branden’s attention to read what Tilson wrote a little closer—that Tilson believes the unexpected and shocking return of his original CAGIVA wheelie dirtblke in 2022 (almost forty years after modifying it & breaking records on it) is a sign of miraculous new beginnings POINTING TO REVIVAL, that God seems to be “putting a light on a renewed ‘Jesus Movement’ (1969 – 1971), and somehow using motorcycles to do it.” Tilson also wrote that his wheelies were originally inspired by Evel Knievel.

 

About an hour after reading what Tilson had wrote, Branden came across a 2015 motorcycle article by Kirby Garlitos which seems to have foretold not only the miraculous return of Tilson’s 1980’s CAGIVA wheelie bike in 2022, but also strangely parallels the timing of major challenges to the CAGIVA brand, with the timing of major challenges Branden and his immediate family continue to face. But Kirby has never met anyone from the Heaven’s Wheelie team, and the miraculous return/discovery of Tilson’s CAGIVA wheelie blke didn’t even occur until SEVEN YEARS AFTER Kirby’s article! Kirby even titled his article: “IS MV AUGUSTA BRINGING BACK CAGIVA?” Kirby wrote that, “Giorgio Girreli has addressed rumors that his company was interested in bringing back another ITALIAN MOTORCYCLE BRAND, namely, CAGIVA.”

Struck with wonder, Branden saw that Kirby went on to write “IT MAY POINT TO THE DIRECTION OF A REVIVAL HAPPENING AT SOME POINT,” and that Kirby’s “Dreaming of the return of CAGIVA.” That’s Kirby writing seven years before Tilson’s CAGIVA wheelie bike ACTUALLY DID reemerge! The indication of a coming spiritual revival (even revolution) is seen in the parallel between the onset of CAGIVA brand revival, the emergence of Tilson’s CAGIVA wheelie bike, Kirby’s unknowingly prophetic article, the Dare Devil / Wheelie Champ Anniversary / Baptism / Jesus Movement connection, and a scary amount of confirming details that continue to happen around that. Then Kirby makes an unknowing parallel with how Branden and his immediate family’s situation took a turn for the worst in 2012—the treachery still ongoing in 2024—yet all this seemingly a divine oracle against it. Kirby wrote, “Why it matters — Back when it was still around, CAGIVA enjoyed a fruitful 60 or so years before things took a turn for the worst in 2012.” What the heck!? Kirby said, “Recent proclamations involving a return of the CAGIVA brand has made me hopeful that such a day would arrive.” Nine years ago Kirby wrote, “It won’t happen soon, that much I understand, but HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL from where I come from.” Motorcycles and the supernatural? Kirby also said, “a lot of things would have to happen for that to be a reality.” Yeah, you mean the shocking return of Tilson’s 1980’s record setting CAGIVA wheelie bike back in his life 7 years AFTER you wrote this? Kirby wrote that it, “comes with the risk of trying to revive an old motorcycle brand (CAGIVA) when the company (MV Augusta) that’s thinking of doing it has its own set of problems and issues to deal with.” Sounds a lot like the struggle to ride out that ongoing treachery (that began in 2012) and onto victory against all odds, while setting some new wheelie records!
 
GOOD FRIDAY CATERPILLAR CHEWS UP DOUBTS OF FLYING!
monarch butterfly migration
 
 Caterpillar tractors that is, ground breaking machines, and reference it appears to the divine transformation a caterpillar undergoes to fly. Take what you just read and add this — a series of seemly random encounters with the iconic tractor company that UNBELIEVABLY connect to Cagiva, Tilson, and the Heaven’s Wheelie team, while again affirming the coming of a profound spiritual revival!!!!
 
On two separate occasion about a week apart, while searching for photos for the miracles page [add LINK], Branden realized something hard to believe. Each moment of wonder took him back to a ‘random’ mention of the Caterpillar tractor company on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. An aspiring filmmaker presented the idea of a dirtbike documentary to Branden and mentioned ways that films sometimes end up gaining support. HE GAVE AN EXAMPLE WHERE A GUY HAPPENED TO BE WEARING A CATERPILLAR TRACTOR HAT (clearly displaying the “CAT” logo) IN ONE OF HIS INTERVIEWS, and that type of advert can lead to a company suddenly taking interest in a project depending on the content. So, about a week later, Branden was looking through printed photos to find the picture of Tilson standing on stage in front of his 1980’s Cagiva wheelie dirtblke that miraculously resurfaced in December 2022. The photo was taken at the CAGIVA wheelie blke reveal held about a week after New Year’s Day, 2023. Finding and studying the photo, Branden froze with surprise realizing that IT WAS A CATERPILLAR TRACTOR HAT TILSON WAS WEARING WHILE STANDING ON STAGE WITH THE EMERGED CAGIVA wheelie bike (the hat clearly displaying the “CAT LOGO”).
The connection of this to what Branden heard on GOOD FRIDAY reminded him of a dream he wrote down about two months earlier: “I was standing besides a group of white tractors and excavators that quickly zoomed off together to do something really good as soon as I took one step back. The tractors were full of life looking at me almost shaking for the signal to zoom off to do exactly what they wanted and needed to do. I took that step back and the tractors zoomed off!”
A week later yet another string of remarkable events. Basically the Heaven’s Wheelie team was divinely delayed in using the next photo they needed — and that delay held a spot for the right photo that ended up coming at the “perfect time.” The Perfect Time: Here’s how that went. A picture of both Tilson and Melodi was needed for the miracles page. A good one was found that could work, but nobody liked the hat Tilson was wearing 🙂 because it was smashed down on the top (this wasn’t the CAT hat). Then when they went to use it anyways (because they couldn’t find a better recent photo), they couldn’t find the digital file of the print. So Tilson and Melodi were asked one last time if they could find any recent photos of themselves. The morning before their April 20th Anniversary, there it was, Branden opened to a photo of Tilson UNKNOWINGLY wearing the same CAT hat he wore over a year ago at the CAGIVA wheelie bike reveal event.
When told, Tilson said he hardly wears it, apparently only on very special occasions! The photo is of Tilson & Melodi sitting in a crafts & coffee shop on their 50th anniversary get-away. A divine spot was held by the wrong hat for the right hat! As soon as he wrote, “…a new picture of Tilson and Melodi came in,” a female officer walked up to the door next to Branden and then only said, “Perfect Timing,” then walked off! A couple days later, Tilson told Branden that out of nowhere a woman during their Anniversary getaway shouted out “La Mirada!” which is where Tilson built his CAGIVA in 1983! Tilson was surprised saying he can’t ever remember a time where that’s happened. Not only that, they were up in a quaint village, hardly anyone around! Raising the “whoa” factor even further, Tilson & Branden find out the “Perfect Timing” and “La Mirada” occurrences were ‘randomly’ heard on the same day, and both at lunch time!
 
After all this, Branden begins to pray on his knees thanking God asking Him what to do about all this. A knock at the door interrupts the prayer, it’s a one page delivery, a print of the picture of Tilson UNKNOWINGLY wearing his CAT hat sitting with Melodi on their 50th getaway! Branden had ordered the print, but they can take months to arrive if ever, not this one! Do we really need more? Same day Branden looks out the window and sees the 2004 movie “Taxi” is on TV, toward the end. The scene shows the Winston Cup oval track races. The stadium is packed, tons of RVs, and there it is, a huge CAT Logo! Now does this take the cake? Remember Kirby’s prophetic article from 2015? (linked above) Well that same night Branden read it, there was another miraculous and seemingly prophetic article, this one from Australia Motorcycle News 2022, its title: The CAGIVA Elephant In The Room (reporting on efforts to “resurrect” the CAGIVA brand)! The kicker? It’s the metaphor written into the section, “The Secret Weapon.” “The Secret Weapon” reference is about modifying a Ducati / Cagiva Dirtblke engine for more torque (Cagiva used to own Ducati). If you can even believe it, “The Secret Weapon” metaphor spelled out is ”LIKE A CATERPILLAR TRACTOR.”
Not only that, this metaphor, “LIKE A CATERPILLAR TRACTOR” was ALREADY WRITTEN IN QUOTES! If you don’t believe it, you can read the article yourself by clicking HERE.
 
IT’S A “SIGN”
A loud and clear SIGN that is. This is getting wild! On the evening of May 7, 2024, Branden talked to Mark Nohr for the first time in twelve years. Mark has been a close friend of Tilson’s since around the 7th Grade. They raced dirtblkes and wheelied together for a long time. After reminiscing a bit, Branden told Mark about the miraculous connections occurring left and right, that he just won’t believe it. He told Mark it wouldn’t do justice trying to explain it much, but he’d get him the story once he figured out how to write it out. While Branden was sharing this, Mark interrupted saying, “YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS.” Mark was shocked to explain that on May 4, 2024, HIS NEIGHBOR SUE DROPPED BY RANDOMLY AND GAVE HIM A CATERPILLAR SIGN!!!!!!!!!! Sue’s ex-husband had died and so Sue thought to bring Mark some things Mark would like. Mark sounded happy as could be, but for just a second he sounded distant as if met with an awareness this is something from Heaven, something much bigger than us, in God’s hands. Natasha of the Heaven’s Wheelie team snapped this next picture at an Irwindale car show on May 10, 2024.
“I’ve never seen a guy decked out in CAT gear like this, matching yellow shoes and all!!! What’s going on Here!” (laughing)…
 
Soon after the Caterpillar “Sign” showed up to Mark’s house, a guy read the story above. When he went to breakfast the next morning his friend showed up with a CAT hat on! Of course the guy with the hat didn’t understand the reaction it got, at first!
Worth noting, much of this was going on during a super rare solar flare event that pushed Northern Lights into the United States as far down as Texas and other more southern states (see Romans 1:20). Nevertheless, we look forward to what else the King of kings may have in store. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of supporting our efforts to inspire communities through wheelies, we need new equipment, which is not cheap. And then once we get the equipment, it has to undergo significant modification. Click here to support.

 

 

 

1980’S STYLE HEAVEN’S WHEELIE ART CONTEST

    “World Inspiration” Artist: Uriel Nunez

🎨 Calling all artists and designers with a love for the 1980s vibe! 🎨 Rev up your creativity engines for the Heaven’s Wheelie Art and Logo Creation Contest! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding talent, this is your chance to shine using anyone of the  phrases : “Heaven’s wheelie”, “Good news,” “CAGIVA MIRACLE,” “Jesus loves you,” and/or  “World Inspiration”. Capture the spirit of the ’80s in your artwork or logo submission, and let your imagination take flight. From vibrant colors to bold graphics, let your creation draw from the essence of a decade filled with neon lights and endless possibilities. Think to include visuals of: the revival of 80’s style inspiration and support of communities through wheelies, world records, and powerful messages of lasting hope. Here are some additional keywords and phrases to draw from: Maui & Sons, The Dirtbike Kid, The Endless Summer, The Movie Rad, Gotcha, Back to the Future, Sex Wax, Powell-Peralta, the stand-up arcade game, “720”. Submit your masterpiece by: [Art Submission Due Date TBD], and you could be the proud winner of an autographed photo commemorating the legendary 1983 record-setting event of Tilson Shumate breaking the 100-MILE non-stop wheelie barrier in an (8×10). 

—Please be aware that  your artwork submissions are considered a donation and will be used to support The Heaven’s Wheelie Team Projects including display on our website. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly special. Join the Heaven’s Wheelie Art and Logo Creation Contest today and let your creativity soar!

Submit your 80’s style Logos and artwork HERE to Heaven’s Wheelie team member Cole. 

 

 

 

 
 

© Heaven’s Wheelie

HEAVEN’S WHEELIE TEAM

In a twist of fate that could only be described as divine, the Heavens Wheelie Team and current project emerged from the dust of history. It all began when Tilson’s legendary CAGIVA wheelie bike, which catapulted him into the record books by conquering the 100-MILE wheelie barrier back in ’83, reappeared in his life four decades later, as if summoned by God Himself . The sheer marvel of this has sparked ripples of curiosity and joy in those who’ve heard it. 

As Tilson and his wife, Melodi, forged new bonds with the dedicated couple and crew behind the restoration of the CAGIVA wheelie dirtbike, they found themselves drawn into a whirlwind of excitement and nostalgia. But amidst this camaraderie, another force was at play. Enter Branden, Tilson’s son, with a vision as bold as his father’s wheelie feats. He conceived the Heavens Wheelie Ministry Project—a beacon of ’80s-style inspiration aimed at reviving communities through the timeless spirit of his dad’s wheelies, world records, and messages of unwavering HOPE

 And thus, the Heaven’s Wheelie Team began to take shape, one member at a time, now a team of twelve, not counting Tilson and Melodi. Their mission? To spread the same boundless positivity and societal impact that Branden envisioned when he started the project at the new year of 2023. The  team embodied unity and resilience, harnessing their passion for motorcycles, GOOD NEWS, and controlled wheelie riding to uplift and inspire others. 

But here’s the twist: the Heavens Wheelie Project and Fundraising isn’t Tilson or Melodi’s ,—but a third-party endeavor by The Heaven’s Wheelie Team in what Branden also calls the,  “Honor my Father and my mother Project,”  he says, “I’ve learned that everything God says in His Word is true for today and the future”.  

😍The Heaven’s Wheelie Team is looking for people like you with diverse and unique talents to expand our collaboration with dependable people who share our common goal.

EVENTS: For Questions regarding events, Contact: Natasha

SUBMIT ARTWORK & LOGOS: Submit Your 80’s Style Heaven’s Wheelie Artwork & Logos Here To: Cole

NEWSLETTER: To Request Newsletter Updates On Our Heaven’s Wheelie Projects Contact: Natasha

WEBSITE: Are You A WordPress Expert That Would Like To Help Us Out From Time to Time? If So, Contact: Scott

GENERAL: Do You Have A Unique Talent Or Skill That Might Help Our Efforts? Are You A Reliable Person That Shares Our Common Goal, And Would Simply Like To Help From Time To Time? If So, Contact: Branden

LINKS WITHIN OUR SITE:

WORLD RECORD BREAKING STORY WITH PHOTOS (HOMEPAGE)

MIRACLES

EVEL KNIEVEL | WHEELIE CHAMPION MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS 

“EUROPEAN” AMERICAN RIDER STYLE | VINTAGE MOTO-X PIC 

CHASING THE PERFECT WHEELIE | CHASING  PERFECT SURF

HEAVEN’S WHEELIE TEAM

GEARING UP (CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

LOST MEDIA | PHOTOS FROM FANS TRICKLING IN 

FUN FACTS | WHEELIE STORIES ALONG THE WAY

SHUMATES ESCAPE WILDFIRE IN 2018, HOME & STORAGE BURNT TO GROUND

 ©Heaven’s Wheelie 2024

© Heaven’s Wheelie

LOST MEDIA

THE SEARCH FOR LOST FOOTAGE & PHOTOS OF TILSON'S 1980'S WHEELIE PERFORMANCES

Tilson and his wife Melodi lost their home and everything in storage to wildfires on 2018. The Heaven’s Wheelie Team had the idea to track down for them, any photos or videos of Tilson’s countless wheelie performances or outreach ministries in the 1980s, and some in the 1990s. Here is a short list of some of is performances to maybe help you jog your memory:

  • La Mirada, California’s TV documentary and promotions video, circa 1983 (edited to the Eddie VanHalen song “JUMP!”
  • Los Angeles Coliseum Supercross, Half Time Performance, 1983.
  • Providence, Rhode Island, Indoor Sports Arena Motorcross Performance, 1984.
  • CMC Golden State Series Motorcross Half-Time Show, 1984.
  • San Diego, California, Jack Murphy Stadium Supercross, 1990.
  • Lake Havasu, Arizona, On Stage under London Bridge, 1993.
  • Wheelie Performances in Numerous Parades, Schools, St. Jude Hospital, Business & Church Grand Openings, Church Outreach Events, and even being asked to perform wheelies inside a church sanctuary & inside a Dark Nightclub on a Small Stage.

LINKS WITHIN OUR SITE: 

WORLD RECORD BREAKING STORY WITH PHOTOS (HOMEPAGE)

MIRACLES

EVEL KNIEVEL | WHEELIE CHAMPION MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS 

“EUROPEAN” AMERICAN RIDER STYLE | VINTAGE MOTO-X PIC 

CHASING THE PERFECT WHEELIE | CHASING  PERFECT SURF

HEAVEN’S WHEELIE TEAM

GEARING UP (CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

LOST MEDIA | PHOTOS FROM FANS TRICKLING IN 

FUN FACTS | WHEELIE STORIES ALONG THE WAY

SHUMATES ESCAPE WILDFIRE IN 2018, HOME & STORAGE BURNT TO GROUND

 

 

SHUMATES ESCAPE WILDFIRE IN 2018, HOME & STORAGE BURNT TO GROUND

As I look back to that terrifying day when our home with several others burnt to the ground due to arson, I am filled with awe when see how far God has brought us in just 7 years.

Trapped with no way out but to climb straight up, we ran for our lives. For some reason God wanted us to go through the fire to serve His highest and best purpose, because after nearly 45 years of marriage, we lost everything we owned.

    

Thank God that nobody was killed, and to think that our precious grandchildren were just at our house the day before the fire engulfed the entire valley.” ——–quote from Melodi Shumate’s unpublished book entitled, Fire Escape.

Tilson’s custom CAGIVA wheelie dirtbike carried the weight of community support outreaches in many forms for over a decade, and if you can believe the pun, the ministry they worked with was called FIRE ESCAPE!!! Times of great testing later followed which seemed to consume everything, even the fire that “Almost killed us a 100 times“, Tilson said.  It chased him and Melodi up and across canyons and plateaus for over 3 hours.

The good news is that after a lot of hard work, Tilson & Melodi recently reached the point of putting the finishing touches on their new home—a remodel they completed in a different part of California. Look, they turned a dump into a sanctuary with their bear hands!

LINKS WITHIN OUR SITE: 

WORLD RECORD BREAKING STORY WITH PHOTOS (HOMEPAGE)

MIRACLES

EVEL KNIEVEL | WHEELIE CHAMPION MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS 

“EUROPEAN” AMERICAN RIDER STYLE | VINTAGE MOTO-X PIC 

CHASING THE PERFECT WHEELIE | CHASING  PERFECT SURF

HEAVEN’S WHEELIE TEAM

GEARING UP (CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

LOST MEDIA | PHOTOS FROM FANS TRICKLING IN 

FUN FACTS | WHEELIE STORIES ALONG THE WAY

SHUMATES ESCAPE WILDFIRE IN 2018, HOME & STORAGE BURNT TO GROUND

 

CHASING THE PERFECT WHEELIE

Chasing the Perfect Wheelie

THE PERFECT WHEELIE, WHAT A FEELING! It takes intense concentration to achieve and maintain not just a wheelie, but the perfect balance-point within the wheelie itself. The floating sensation of gliding as if no brake, body-jerking, or throttle is needed, that’s the ultimate goal. THE FUN IS GETTING THERE!!! Riding wheelies is truly addicting, no need for drugs. Compare a surfer chasing the perfect barrel (riding in the tube of a breaking wave) that only lasts seconds, but somehow is a life-changing accomplishment. Or like someone learning to skateboard who realized s/he could “manual” (balancing on two wheels coasting), their hooked!

IT’S NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO SUSTAIN THE PERFECT WHEELIE But learning to pop, ride, and often-times fight a wheelie is all part of getting to those far and few between life changing moments —think of the 80’s hit single: “What A Feeling.”🎶  In reality, the record for a no brake, no jerk, no throttle perfect balanced wheelie is probably LESS THAN FIVE SECONDS. All else is just an attempt within a wheelie Tilson says. Imagine his 3 1/2 HOUR long, 112-MILE non-stop wheelie.

BEGINNERS AND PROS The very short span of those far and few between perfect wheelie moments gives the art of controlled wheelie riding a perpetual forward motion for beginners and pros.  No matter how advanced or inexperienced a person is, the quest to experience that brief moment of accomplishment is WORTH THE EFFORT! Wheelie riding is for a broader age group than most would think, maybe you’re not too old after all. By the way, THERE’S A DIFFERENCE between high-speed out of control dare-devil style wheelies on a bulky overweight bike VS. fun lower speed generally safe and controlled wheelies and carving turns.

LINKS WITHIN OUR SITE: 

WORLD RECORD BREAKING STORY WITH PHOTOS (HOMEPAGE)

MIRACLES

EVEL KNIEVEL | WHEELIE CHAMPION MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS 

“EUROPEAN” AMERICAN RIDER STYLE | VINTAGE MOTO-X PIC 

CHASING THE PERFECT WHEELIE | CHASING  PERFECT SURF

HEAVEN’S WHEELIE TEAM

GEARING UP (CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

LOST MEDIA | PHOTOS FROM FANS TRICKLING IN 

FUN FACTS | WHEELIE STORIES ALONG THE WAY

SHUMATES ESCAPE WILDFIRE IN 2018, HOME & STORAGE BURNT TO GROUND

 

© Heaven’s Wheelie

GEARING UP

World Wheelie Champion Builds Practice Wheel-E-Bike

Check out this video of Tilson practicing wheelies after transforming his E-Bike into a Wheel-E-Bike in 2022 (just before the miraculous return of his original CAGIVA wheelie bike). This is early 2024 footage, with Tilson adding the disclaimer to viewers, “ITS JUST A NEIGHBORHOOD PRACTICE BIKE!” and, “although I’m having fun with it, its sort of like a toy, really LIMITING WHAT I’M ABLE TO DO.” Tilson says the power curve is so choppy in the throttle’s response that it LIMITS HIS WHEELIE SPEED and carving turns. The narrowness of the bike and suspension is also inadequate especially for off road terrain. Even with modifications to the suspension, you can see the springiness and lack of shock travel in the video. Tilson made a bunch of modifications to this bike, including handlebar and seat modifications. Tilson’s take away encouragement for the day: “DON’T LET AGE DEFINE YOUR ABILITY TO ENJOY LIFE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE”—which is interesting considering the current trend against “Ageism” is beginning to get some traction.
 
 

MIRACLES

Miracles

In 1983, World Wheelie Champion (WWC), Tilson Shumate rushed to design and build a record setting wheelie dirtbike out of an Italian made CAGIVA 250 (pronounced CAGEEVAH). He built the unique CAGIVA wheelie bike in the garage of the house he built on Olive Branch Dr, La Mirada, California. Tilson and friend Karl convinced Italian dirtbike maker, CAGIVA, to give them a brand new CAGIVA dirtbike to settle the score of long-distance wheelie riding that arose when a rival’s manager pulled the plug on one of Tilson’s first wheelie performances. Soon after, he rode it to become the first person to ever reach & exceed a 100-MILE non-stop wheelie!

Nearly 40 years later, the CAGIVA wheelie dirtbike miraculously returned to him restored and sparkling like the bike destined for the kid in the classic 1980s movie, THE DIRTBIKE KID! Tilson and his family hadn’t seen the CAGIVA wheelie bike for decades, figured it was gone forever. A wheelie fanatic’s soon to be wife told her fiance to hold-off buying their wedding ring and instead buy the one-of-a-kind CAGIVA, and restore it.

The record setting bike had appeared in a classified ad. After buying it, the owner said he tried to locate Tilson several times with no luck.
In 1983, World Wheelie Champion (WWC), Tilson Shumate rushed to design and
 
Later in December 2022, Tilson stumbled along the nearly fully restored bike owner’s friend, who he’d never met before. At that time, in 2022, Tilson also happened to be with his friend Karl, who he was with in 1983, when they landed 2 free dirtbikes from CAGIVA to prepare for “Wheelie-Wars” ——–the race to be the first 100-MILE non-stop wheelie record holder. the WWC’s unique CAGIVA was approved by a Las Vegas auction house thought to be worth well over the starting bid of $100,000. The owner had been reluctant to sell and pulled out of the auction just as Tilson came his way (the 100K starting bid was estimated before this even happened). Although the CAGIVA has become a collector’s item, Tilson did make some adjustments to it and even rebuilt the carburetor for the owner after popping some wheelies on it in January 2023!

Later in December 2022, Tilson stumbled along the nearly fully restored bike owner’s friend, who he’d never met before. At that time, in 2022, Tilson also happened to be with his friend Karl, who he was with in 1983, when they landed 2 free dirtbikes from CAGIVA to prepare for “Wheelie-Wars” ——–the race to be the first 100-MILE non-stop wheelie record holder. the WWC’s unique CAGIVA was approved by a Las Vegas auction house thought to be worth well over the starting bid of $100,000. The owner had been reluctant to sell and pulled out of the auction just as Tilson came his way (the 100K starting bid was estimated before this even happened). Although the CAGIVA has become a collector’s item, Tilson did make some adjustments to it and even rebuilt the carburetor for the owner after popping some wheelies on it in January 2023!

Imagine the Cagiva wheelie bike came back to you 40 years later, and you hop online to research Cagiva, and quickly find a variety of articles newly released to the effect, “CAGIVA to be resurrected after 40 years”, and “We go back 4 decades to reveal why the [CAGIVA] bike that inspired us is so important”. And yet these articles have nothing to do with the CAGIVA miracle that occurred for Tilson, but yet it seems to have everything to do with it. How could this be? Check out what’s been happening since the return of the Cagiva, you won’t believe it! Click the link below:

MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS CONFIRM A DIVINE PLAN UNFOLDING

MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS CONFIRM A DIVINE PLAN UNFOLDING
 
 In this fallen world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, there are moments that shine through like beacons of hope, revealing an intricate tapestry of details proving the continual involvement of a loving and redeeming God in our lives. Such is the case here. Two days before Tilson & Melodi’s 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2024, Branden stumbled upon what his dad Tilson wrote about Evel Knievel nine months earlier — Evel Knievel getting baptized in 2007, and how people sometimes nearly get their witness for Christ erased from history. While reading, Branden realized that both Evel Knievel’s baptism and Tilson & Melodi’s Anniversary fall on the same day, April 20th. So Branden began to read what Tilson wrote a little closer, that Tilson believes the shocking return of his original CAGIVA wheelie dirtbike (December 2022) forty years later is a sign of miraculous new beginnings POINTING TO REVIVAL, that God seems to be “putting a light on a renewed ‘Jesus Movement’ (1969 – 1971), and somehow using motorcycles to do it.” Tilson also wrote that his wheelies were originally inspired by Evel Knievel to begin with. Worth raising some eyebrows over, and what else to do but move on. Well that’s what Branden thought and did, but within the same hour, MORE! Branden came across a 2015 article by Kirby Garlitos seeming to have foretold not only the miraculous return of Tilson’s CAGIVA in 2022, but also accurately compares some events with CAGIVA to occurrences through Branden and his immediate family’s lives. But Kirby has never met Tilson, Melodi, or the Heaven’s Wheelie team members, and the miraculous return/discovery of Tilson’s CAGIVA wheelie bike didn’t even occur until seven years later. Wouldn’t you know, Kirby titled his prophetic article: “Is MV Augusta Bringing Back CAGIVA?” He wrote, “Giorgio Girreli has addressed rumors that his company was interested in bringing back another Italian motorcycle brand, namely, CAGIVA,” and if you can even believe it, Kirby wrote that it may, “POINT TO THE DIRECTION OF A REVIVAL HAPPENING AT SOME POINT.” What the heck! Seven years before Tilson’s CAGIVA wheelie bike did return, Kirby wrote, “Dreaming of the return of CAGIVA.” Then Kirby’s unknowing reference to how Branden and his immediate family’s situation took a turn for the worst in 2012, the treachery still ongoing in 2024, yet all this seemingly a divine oracle against it. Kirby wrote, “Why it matters — Back when it was still around, CAGIVA enjoyed a fruitful 60 or so years before things took a turn for the worst in 2012.” What the heck! Kirby said, “Recent proclamations involving a return of the CAGIVA brand has made me hopeful that such a day would arrive.” Isn’t it rare to see supernatural overtones in a motorcycle article?: “It won’t happen soon [Kirby wrote 9 years ago] that much I understand, but HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL from where I come from…Kirby said, “a lot of things would have to happen for that to be a reality.” Okay, how about the shocking return of Tilson’s 1983 record setting CAGIVA wheelie bike back in his life 7 years after Kirby wrote this? Kirby wrote that it, “comes with the risk of trying to revive an old motorcycle brand when the company (MV Augusta) that’s thinking of doing it has its own set of problems and issues to deal with.” Sounds a lot like the struggle to ride out the noted treachery and onto victory against all odds, while setting some new wheelie records! 
 
GOOD FRIDAY CATERPILLAR CHEWS UP DOUBTS OF FLYING!🦋
 
Caterpillar tractors that is, ground breaking machines, and reference we believe to the transformation needed to get them flying! Take the story you just read above and add these next layers over the same time frame——a series of seemly random encounters with the iconic tractor company that unbelievably connect to Cagiva, Tilson, and the Heavens Wheelie team, while affirming the coming of a profound spiritual arrival among man kind. 
 
On two separate occasions about a week apart, while searching for photos for the miracles page of www.Heavanswheelie.com Branden realized something hard to believe. Each moment of wonder took him back to a ‘random’ mention of the Caterpillar tractor company on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. And aspiring filmmaker presenting the idea of a documentary mention to Brandon wave that films sometimes in gaining support. He gave an example where a guy happened to be wearing a Caterpillar tractor hat (clearly displaying the “CAT LOGO”) in one of his interviews, and that type of advert and lead to a company suddenly taking interest in a project. 
 
So, about a week later, Brandon was looking through printed photos to find the picture of Tilson standing on stage in front of his 1983 Cagiva wheelie dirtbike that miraculously resurfaced in December 2022. A photo was taken at the CAGIVA wheelie bike reveal that’s held on New Year’s Day, 2023. Finding and studying the photo, Brandon froze with surprise realizing that Tilson was wearing a Caterpillar tractor hat while standing on stage with the Cagiva (clearly displaying the “CAT LOGO”). When thinking about the connection of this to what Brandon heard on Good Friday, it reminded him of a dream he wrote down about two months earlier:
 
“I was standing besides a group of white tractors and excavators that quickly zoomed off together to do something really good as soon as I took one step back. The tractors were full of life looking at me almost shaking for the “okay” to zoom off to do exactly what they wanted and needed to do. I took that step back and the tractors zoomed off!” 
 
A week later yet another string of remarkable events. Basically the Heaven’s wheelie team was divinely delayed in using the next photo it needed, which held a spot for the right photo that ended up coming in later, at the “perfect time.” Check this out: a picture of both Tilson and Melody was needed for the Miracles page. A good one was found that would work, but nobody liked the hat Tilson was wearing because it was smashed down on the top. (It wasn’t a Cat hat). Then when they went to use it anyways (because they couldn’t find a better recent photo), they couldn’t find a digital file of the print. 
 
So Tilson and Melody were asked one last time if they could find any recent photos of themselves. The morning before their April 20th Anniversary, there it was, Brandon opened a photo to Tilson unknowingly wearing the same CAT HAT he worn over a year ago at the CAGIVA reveal event. When told, Tilson said he hardly wears the hat, apparently only on very special occasions, the photo is of Tilson and Melody sitting in a crafts coffee shop on their 50th anniversary get-away. A divine spot was held by the wrong hat, for the right hat! 
 
At this point Brandon began to write these things down. As soon as he wrote, “…a new picture of Tilson and Melody came in,” a female officer walked up to the door next to Brandon and then only said, “perfect timing,” then walked off! A couple days later, Tilson told Brandon heard a woman ‘randomly’ say “Law Mirada ” out loud—— which is where Tilson built his CAGIVA in 1983! Tilson was surprised saying he can’t remember this ever happening before, and they were up in a quaint village on their 50th get-away, with hardly anyone around. Raising the “woe” factor even further, they find out “perfect timing” and “La Mirada” were ‘randomly’ spoken on the same day, and both at lunch time! 
 
Now we are getting into proof of a loving god beyond question. After all this, Brandon begins praying on his knees thanking him and asking him what to do about all this. A knock at the door interrupts the prayer, and it’s a one page delivery, a print of the picture of Tilson wearing his “CAT HAT” sitting with Melodi on their 50th getaway! Branden had ordered the print, but it can take months to arrive if ever, not this one! Do we need more? Apparently. Branden looks out the window and sees that the 2004 movie “Taxi” is on Tv, toward the end. The seen is at the Winston Cup oval track races. The stadium is packed, tons of RVs, and there it is, a huge “CAT” Logo! 
 
Now, blow your mind. Remember Kirby’s prophetic article from 2015? Well that same night Branden found and read a different miraculous article, this one from, Australia Motorcycle News 2022, its title : The CAGIVA Elephant In The Room. (Reporting on efforts to “resurrect” CAGIVA). A metaphor is written in the section, “The Secret Weapon.” The reference is to modifying a Ducati/Cagiva Dirtbike engine for more torque, (Cagiva used to own Ducati). And if you can even believe it, the metaphor given is: “Like a Caterpillar tractor .” Not only that, this metaphor, “Like a Caterpillar tractor”, was already written in quotes! If you don’t believe it, you can read the article yourself by clicking HERE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FUN FACTS

Fun Facts

WORLD WHEELIE RECORD MILEAGE DISPUTE:

Cycle News published “102” miles, but the Ascot lap counting scoreboard confirmed it was 112 miles. Guiness published “111” miles, and Domokos’ manager claimed the Ascot track was not a regulation approved ½ mile oval track!!! Too good!!! Even if that were true to the inside line of the track, Tilson often rode the far outside of Ascot Park’s slanted oval to avoid extra rough patches of ruts and grooves. For the same reason, Tilson also rode right of center through the straights. This begs the question of whether or not Tilson actually wheelied further than 112 miles on December 6, 1983!!! Nevertheless, Tilson smashed any non-stop wheelie record at the time, by a long-shot, and won the Wheelie Wars race to be the first man ever to reach and exceed the bounds of a 100 mile wheelie!

 EVEL KNIEVEL CALLS BRANDEN:

Tilson says “I had the honor of sharing the Good News with Evel Knievel and building two wheelie bikes for his son Robbie Knievel. Robbie and I spent several hours practicing our wheelies together and testing new ideas. It started one day in 1983 when Branden answered our house phone as a young boy. It was Evel Knievel introducing himself to Branden and eventually asking if his dad, Tilson was home. To this point, Evel Knievel and I had never met. The funny part was that the conversation went on for  awhile because Branden didn’t want something named “evil” get to his dad, so Branden questioned EveL Knievel about his name and if it was really “Evil” (thinking of the incorrect spelling). Eventually, Evel Knievel told Branden, “Because, that’s the name my mom gave me”. Branden slowly handed me the phone as if not wanting to.  Evel saw me on the cover of Cycle News and called to ask that I teach his son Robbie how to wheelie, so we began to meet up at Robbie’s place in Canyon Lake, Southern California. I remember Evel’s daughter was a missionary. Evel wanted me to prepare an opening prayer for a jump he was planning in San Diego. I met with his manager to discuss the event, which would have been his last jump, but it never happened.

FIRST MINI BIKE: Tilson got his mini bike ( a Hodaka) in the summer of 1964 and immediately began making upgrades for better handling. This would one day lead to working with Evel Knievel who recognized Tilson and his buddies as the leaders in wheelie riding and wheelie bike design.

TILSON’S FIRST REAL BIKE:  Tilson rode what he called “a real bike”, for the first time in 1966, it was a good friend’s yellow Yamaha 80cc. As any typical 7th grader, he felt empowered to be at the controls of a bike that actually shifted gears! It was like graduating from a direct-drive lawn-mower engine to a “real motorcycle” Tilson says. (From a mini-bike to a 2-stroke dirt bike).

YAMDAKA: When Tilson grew out of his Hodaka 90 mini-bike, his dad Howard Shumate landed him a Yamaha 80. The Yamaha engine eventually seized and was ruined, but as usual, Howard’s ingenuity saved the day… He took the Hodaka 90 engine out of the mini bike, and put it in the Yamaha. Tilson’s bike became known among the riders at Motorcycle Hill (off Beach Blvd, Hwy 39), as the Yamdaka. By this time Tilson started to be known as, “The Wheelie Guy”.

CARLSBAD RACEWAY: In 1968, Tilson’s name found its way into Cycle News. Among the many names in the race results, he placed 4th in the 125cc junior class on a red framed, chrome tanked five speed Hodaka Ace 100. In his mind, seeing his name in Cycle News made him a superstar. He said, “I must have read the 4th place name plate on my trophy a hundred times.”  Actually his wheelie roll-model of the sixties was European rider Torleif Hansen, a Husqvarna rider.

A FAMILY THING: The Suzuki TS 100/125 models were named after motocross wheelie rider Tilson Shumate. His older brother was chief designer for US Suzuki in La Mirada California. 

 

LINKS WITHIN OUR SITE:

WORLD RECORD BREAKING STORY WITH PHOTOS (HOMEPAGE)

MIRACLES

EVEL KNIEVEL | WHEELIE CHAMPION MIRACULOUS CONNECTIONS 

“EUROPEAN” AMERICAN RIDER STYLE | VINTAGE MOTO-X PIC 

CHASING THE PERFECT WHEELIE | CHASING  PERFECT SURF

HEAVEN’S WHEELIE TEAM

GEARING UP (CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

LOST MEDIA | PHOTOS FROM FANS TRICKLING IN 

FUN FACTS | WHEELIE STORIES ALONG THE WAY

SHUMATES ESCAPE WILDFIRE IN 2018, HOME & STORAGE BURNT TO GROUND