Scrapertown

I recently came across the “Scraper Bike Phenomenon” – started by Tyrone “Baby Champ” Stevenson aka the “Scraper Bike King.” He preaches a DIY philosophy for giving bikes a creative edge. Originating from the “scraper” cars (GM cars that landed in the market in the 1980s) of East Oakland, that had custom painted exteriors and rims, Tyrone figured he might as well do the same with bikes. He says that scraper bikes are not only ‘green’ for the environment, but they also give kids something to be passionate about and call their own. I ran into “Scrapertown,” a film by Drea Cooper and Zackary Canepari, while snooping around for info on scraper bikes. The video gives you a beautiful view at Baby Champ and the work he’s doing to promote bicycles and community in East Oakland.

It really amazes me how limitless creativity is. From the bikes, the idea behind them, and the impact they have to the videography of “Scrapetown.” The videography and perspectives in this clip are amazing – if you like their work, check out more of Drea Cooper and Zackary Canepari’s stories at californiaisaplace.com. These are just a few more things that have made me fall in love with the Bay – the people, culture, the art… everything.