#scrapertown

Scrapertown 

"In order to become a member of the Original Scraper Bike Team, you must: Be a resident of Oakland, CA. Be at least 7y/o or older. Retain A 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), Create your own Scraper Bike…(It Has To Be Amazing, Or Else You Can’t Ride.) A single-file line when riding. After 10 rides The Scraper Bike King and his Captains will decide if your bike is up to standards and if you can follow simple guidelines. After your evaluation we will consider you a member and honor you with an Original Scraper Bike Team Shirt. Only worn when Mobbin’ Stay posted to our website for all upcoming Scraper Bike Rides..." -- The Scraper Bike King

SCRAPERTOWN

Drea Cooper & Zackary Canepari

2010

USA

Scraperbiking: the act of decorating or ‘ pimping’ a bike by adding various materials such as painted tape, foil and cellophane to its spokes, then riding it for display.

Being from the 'land down under', I find online films like the following the best way to learn about the world without having to buy a bloody plane ticket. For example, California:

A strong sense of culture is emitted through beautiful, crisp cinematography, which eloquently transports us to the world of East Oakland, where a picture of the Original Scraper Bike Team is painted along with the emotional investment and consequent relationship between the boys, their bikes and their scraper-buddies. 

Cooper and Canepari post various short documentaries online evolving around California and the stories created by its people. Scrapertown, in particular, follows 21year old Baby Champ, the founder, leader and ‘Scraper Bike King’ of a group of teenage boys as they parade their scraperbikes around the neighbourhood.

Watch Scrapertown HERE

If you're after more visual treats that don't last too long and are interesting even though the subject matter is simple, go on their website HERE. 

California is a Place. Scrapertown