When Oakland's ghouls and goblins come out to play this Saturday night they'll be backed by a large multicolored, mobile faction aka The Scraper Bike Movement. There'll be rolling through the town for the 3rd anniversary of the annual Scraper Bike Halloween Ride, spreading the brightly painted 2 wheel love that they've become known for over the last 7 years. 

You've know the bikes-the two and three wheeled wonders painted to resemble everything from Skittles to Oreo boxes to Raiders uniforms. Prevalent mainly in East and West Oakland, the rides have gained a worldwide fan club and become a regular fixture at Oakland entertainment and public events. 

Their creator, Tyrone Stevenson Jr., aka "Baybe Champ," is taking the success in stride. "It's a blessing to see that my hard work and striving have been paying off" he says. 

Champ's public profile has raised considerably since the day in 2002 when he rolled his first custom creation from his East Oakland backyard. He says in the beginning reactions people's reactions were positive, but still of the of the "O my god! Are you serious" variety. 

In the years since the bikes have become regular fixtures cruising through the town. They've been featured in the local and national media and Champ says he's receiving custom orders from as far away as Jamaica and Germany while making cameo appearances with famous Oakland MC's including Too $hort and Mr. FAB. And of course, there's the viral video that kick started the buzz and is quickly approaching 3 million YouTube hits. 

With the constant conversations around Oakland public safety and violence, Champ says he's also stepping into the role of community leader and regards his work calling attention to the Oscar Grant case as his biggest achievement to date. He's says he's hoping to parlay some of the newfound visibility into a larger platform to address the violence and social justice issues that still plague the changing city.

And he's hoping someone at City Hall will listen to what he has to say. "I look at Oakland as being a community minded city and I see the way Oakland is evolving" he says. "And living in the East, a part of town that's effected by gun violence, for me, growing up in this community, I've seen it, I know what they need. If I could just get their (city official's) attention." 

But until he takes up the mantle of East Oakland peace keeper, Champ is busy promoting the Scraper Bike Movement and facilitating more activities for young people. Scraper Bikes the movement has quickly become Scraper Bikes the business and Champ says he's gradually expanding into other ventures. 

First on the list is bike shop. And this Saturday's ride is the first official fundraiser for the storefront shop he hopes to open in East Oakland. The goal is the have a place where young people can hold workshops and community meetings in addition to fixing flat tires and performing tune ups. "The goal is to have a place for youth to come and be creative" he says. And with all the discussion in the community around youth violence, safety and opportunities, that's definitely a movement we can get behind. 

3rd Annual Scraper Bike Halloween Ride and Concert

Hosted by comedians B Real B Funny and Black Azz, with performances featuring The 4 Factors, Lil Q of the Scraper Boyz, and invited special guests Da Trunk Boiz, Kev Choice and Davey D.

4:00pm - at 11:00pm (Show starts at 4pm and the ride's at 8pm)

$5 suggested donation

Sat, 31 Oct

Fremont High School Parking Lot

4610 Foothil Blvd. Oakland, 94601

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151351252388