Legendary Rider: DYSTANY SPURLOCK

Original information from Super Street Bike and North Star New. Pictures from Google Images.
Words by blog holder.

Visit Dystany at her website to stay up to date on the speed queen.

Everyone knows birds were made to fly, right? And dolphins were made to swim??? Of course! So after you read about the modern day legend DYSTANY SUPRLOCK, you'll agree as well she was born to SPEED... and change the world on the way to the finish line. Like many other greats such as RICKEY GADSON and JAMES "BUBBA" STEWART motorcycle riding is in their blood. It's that beautiful trait that positively reinforces the passion for everything that encompasses the motorcycle culture.  Dystany's mother, a veteran motorcycle rider, can attest to the early days of her loving motorcycles when Dystany the a.ka.Nydian Princess was just six and wouldn't let her leave unless she was riding on the back. Growing up in the motorcycle culture nourished her desire to not only get on the steel dragon for that rush, but to race it like a pro. When she was seventeen she decided she wanted to be a quarter mile racer after four years of learning the sport from the stands with a family friend. Once again the nourishing culture that came from her loving mother made that happen... Her mom bought her a 2006 Suzuki GSX-R750, her first bike, and past on her old riding leather outfit that was a little short on her.  But when you're passionate about something, what you're wearing doesn't matter. After the first race she was hooked becoming not only a quick learner but a winner too. After racing for a while she caught the attention of everyone. One of those people happened to be BROCK DAVIDSON (of the famous BROCK'S PERFORMANCE company)who had let her use a spare BMW S1000RR of his and as always it was love at first ride. Dystany described the launch like being on a rocket.  Blasting off on the BMW bike that day made her a believer in the manufacturer in addition to, beating out two seasoned pros that first day on the S1000RR.

When you see Dystany you are automatically thrown off guard because of her stunning overwhelming beauty, but then you realize there is so much more to her on the inside that is just as mesmerizing.  But as mention her beauty can be seen gracing many photos... Yes this superwoman is a model too.  Supermodel some would state.  She is the true definition of an athlete that can do everything she gets into. She is great at playing football, volleyball, snowboarding, boxing, and cheer leading. She considers herself a "tomboy girly, girl" but she is all woman and such an inspiration to motivate everyone to do what their heart beats for. Like many people that succeed at what they do, she is not selfish in keeping the knowledge along with experience to herself.  She gives back to make sure kids stay on the road to success as a mentor to the youth.  Recently Dystany has taken her passion for speed a step further into stock car racing. In the stock car world she has been endorsed by AFRICA CHANNEL and RANDY FENLEY in racing on the track during the NASCAR National Series.  This brilliant effort has come into play to help inspire youth from Africa to America in the popular world of motorsports where they may not be exposed to such a nuance. One thing is for sure, today this twenty year old woman has surpassed many older than her in following their dreams by setting records, traveling to many places to do it, taking on the Salt Flats at Bonneville and she is just getting started! Seeing her in action you'll agree she is a true renaissance woman worthy of pushing all the Barbie dolls of the shelf and stocking them with Dystany Dolls... Hmmm!  All eyes are watching her to see what she will do next... If they can catch this fast phenom. All you can say when she starts that engine is.... GOOOOO DYSTANY GOOOOOOOOO!!!

 

You Need To Know: SUGAR BEAR

Original information from Jesse James' History of Choppers DVD, American Thunder TV Series & Sugar Bear's website. Words by Blog Holder. Pictures from Google images.

There are many people that study history but not enough of it... Hide history because of their ignorant evil nature... And those that carelessly make up history, claiming it as truth, just because they don't know anything about it. However, when it comes to history this living legend I will present to you LIVED it, WITNESSED it first hand, and COLLECTED pictures along with relics from its golden age to PROVE the existence of the African-American biker culture. In every case his pictures from the 1940's and 50's eradicated words of doubt, attesting to the proof of black people on bikes far before the chopper frenzy took place. But most of all, his biggest contribution was MAKING history in biker society. The legend I am proud to scribe about is the great, world renowned SUGAR BEAR, who's life has been a living testament to the ENTIRE biker nation as we know it. With his classic springers (long forks on the motorcycle) and awsome revolutionary rockers (the part connecting the forks to the wheel) these marvels of craftsmanship have made him so highly acclaimed by motorcycle afficionados it is hard to keep up with business and business is booming. The one thing that was shocking to those that met him for the first time was finding out that he is an African-American the other, was finding a friend. With the lack of seeing images of African-American bikers as well as being over saturated with depictions of caucasians on bikes, people simply believed black people were not interested in bikes or had such a long history with motorcycles. With apperances on Jesse James' documentary History of The Chopper and Speed Channel's American Thunder, Sugar Bear has enlightened and educated the world abroad about the pressence of Black Americans on motorcycles in past times.

As always with great storys, the beginning is where this innovator's past begins. Sugar Bear was born on September of 1939 in Missouri. Twenty years later he would have that pivotal moment that is known all over that began his paramount ride through history. In 1969 while cruising in his car on the freeway Sugar Bear noticed a biker passing by on a chopper, but he was even more captivated by the woman that sparked it all. She was a lady leaning back on the sissy bars of that chopper reading a paperback book and noticed Sugar Bear. As they smiled at each other she gave him the "peace" sign as she rode off and faded away on that chopper... Right then Sugar Bear the chopper rider was born and that following week Sugar Bear went out and bought a Honda 750, but didn't know how to ride it. That drawback would not stop the future inventor from riding. His friend Barbershop Scotty came to help him get on his iron horse and ride it like a pro. A year later he started chopping and redesigning his bike to become a chopper. But where does one go to get the knowledge to do such a complicated task? This genius went to seek that advice of another legend EVERYONE, black or white, would go to about motorcycles. This was at Hardy's Motorcycle Service at 1168 South Florence Avenue near South Central Avenue. This meeting was not only the start of a great friendship but the beginning of a mentorship that was detrimental to history as we know it. That fellow genius was none other than Benjamin Franklin Hardy known to everyone as Benny Hardy. Brother Ben, as he was known to many, was a passionate man when it came to working on motorcycles and crafting them from scratch. As many have come to know, Benny is the creator with Cliff Vaughs in making the Easy Rider motorcycles that no one knew was made by an African American.   As Sugar Bear perfected his great enginuity  from gaining knowledge all over he opened his own custom bike shop in walking distance from his house located in South Central Los Angeles in 1971. As his builds became a hit with friends that he customized choppers for, he then moved to making his famous springers that were inches... then feet over the original length of the fork. What makes Sugar Bear a genius is that he has desiphered the complex geometry of motorcycles which had revealed to many he was actually a mathmatical genius and engineering marvel. With such greatness at making these springers he also made the coolest rockers the world has ever seen. Sugar Bear's creations are so unique in making the motorcycle so perfectly balanced that the bike never flops over, giving the rider great control when turning. In fact you can actually turn the bike with one hand. In encompassing art with engineering, Sugar Bear turned the world of motorcycling upside down. However, he was still not accepted by some in the community of fellow bikers that shared the same passion all because they did not look alike. Even though he was not accepted by those who opposed him as a person they could not help what he had contributed in making choppers so mesmerizing. This caused many to rethink their views and helped break cycles of racial ignorance. Also, being a towering man helped people reconsider what they said before saying the wrong thing. Not to mention his great demenor mixed with great story telling conveyed a brilliant articulate man that many were not aware of since they've never been exposed to African Americans in person. Sugar Bear's career has been one of innovation, but his purpose has been one of triumph over decades of oppression. His valiant effort with motorcycle media has never gone in vain, by refusing to feature his work in or on magazine covers unless he was featured with it as well. This courageous display of bravery won him covers and articles in magazines even when racisim was prominent in publications all over... And he did this without selling himself out, all the while introducing a generation to the legacy of African American bikers that many are proud to represent with pride and dignity to this day. Sugar Bear, now in his early 70's, is still a young man at his shop located in Gardena, Califonia and shows now sign whatsoever in slowing down or being counted out when it comes to teaching the past of African Americans in the biker culture and making a great chopper as well. For me he is the reason that this blog exists to teach a newer generation what is missing from the media and conversations about a favorite American past time this is rich with black influences. It is because of his knowledge that he has passed onto me about blacks motorcyclists, I have a new found appreciation for the biker culture. I thank this man, legend and genius for making us better people all over the world regardless of color under his trademark heart with wings... And just remember... "IF IT AIN'T LONG. ITS WRONG." ~Sugar Bear

You Need To Know: SOUL ON BIKES (The story of Tobie Gene and The East Bay Dragons)

Original information from Soul On Bikes book. Words by Blog Holder. Pictures from The Selvedge Yard.


It's funny how small moments in time play a big part in the future. These events become so big later on in life that it becomes monumental which makes it... HISTORY. Some time ago in the fifties two men sat in a cafe having coffee together, just chatting before work started. One of them was Ralph "Sonny" Barger and the other was Tobie Gene. That's right during the industrial age Sonny Barger who would later become the founder and leader of the notorious, iconic biker gang HELL'S ANGELS M.C. and THEE Tobie Gene who would become the founder/president of the world famous, legendary, pioneering EAST BAY DRAGONS started out as just buddies drinking coffee before work. Exciting stories like this are found in the page turning book, "SOULS ON BIKES", which many people have discovered a culture they knew little of or nothing about. For those that never knew black bikers existed it is a reality check like no other especially the things that black bikers very rarely put up with and DID NOT tolerate during the most blatant of racist times from bigots. You even notice there were African-American motorcycle groups before them and how they were a blueprint for bike clubs we know today. While reading about the life of Tobie Gene and the East Bay Dragons of Oakland California you can't help but cheer, laugh and always wonder what will happen to this tough group of bikers. Read about historical moments that happen right in your face, not to mention the history made by the Dragons during the golden years of motorcycles and choppers in this great American story. There are connections you can't help but make between your past or that of your family's which is like connecting with distant family. This book will send chills up your spine and have you wanting get on a bike and ride till the wheels fall off. You also notice how these men lived life to the fullest and loved their families which breaks that awful stereotype of bikers. So whenever you get the chance to get your hands on this beautiful story, I guarantee you will not want to put this book down... it will take you on a wild ride with the bikers you're sure to love.

You Need To Know: JANIE OMOROGBE

Original information from THE SUN, JANIE'S SITE and Wikipedia.

When you think of a world class motorcycle enthusiast, racer and expert what do you think of??? I'll wait... Well most of you might think a typical caucasian male. Well get that thought the hell out of your head so you can replace it with a two-wheel loving diva who is a true motorcycle aficionado or aficionada. She is JANIE OMOROGBE the beautiful queen of bikes that has set Europe on fire with her endless knowledge and riding skill on a bike. Before doing what she loves best... RIDING and RIDING SOME MORE, the UK native did many incredible things before grabing her helmet and leather riding suit for a living. She was an ambulance driver/advanced first aid technician, successful model, winner of beauty contests, but more notable as RIO on the hit British version of GLADIATOR. Speaking of the warriors of old that did battle in Greek coliseums, she played one in the hit movie of 2000 "GLADIATOR" as the bow and arrow wielding warrior on a chariot that was later cut in half by that same chariot. After great success on many levels she choose a new endeavor, showing the world that not only women can ride a motorcycle but could ride extremely well. Janie is a born rider, being an avid track racer as well as a long distant rough terrain rider. She also showcased her natural talent as an on-air personality on show after successful show hosting UK television's "Car Crazy Rio", "Top Bikes", "Two Wheels", "Revved Up", "Teen Trials", "Pit Stop Bikes", "Pulling Power", "Top Gear" and "Frans Angels". Now if that was not enough she proved to be a great jounalist on the widely syndicated UK news papers THE SUN and THE TIMES with her own column on every motorcycle.

I can't convey it any clearer that Janie's resume of bikes has to make her the foremost expert on motorcycles, BAR NONE. THERE IS NO ONE IN HISTORY THAT HAS RIDEN AS MANY MOTORCYCLES THAN HER. Janie loves her job very much, as everyone that comes in contact with her can tell. She is truly and inspiration for everyone to aspire to be in the motorcycle world and then some. Success for her just comes with ease and she is a true testament to hard work paying off. The one thing that can never be over looked is her statuesque physique that stands a perfect 6' 2". Even though her dimensions make every man drool, it is her high expectations, never ending drive and bright intelect that have made her a true achiever of greatness. I am proud not only that she is black but that she is a woman that stands proud showing that it is not the gender or color that makes a great rider, but the tenacity and love of motorcycles that makes you a better rider. I hope to become as good as she is. Riders twist the throttle for a legendary rider phenom... JANIE OMOROGBE!!!!

It should also be known that Janie is a great giver as well as organizer of charities know as The Variety Club’s Children’s Charity and Sparks

You Need To Know: RIDERS FOR HEALTH

Original information from footage and article from Moto GP & Riders for Health, Words by BLOG HOLDER

For so long many nurses had to walk over nine miles (15km) a day just to get medicine, condoms or medical information all over central Africa where villages are unfortunate to have paved roads or transportation. Then in a meant well effort UNICEF gave a medical operation run downed motorcycles to help and even save people. An effort that was not good enough. Soon Princess Ann of England received a generous donation from Ralph Mamola, a famous Moto GP racer of America, for aiding children with medical needs in Africa. When she received this knowing about motorcycles being an important tool on harsh African terrain, it didn't take her long to get the motorcycle expert involved to help out and that's he did in a huge way. With Andrea and Barry Coleman (co-founders of the organization) RIDERS FOR HEALTH organization made up of motorcycle riders and medical aid to take supplies from Nigeria to Zimbabwe. Riders for health has employed over 100's of black African men and women to train under a rigorous rider course and be trained in medical applications and knowledge. With the help of IAVM(International Academy of Vehicle Maintenance) they have helped RFH to maintain reliable zero break down transportation systems, RFH also have programs to educate the locals on simple medical knowledge and fix their vehicles.

Randy Mamola, Moto GP & Riders for Health Organizer

With the success of Riders For Health many countries in Africa ,starting with Gambia in 2002, have in trusted the organization's with all their medical transporting duties and help. Because of their impressive dependable record they are famous for providing service that never breaks down because of the expert training and maintenance provided to these riders. This caused many motorcycle manufacturers to help out as well like DUCATI (donating $40,000 EVERY YEAR) and Honda (giving RHF motorcycles and spare parts). The efforts has done very well in helping prevent the spread of AIDS, MALARIA and other common diseases and sickness. RFH has become so good at getting everywhere that they are the only means trusted to get medicine across the continent where 4 wheels aren't reliable or become too cumbersome. RHF riders have become quite ingenious in outfitting specific motorcycles with a side car that can carry patients around or pump water via a carriage attached to the back of the bike that's fitted with a hose too. It's called the multi-purpose Uhuru (Swahili for Freedom) Motorcycle which has saved many lives and produced lots of water for those that haven't the means. Riders For Health have done many great things and I wish them all the best. Visit their website to check out what's going on. I know I'm going to get a shirt and hat and donate, but that's me. But this is something you need to know. Thanks for checking out this special "YOU NEED TO KNOW" it was a pleasure and purpose in doing it just like the blog. RIDE ON!!!

Please look at the story of RIDERS FOR HEALTH

You Need To Know: BESSIE STRINGFIELD, THE QUEEN OF MOTORCYCLES

Original Source AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame & Harley Davidson History Words by BLOG HOLDER

This born legend is someone everyone needs to know, in fact there is talk about making her life into a much deserved movie. After you read this you will agree with that BESSIE STRINGFIELD is truly an inspiration for everyone regardless of gender.

Bessie was born in Jamaica in 1911 and came to America and became an orphan at age 5, but this was a card that was dealt to Bessie made her strong willed. Fortunately she was taken in by an Irish woman that gave Bessie a centered spirit in God and determination to strive for what she wanted as long as she asked God for it. At the age of 16 this born rider that had never ridden a bike asked the Irish woman to give her a motorcycle which was a 1928 Indian which she didn't know how to operate but miraculously learned by herself that day. Now that is amazing but her Irish caretaker said that it was God that blessed her to be a motorcyclist... and a purpose.

At the age of 19, Bessie was a great seasoned rider and that's when she began to become a legend. She would toss a penny in the air and when it landed on the map she knew where she was going to go and this was at the height racism at it's most ignorant and ugliest. This cruel stupidity would not stop her from going where she wanted and when she wanted. She would go from state to state staying with black families. Back then blacks in America were tight and trusting. She even stated that she would stay with families and get a place to sleep and eat for free because of the love black families had amongst each other. If she couldn't find a loving black family this didn't stop her, so she would simply pull into a service station and roll up her jacket and use it as a makeshift pillow and rest her body on the bike. From the 1930's through the 40's she had completed 8... EIGHT SOLO TRIPS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES and once again this during the height of racist stupidity. She soon became a inspiration for other female riders regardless of color and an instrument of determination for African-Americans... and like a legend she stated she was just living her life.

During her riding in the early part of life she had married and divorced six men. She was a very strong independent woman and stayed that way. Soon World War II came and she volunteered to become a motorcycle dispatcher on her Harley Davidson 61 which carried secret-viable government documents from base to base. During one of her travels an idiotic bigot ran her off the rode but all she did was dust off and keep riding as the only woman rider in her unit.

In the 1950's Bessie went to Miami live her life and continue doing what she did best... something legendary. Bessie became a registered nurse and bought her own house too, but after work that's when she lived her real life as the organizer and founder of the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club... but disguised as as a man. She revealed her identity after she won a big motorcycle race in Miami beating every man. Once she showed everyone she was a woman she was denied the prize money by sexist idiots that couldn't conceive a woman beating inferior men that were not as good as she was. Once she showed everyone that she was the real thing, everyone gave her the respect she deserved and not only that she attracted press from all over that called her the "Negro Motorcycle Queen" and later the undisputed "Motorcycle Queen of Miami." She later became a stunt rider as well... imagine the first Jason Britton or Wink 1100 was a woman.

When all was said an done Bessie has owned 27 Harley, completed over 8 tours across America, became an accomplished stunt rider, racer, Army Motorcycle dispatcher, prominent figure in motorcycling, great image for women and African-Americans to prove ignorance and most of all a LEGEND. In 1993 this legend passed away from complications from having a big heart which she and everyone stated was ironic. She did have a big beautiful heart that never stopped her from doing what she loved to do which was riding even when the doctor told she shouldn't ride. She told him if I don't ride I don't live so I can't stop... I am honored to have written about this legend and will make sure to let everyone know about this great rider. Everyone twist the throttle for legend BESSIE STRINGFIELD.

You Need To Know: THE KING OF MOTORCYCLES

Original information from various sites, words from BLOG HOLDER


Benjamin Franklin Hardy Sr., Benny Hardy, Ben Hardy or just Brother Ben. No matter how you address him he is the late great motorcycle legend that is becoming respectfully known as a great motorcycle dealer, all knowing mechanic and superior bike builder. Even more famous for his two great creations that are world known... "The Easy Rider" movie motorcycles. King Benny, through his work has always been know as the go-to person for everyone black or white to ask about motorcycles (research by Onyx Rider will continue to find out where and how he learned everything about motorcycles). Then when Cliff Vaughs, another legendary rider and filmmaker, came to Brother Ben with film star and writer Dennis Hopper to make motorcycle history... and that is what he did. Harley Davidson wouldn't give Dennis motorcycles so Dennis and Cliff purchased old bikes which were the canvas for King Benny's masterpieces... The Captain America and Billy Bike.

His work and sales took place in a building at 1168 E. Florence Ave. near the corner of S. Central Blvd. when it was an industrial site for Good Year tires and other industries that were beginning.

Here at "Hardy's Motorcycle Service" Ben was know as the first king of custom cycles... AND THIS WAS IN THE LATE 40's, 50's! Here everyone came to see what he would put out and get their bikes fixed and tuned. Now at this historical site is Father & Sons Rebuild Auto Parts, but the memories still reign on the legacy of his work can be seen in California through other builders and riders. Recently at the California African-American Museum the exhibit "Black Chrome" has showcased the work, contributions and lifestyle of African-Americans in the motorcycle culture and Benny was honored with a standing ovation when his daughter showed... Kevin, the Grandson of this legend, has explained his love and honor not only for Benny as a person, but as a innovator of the motorcycle world.