Baltimore

Baltimore

Baltimore is a city that has a rich and complex history. It was founded in 1729 as a port town and quickly became a center for trade and commerce. In this presentation, we will explore some of the key features and attractions that make Baltimore such a beautiful and stunning city.

Introduction to Baltimore

Baltimore is known for its unique architecture, with styles ranging from colonial to modern. One of the most iconic buildings in the city is the Bromo Seltzer Tower, which was built in 1911 and served as the headquarters for the Bromo Seltzer company. Another particular building is the Walters Art Museum, which was originally built as a private residence. Today, it's used to show off collections of arts and artifacts from around the world.

Architecture in Baltimore

Baltimore is home to an amazing art scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and museums. The Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the largest in the country. The city is also very known for its music, particularly jazz and blues. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest and most known orchestras in the country, and the city hosts several music festivals throughout the year.

Culture and Arts in Baltimore

Baltimore is a sports-loving city, with passionate fans supporting their local teams. The Baltimore Orioles are the city's Major League Baseball team. The Baltimore Ravens are the city's National Football League team, and M&T Bank Stadium is always full of fans on game day.

Sports in Baltimore

Baltimore is famous for its seafood, particularly crab cakes and steamed blue crabs. There are countless restaurants throughout the city that serve up these local dishes with a unique taste. Baltimore is also known for its fresh oysters, which can be served raw, steamed, or fried. Berger cookies are loved Baltimore treats. These cake cookies are topped with a thick layer of chocolate and are a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Baltimore's Meals

Despite being a busy city, Baltimore has plenty of green spaces for residents and tourists to enjoy. Patterson Park is a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and playing sports, while Druid Hill Park has a zoo, botanical gardens, and miles of hiking trails. The Inner Harbor is another outdoor attraction, with shops, restaurants, and boat tours.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Baltimore

Baltimore is a city that has been gaining attention for its unique connection to the #bikelife phenomenon. This trend has seen an increase in popularity over the years and has become a cultural movement in Baltimore. we will explore the correlation between Baltimore and the #bikelife culture.

Riding the Charm City: exploring Bikelife

Participants of the #bikelife community share a passion for dirtbikes and often gather in groups to ride together. The movement has gained popularity in recent years, especially among young people: social media has played a significant role in the rise of #bikelife culture. Many riders post videos and photos of their stunts online, which has helped to create a sense of community among bikers in Baltimore and beyond.

What's Bikelife?

Altough the resources are few, Baltimore and Harlem both claimed to have brought dirtbikes to the streets in the 1990s. The organisation "GoHardBoys" is the first well-known bikelife group in Baltimore, founded by Shea Evans and Don Villanueva. Over the years more dirtbiking communities were created all over the city.

Who and Where started the culture?

From the outside, the GoHardBoys might look like a street gang. They ride through the streets on dirt bikes and four wheelers. Members are adorned in denim and many sport tattoos. However, looks can be deceiving, because the GoHardBoys are not a gang, nor a motorcycle club. According to Shea Evans, they are a family with a particular love of extreme street riding, the community, and Baltimore.

The "GoHardBoys"

The bikelife community is often misunderstood by those who are not familiar with its culture and values. While it is true that many riders in the community like doing illegal activities such as performing stunts in unsafe areas, the vast majority of riders are respectful of police and other authorities.

the Relationship with Police

It is important to understand that the bikelife community is not anti-police. Many riders in the community view themselves as part of a larger subculture that promotes freedom, creativity, and self-expression. They see riding dirtbikes as a way to connect with others who share their passion for the sport and to push the limits of themselves. While some may view this as a lack of respect for the law or authority, many in the community would argue that they are simply practicing their interests and hobbies, the passion that makes them happy.

the Bikelife community, the fashion world and the music industry (especially rap) have met many times: many rappers are fans of the two-wheeled culture, and since the world of music and fashion are very close to each other, the bikelife has also become related to it

Bikelife = Music Industry / Fashion?

Let's watch some examples

The bikelife phenomenon is expanding more everyday thanks to social media and influencers. A clear example is Peter Wassili, a guy who created "24.7 fastlife", an italian group made with the purpose of spreading the message of American bikelife. "24.7 fastlife" has been very successful especially during 2022 and has managed to attract the attention of great rappers of the rap scene such as Sfera Ebbasta, Artie 5ive and Rondodasosa.

Bikelife is expanding

"I can't draw a picture, I can't paint, I can't do art like that, but you know, when i get on my bike, that's my art" - Gogi Esparza, Bikelife community member