Soul on Bikes: The East Bay Dragons MC and the Black Biker Set

The black biker set presented itself, established itself, and filled a void from the beginning. Fifty years ago a lot of prejudices filled our lives. If you grew up in the South, you lived that mentality. If you lived in Oakland, California, nobody cared. Well, some cared but most were just excited about having a job! After all California was the place of plenty and fifty years ago we had plenty of fledgling motorcycle clubs. For the month of March, we at Motorcycle Fiction would like to present to you the story of Tobie Gene Levingston, the reigning President of the East Bay Dragons M C, an all-black all male motorcycle club for over 40 years.“Soul On BikesThe East Bay Dragons MC and the Black Biker Set” Tobie starts this books in the present time. He has two club brothers dead and an invisible enemy telling him he has to cease and desist. No wearing your colors. He leaves the Club house to think. He remembers the story of a man who had to Pee. He laughs and knows he has made his decision, " ain’t nobody going to tell us we can’t wear our colors on these Oakland Streets, not after 40 years! Nobody!”That is the attitude of the club. Tobie started out as a sharecroppers’ son. His large family and a loving Mother gave him the values he needed to be a man and he has certainly shown us all what it takes to be a man; he has lead the ‘East Bay Dragons’ for the last 50 years. He knows what it takes to be the leader of men. This is a history book, a very well written history book that will keep you entertained and smiling remembering your own history. This is a great history book. Enjoy

I read this book when it first came out, and I've read it repeatedly over the past four years. I just put it down again last night. This is a fascinating and well-written walk through the Black Biker Set (I ride) and it's a sad reality that no other books like it have come along.I want to know more about how Mr. Levingston's family dealt with his lifestyle. I want to know more about how American politics factored into their world. I want to know about how and why the Dragons chose their preferred styles of motorcyles over the years. It's reasonably well known that Bay Area Hells Angels generally prefer a certain type of bike while the Dragons are drawn to a different style. I'd like to know the philosophies behind their chosen machines.And, on a deeper level, I want to know more about the other legendary Black clubs out there. This isn't necessarily a job for Mr. Levingston but for historians and publishers. I want to see more books like this. There are videos out there detailing the  Wheels of Soul  and another entitled " Glory Road " which is more general. Both are great documents and more are being produced. But where are the written histories to accompany this excellent overview of one of the premier Black clubs?For potential readers, you can't go wrong with this book. If you enjoy biker books, this one is unique. If you enjoy Black history, again, this is a unique entry. And if you just want to read something off the beaten path, you can't go wrong here.

Most of the african american based clubs usually have their beginings in the late 60's and early 70's. Being in an M/C myself that has its beginings in the later part of the 80's , I figured this book would be rich in history and perspective. I hate reading novels, but this book gripped me and I read the whole thing in 2 days. I'm not really good at book comments, but I will say this is a must read book if you are in a M/C,and should be a required read especially if you are in an african american based M/C. This book has left a lasting inspirational inpression on me as a motorcyclist and as a president of a M/C myself. I've been pushing this on my members and other friends. I dont want to sound pro-black in my review. But the book de-bunks alot of myths about african americans and their spot in the motorcycle community. This book has giving me a sense of pride and gratitude towards clubs that paved the way for a guy like me to ride my chopper and fly my colors without fear of police brutality or revival racial M/C beefs. White, black, or inbetween. THIS IS A GOOD BOOK, go out it read it.

First off i never knew that much bout the East Bay Dragons, altho im from the Town(oakland) ive seen them but never knew the history to them so i decided to get this book to learn a lil mo about them, and woow was i amazed about how much there was to know about them and their history and the founder and the length of time they've been around. Honestly this is one of the best books ive read in a long time!! if you have any interest in motorcyle clubs history such as ones from the East Bay besides the Hells Angels this is the book to get!!!!! Super interesting!!! Gene Toby is a legend in my eyes now!!! Much mo respect for the East Bay Dragons after reading this book!!! A huge part of Oakland history!!! If you want to learn about another huge part of Oakland history then read this!!! couldn't put the book down it was that good!!! Much respect to the East Bay Dragons!!! Honestly if you are living or from the Town you should read this book!!! Even if you are from another city in the East Bay you should read this book!!!

I enjoy this book from page one until the end. It is a great story about family and motorcycles. The East Bay Dragons MC still does great things in the community.

Excellent read; glad I got it too read. Thanks

Great book, about a legend. RIP Tobie Gene

When this book first came out I attended a local book signing by Mr. Levingston and it was very moving. As an African American Man I am always interested in books that speak directly to Black Men with an authentic story of how Black Men can prevent themselves from being just another statistic. An inspirational story of one of the oldest Black Mens Harley Davidson's clubs in America.

One of the most fascinating books I have ever read. As a white person, I have found it very hard to access black history. The author takes you from the early years as a son of a dirt poor share cropper, through the days of political activism of the 60's and 70's and on to today. It is a journey worth recording and I have every admiration for people who overcame the social stigma of being bikers and a more sinster one of race and colour. Told with humour and honesty it is a real eye-opener. Recommended.

Interesting read, and an insight into the bike scene during the early early years of MC clubs in the same area.

Great read! Recomended