Unruly Strength - Concept 01

This first badge is quite simple, and would feature some pull bars in the middle.

Also, I'm trying to accomplish effects on my type such as this (the word "Road" on that badge) or this, but I haven't yet achieved satisfying results. I've been using half circles as base shapes to do envelope distorts, but meh. Anybody have a suggestion or some pointers that don't involve redrawing the type?