Pedal, Pop & Style 🍋
My love for bicycles began with my Dad…
As a kid, I remember tagging along with him to the bike shop, where he would browse bicycles and swap stories with his cycling club. The scent of fresh rubber lingered in the air, and the walls were a rainbow of racing jerseys and shiny new gadgets. My Dad was an avid cyclist, training daily, winning races, and riding up to 100 miles at a time. His journeys stretched from the flat hot desert roads to the rugged climbs of Northern Arizona.
Years later, in grad school in Chicago, I found myself in need of a way to cross the city. From the North Side, where I taught, back to my tiny garden apartment in Logan Square, the most practical choice would have been a simple single-speed bike. But then I walked into Kozy’s Bike Shop in Lakeview, and there it was.
The Lemon Peeler!
A yellow gleam caught my eye: the Sting-Ray “Lemon Peeler.” A reissue of the iconic model, it had all the charm of the original—20-inch rear wheel, 16-inch front wheel, springer fork, longhorn bars, and a bright banana seat!
Did it take me twice as long to get from point A to point B? Most definitely. Every ride came with smiles from strangers and stories from those who remembered owning one just like it. The slower pace was part of the magic.
This Spring, it felt only fitting to take my Lemon Peeler out for a ride through Forestville, California. Miles and I spent the afternoon circling the old Carr’s Drive-In, known for its classic burgers, milkshakes, and a slice of small-town charm. I pedaled under the California sun, wind in my hair, laughter echoing in the parking lot.
The Schwinn Sting-Ray first debuted in 1963 after kids in Southern California began modifying their bikes to mimic the bold lines and flair of hot rod culture. With its banana seat, high-rise handlebars, and smaller wheels, it wasn’t just a bike; it was a statement.
Born out of youthful rebellion and West Coast sunshine, the Sting-Ray quickly became an icon of freedom and style, capturing the imagination of a generation. For youngsters like my Dad, it was their first taste of independence and their first cruise through the neighborhood with the wind at their back.
Riding Full Circle
Somehow, my story with this bicycle had come full circle: from Chicago to California, from past to present. Bicycles were a cherished part of my childhood, and now I found myself standing beside my Kool Lemon classic once again.
That afternoon, I wore a dress from my Spring Collection, stitched together with the spirit of the same era.
Forestville’s town motto is “The Good Life,” and for a few golden hours, it truly was.
Lovingly,
– Michelle
Pieces from The Spring POP! Collection:
Photos: "Limoncello" by Benjamin Miles | Camera: FujiFilm X100V