Iconic Brands: A retrospective

Some brands are born in boardrooms. Others are born in garages, with grease-stained hands, sparks flying, and an untamed love for speed. The Frijole Mini-Bike is the latter, an icon that’s been buzzing through parking lots, backyards, and empty streets since 1965. The Frijole wasn’t about winning trophies or setting land speed records. It was about freedom. About hopping on a frame that was barely bigger than you were, twisting the throttle, and feeling like Evel Knievel on two tiny wheels. Parents hated it. Kids worshipped it. And that’s exactly why it became a legend. Fast-forward to today, and the Frijole Mini-Bike is more than just nostalgia; it’s heritage. The kind of heritage you wear on your back, like the shirt in this photo. That graphic isn’t just a cool design; it’s a blueprint of rebellion. A schematic of simpler times when the only thing that mattered was how fast you could get from one side of the lot to the other before your buddy yelled, “Cops!” Frijole isn’t polished. It isn’t corporate. It’s raw, it’s scrappy, and it’s authentic. Just like BMX, skate, or surf culture, the mini-bike lifestyle is about staying true to what you love... even if it gets you a few scraped knees along the way. So whether you’re riding one or rocking the tee, remember: the Frijole Mini-Bike is proof that legends don’t need chrome, polish, or a showroom floor. All they need is a small frame, a loud motor, and a fearless rider. Since 1965. Still raising hell.

Aviation has always been about pushing the limits of speed, innovation, and imagination. In the photo above, two generations of aerospace history collide: the Lark missile, a Cold War-era guided weapon, and the F-35 Lightning II, the world’s most advanced stealth fighter. Together, they capture a legacy of innovation that spans decades - one built on bold engineering, relentless testing, and a vision for the future of flight. The bright yellow Lark, one of the earliest Navy surface-to-air missile projects, represents an era when engineers were experimenting with rocket propulsion and radar guidance to defend skies in a rapidly changing world. While it never entered full service, the Lark laid the groundwork for future missile systems, paving the way for technologies that reshaped modern air defense. Fast forward to today, and the F-35 Lightning II embodies the pinnacle of that journey. As a fifth-generation fighter, it combines stealth, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, and unparalleled versatility into one aircraft. Capable of operating from carriers, short runways, and austere bases, the Lightning II is not just a jet; it’s a networked powerhouse designed for 21st-century battlespaces. What makes this juxtaposition so powerful is the story it tells: aerospace history is never static. Every breakthrough, whether a prototype missile in the 1940s or a stealth fighter flying today, is part of a continuum of innovation. Brands, enthusiasts, and veterans who proudly wear the F-35 Lightning II emblem aren’t just supporting a modern marvel; they’re honoring the heritage of aviation pioneers who made it possible. Whether you’re an aviation buff, a veteran, or simply someone inspired by human ingenuity, standing before symbols like these is a reminder that progress always soars higher when we respect where we’ve come from. From the Lark to the Lightning II, the sky has never been the limit. It’s only the beginning.

Before BMX was a worldwide sport with stadium lights and TV coverage, it was a handful of kids in Southern California, taking their bikes off-road and pretending to be motocross stars. And leading the charge was Webco BMX. Founded in the early 1970s, Webco was one of the very first companies to see the potential in this new movement. Long before “BMX” was a household name, Webco was building tough, lightweight frames and parts designed to take the abuse of dirt jumps, backyard tracks, and endless wheelies down the block. Their gear quickly became the standard for young riders pushing the limits. Webco bikes weren’t about cruising; they were about racing, jumping, and going bigger every time. By the mid-70s, BMX tracks were popping up across the U.S., and Webco was already cemented as one of the founding names of the sport. Today, Webco’s legacy lives on in the culture of BMX. Every tail whip, tabletop, and backyard session trace its roots back to those first kids on Webco bikes, proving that a simple idea - mixing motocross style with pedal power - could launch an entire movement. Webco BMX wasn’t just early to the game. They were the first name in motocross on two wheels.

Southern California in the 1960s and 70s was a breeding ground for speed culture with surfboards on the beach, dragsters at Lions, and mini-bikes ripping through dusty lots. Right in the middle of it all was Steen’s, a company that helped define what it meant to go fast and have fun. From the legendary Frijole Mini-Bike to wild creations like the Pole-Cat kart, Steen’s turned everyday garages into launchpads for adrenaline. These weren’t just machines; they were entry tickets into a lifestyle of freedom, grit, and a little bit of rebellion. What set Steen’s apart was its attitude. While other brands leaned on polish and perfection, Steen’s embraced its skunk mascot, a symbol of scrappy determination and mischievous spirit. Steen’s gear wasn’t about looking fancy; it was about getting dirty, racing hard, and laughing with your friends along the way. Today, Steen’s lives on as a symbol of that golden age of SoCal speed. Enthusiasts still restore their mini-bikes and karts, wear the logos proudly, and pass down the stories to new generations. Because at the end of the day, Steen’s wasn’t just selling machines. Steen’s was selling freedom on wheels.

When Steen’s was pushing boundaries in the 1960s, they weren’t just making mini-bikes, they were also taking karting to the next level. Enter the Steen’s Pole-Cat, a machine that looked small but packed a serious punch. The Pole-Cat wasn’t your average go-kart. With its beefy frame, twin-engine setup, and raw design, it was built to do one thing: go fast. Steen’s brought the same rebellious, innovative spirit that made the Frijole mini-bike famous into the karting world, giving adrenaline-hungry riders a new way to test their limits. Much like Steen’s other creations, the Pole-Cat became more than just a machine; it was a statement. It embodied Southern California’s golden age of speed culture, where garages doubled as workshops, and young riders were willing to push anything with wheels to the edge. Today, the Pole-Cat stands as a reminder of a fearless era, when ingenuity and passion meant more than polish and perfection. Strapping into one wasn’t just about racing; it was about joining a movement that celebrated grit, freedom, and the thrill of speed. Because when Steen’s built the Pole-Cat, they weren’t just making a kart - they were making history at full throttle.

In the 1960s, Southern California was the birthplace of surf, skate, and moto culture. Right in the middle of it all was Steen’s, a small company with a big idea. Their creation, the Frijole Mini-Bike, became one of the most iconic machines of the mini-bike craze. Unlike the clunky, backyard-built minis of the time, the Frijole was purpose-built, sturdy, and stylish. Its compact frame could handle real horsepower, turning what was once just a kid’s toy into a legitimate little racer. For a generation of young riders, Steen’s bikes were a first taste of freedom and speed, accessible, fun, and just rebellious enough to make parents nervous. And then there was the skunk mascot - cheeky, mischievous, and unforgettable. Steen’s embraced the idea that riding wasn’t just about performance; it was about attitude. The skunk became a badge of honor, symbolizing grit, humor, and the scrappy underdog spirit that defined the brand. Today, original Frijole frames are prized collectors’ items, with enthusiasts restoring them to keep the legacy alive. For many, seeing that Steen’s logo instantly sparks memories of dusty lots, scraped knees, and the thrill of twisting a throttle for the very first time. More than just a mini-bike, Steen’s built a culture - one that still makes riders smile decades later. Because in the world of motorcycles, some legends aren’t the biggest - they’re just the most unforgettable.

In the world of two wheels, some legends come in pint-sized packages. Enter the Frijole Mini-Bike, built by Steen’s in Southern California in the mid-1960s. What started as a small shop with big ideas ended up shaping the mini-bike craze that swept across America. The Frijole, Spanish for “bean”, wasn’t just a fun backyard toy. It was a serious little machine with a sturdy frame, compact design, and the ability to handle real engines. Unlike the clunky, cobbled-together minis of the era, Steen’s delivered a professionally built bike that riders could customize, race, and actually depend on. For kids and teens in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the Frijole was freedom on two wheels. It meant you didn’t have to wait to grow up to feel the thrill of riding; you just had to kickstart it and hang on. These bikes tore through empty lots, dirt trails, and even early mini-bike races, carving their place in moto culture. And then there was the Steen’s skunk mascot, a cheeky symbol of grit and mischief that became as iconic as the bikes themselves. Steen’s wasn’t about being polished or proper; it was about getting dirty, going fast, and having a blast. Today, original Frijole frames are collector’s items, and the name still sparks nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the golden age of SoCal mini-bike culture. Steen’s proved that size doesn’t matter - heart, hustle, and a little skunk attitude do.

Before stadium lights and corporate sponsors, Southern California had the Lions Drag Strip, a gritty, roaring slice of motorsport history that ran from 1955 to 1972 in Wilmington, near Long Beach. Back then, Friday and Saturday nights weren’t about Netflix; they were about nitro. Fans crowded the stands, the smell of burnt rubber filled the air, and some of the fastest quarter mile runs in history were laid down on that strip of asphalt. It wasn’t just a racetrack; it was a proving ground for legends. Drag racing icons like Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, and Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney all thundered down Lions. It became known as the “Beach” of drag racing, a place where horsepower and heart settled scores. But what made Lions truly special was its community. It was run by local car clubs and volunteers, with proceeds going to the Lions Club charities. For racers and fans alike, it wasn’t about big money; it was about passion, pride, and speed. Though Lions closed in 1972, its legacy is still alive. Old photos, race posters, and vintage tees keep the spirit burning. For those who were there, it was more than drag racing; it was raw Americana, wide open at full throttle. So when you throw on a Lions Drag Strip tee, you’re not just wearing a shirt; you’re wearing a piece of history that once shook Southern California to its core.

In 1972, motocross fever swept across the Pacific and landed in one of the most unique racing venues in America: Hawaii Raceway Park. Tucked into Oahu’s sugarcane fields and surrounded by mountains, the track hosted the U.S. Championships and brought together riders from across the country. It wasn’t just another race; it was a cultural moment. Hawaiian motocross mixed mainland speed with island grit, creating a scene where local talent battled visiting pros on red dirt under tropical skies. Fans packed the fences, engines echoed off the hills, and motocross carved its place into Hawaii’s motorsports history. Looking back, the 1972 championships symbolize a golden age, when motocross was raw, growing fast, and full of possibility. Riders weren’t chasing million-dollar contracts; they were chasing the pure thrill of dirt, sweat, and checkered flags. More than fifty years later, that race still lives on in stories, shirts, and the riders who remember the roar of Hawaii Raceway Park in its prime.

At first glance, you might wonder, why is there a skunk on a Steen’s cap? The answer goes back to one of the quirkiest and most beloved stories in motorcycle racing culture. Steen’s was a Southern California company in the 1960s and 70s best known for its small-displacement motorcycles and minibikes. One of their proudest creations was the Steen’s Hodaka line, machines that became favorites for young riders and backyard racers. But more than the bikes themselves, Steen’s had a mascot that stuck: the skunk. The skunk wasn’t chosen at random; it became a tongue-in-cheek symbol of rebellion and grit. While other brands tried to look polished and serious, Steen’s leaned into the idea that racing was supposed to be fun, scrappy, and a little mischievous. Just like a skunk, Steen’s bikes were small but mighty, underestimated until you got too close. Then they left a lasting impression. Over time, the Steen’s skunk became a badge of pride for riders. It wasn’t about being flashy, it was about showing up, racing hard, and having a good laugh along the way. In many ways, the skunk perfectly captured the spirit of California’s garage-built moto scene: bold, stubborn, and unforgettable. So the next time you see that little skunk holding a checkered flag, know it’s more than just a logo; it’s a reminder that racing has always had room for rebels, underdogs, and a little bit of mischief.

Once upon a time, flying was glamorous and Trans World Airlines was the airline that defined it. From its founding in 1930, TWA turned air travel into an experience, not just a trip. Passengers lounged in roomy seats, sipped cocktails, and crossed the country in hours instead of days. With sleek jets, stylish uniforms, and iconic red-and-white branding, TWA made the skies feel like a red carpet. It was also an innovator, pioneering transcontinental flights and bringing jet travel across the Atlantic. Though TWA shut down in 2001, its spirit lives on. The TWA Hotel at JFK keeps the mid-century magic alive, complete with a restored Lockheed Constellation turned cocktail bar. TWA wasn’t just about getting somewhere; it was about arriving in style.

When it comes to modern military aviation, the F-35 Lightning II is in a league of its own. Designed to be the ultimate multirole stealth fighter, the F-35 isn’t just an aircraft. It’s a flying command center, reconnaissance hub, and strike platform all rolled into one sleek, supersonic package. Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 is the product of decades of innovation, billions in research, and the combined expertise of engineers, test pilots, and defense specialists. Available in three variants - conventional takeoff and landing, short takeoff/vertical landing, and carrier-based - it can operate in virtually any environment, from remote runways to aircraft carriers in the middle of the ocean. What makes the Lightning II so groundbreaking isn’t just its stealth profile or blistering speed, it’s the technology inside. With an advanced sensor suite, networked data-sharing capabilities, and unparalleled situational awareness, the F-35 doesn’t just fly missions; it coordinates them. In the modern battlespace, information is power, and the F-35 delivers it in real-time. For Lockheed Martin, the F-35 represents the pinnacle of their aerospace expertise, a continuation of a legacy that includes the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk, and the C-130 Hercules. It’s a symbol of engineering ambition, blending raw performance with digital-age intelligence. Wearing an F-35 shirt isn’t just a nod to cutting-edge aviation; it’s a salute to the people and technology shaping the future of the skies.