From a joyful new children’s book to a manatee-powered apparel drop, Marley Blonsky is bringing the same message to both: you do not have to fit the old mold to belong on a bike.
On the surface, bikes can be intimidating. When most people think of a “typical cyclist,” they think of skinny, leg-shaved elitists, trying to drop you from the social ride. A culture of being as fast as possible and at any cost.
Cycling-curious consumers are pummeled daily by bike and gear ads that render previous models obsolete, making cycling feel inaccessible.
But once you dig deeper (or just quit reading the bait-and-switch headlines), you’ll find that the bike world is filled with wonderful people. Most are just chasing the feeling of freedom they discovered as kids. Rather than putting their effort into pushing the latest bike gadget, some opt for the simplicity of the bike and the magic it creates.
That is where Marley Blonsky is right now. She has two new projects that may look different on the surface but are actually doing the same work underneath.
The first is her debut children’s book, The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club: A Story About Riding Your Own Way.
The second is the new “Fast as a MF Manatee” capsule collection with SHREDLY. The partnership totally makes sense. The women-founded apparel brand is a natural choice, with sizing that reflects the sizing needs of real riders and folks looking to start their fitness journey.
Taken together, both projects land in the same place: making bikes feel bigger, friendlier, and a whole lot more fun.
Bikes Bring Adventure
Blonsky’s new book introduces readers to a group of different kids who are not “typical cyclists,” just kids looking to ride. The book leans into the freedom and joy of riding in all its forms. That means racing, popping wheelies, riding to a friend’s house, or just pedaling in search of ice cream (yes!).
To a lot of kids, the biggest barrier to feeling like they belong in sport is not whether they can do it. It’s whether they can see themselves in it at all.
That’s what The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club does so well. It widens the picture, makes space, and reminds young readers that there is no one right way to do what you love. More importantly, there is no one right kind of body, background, or style required to get the invitation to play.
Cake & Books
I got to attend a small party/reading of the book at this year’s Sea Otter Classic, and it was magical. Not in some overcooked, “content moment” kind of way. In the real way. Kids were locked in. Adults were smiling. A doggo wanted to eat the cake!
The room felt warm and open and easy. That may be the best thing you can say about a children’s book reading. This is Blonsky’s first children’s title, and it feels like a natural extension of the work she has already done.
SHREDLY Collab
On the apparel side, Blonsky’s collaboration with SHREDLY takes that same message and gives it a little more sass.
The new Fast as a MF Manatee capsule is inspired by Blonsky’s now-familiar mix of humor, confidence, and body liberation. The unbothered energy of the manatee is the perfect essence of the line.
The collection is built around speed and confidence. That is the real win here. The phrase is funny, sure, but it also hits a deeper note. It rejects the old assumption that if you are not the fastest, the lightest, or the most traditional-looking rider in the bunch, then you are somehow doing it wrong.
What’s in the collection?
The capsule includes five pieces, all designed with an inclusive fit and practical ride function in mind. Plus, all come offered in sizes XS to 3X and 00 to 24.
The headline piece is the Biker Bib. SHREDLY’s bib opts for a drop-tail for easier bathroom breaks, cargo pockets for snacks and ride essentials, and a breathable mesh upper. The bibs use ombré straps that give the whole thing a little visual punch without getting weird.
There is also the Limitless 7-inch Stretch Waistband High-Rise Short. It’s a versatile short built around SHREDLY’s signature waistband and finished with the manatee logo in the collection’s custom colorway.
The Short Sleeve Explorer Shirt brings a lightweight, cropped tee into the mix. It’s aimed at the everyday rides, errands, hanging out, and whatever happens after the bike gets leaned against the porch.
Then there is the Beyond Tech Long Sleeve Cargo Top, which may quietly be the sleeper hit of the collection. It mixes a soft ombré look with rear cargo pockets; more pockets are always welcome.
And yes, there are matching socks. Because if you are going to commit to a manatee-themed ride kit, halfway would be a real mistake.
Doing the Real Work
Cycling loves to talk about growth, community, accessibility, and getting more people on bikes. However, the follow-through is usually left in the conference room.
Marley Blonsky just keeps finding ways to actually do it.
Put it all together: With The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club, Blonsky has helped create the kind of bike story more kids should know. SHREDLY’s Fast as a MF Manatee gives riders a rallying cry that is funny on the surface and powerful underneath.
This feels like a very good reminder that the bike world gets better the more people can see themselves in it.
Now available at Strong Girl Publishing, along with many more rider-themed books for kids and young teens.
