Fat Bike Deal of the Century

IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN A FAT BIKE, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!!
Last week, we challenged you to research fat bike availability in the area; it’s non-existent! This COULD be super-sad news, but Hometown is your Happy Place, and we’re determined to keep it that way!

We’ve negotiated an unheard of deal on carbon fat bikes that will be CUSTOM BUILT in a limited run for our shop. Shaun tells all in the video above ↑. Happy days are here again!

(One of the highlights of our trip was connecting with Carine Joannou, CEO of Jamis and Nirve Bikes!)

GEEKING OUT OVER BIKE STUFF IN CHICAGO

We had three goals for last week’s trip to the CABDA bike expo in Chicago:

1) Survive (it was our first time road tripping with two babies)
2) Connect with the amazing people that are part of the amazing companies that help make Hometown totally amazing!
3) Scope out great deals for you and your fellow Hometownies!

How did we make out?

1) Well, I’m writing this, so let’s put a big, gold star next to Goal 1!
2) Check out the photos below. It was incredible!
3) We found them!! You’ll be seeing new products at great prices appearing in the store over the coming months.

Thanks, CABDA! Mission accomplished!

(Clockwise from top left: The whole fam meets up with one of our favorite human beings on the planet – Tom T, our Jamis rep and Liam’s best buddy.  Mmm-MMMMMM… Xenith goodness!  Us gals enjoy hanging out with Jamis “demo maniac”, Max.  One gorgeous Jamis line-up!  Shaun and Liam geek out over bike specs.)

(Clockwise from top left: *Squeal!* Bike expo!  Our peeps, Matt & Eric from Framed Bikes which helped us put together the insane fat bike deal at the top of this email.  My guys chillin’ with Saris super-rep, Kellen.  Liam bonded with Park Tools’ legendary Director of Education, Calvin Jones.  Some of the world’s nicest people work at Lexco, like Denise and Izzy here!)

SPEAKING OF JAMIS… HOW’D YOU LIKE TO WIN SOME?!

This is SO COOL… check out this bikepacking contest that Jamis is running, with a grand prize of something like $5,000 in bikes and adventure gear! How sweet would it be if a Hometownie won?! What are you waiting for… ENTER NOW!!

As if that weren’t awesome enough… they’re also running a Nirve Beach Cruiser Valentine’s Day Giveaway. There’s 10 different ways to win, and the more you choose, the better your odds for winning a PAIR of stylin’ cruisers for you and your sweetheart!

THIS WEEKEND! “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINE CRAFT CLASS

SATURDAY, FEB. 11, NOON-2PM IN THE HOMETOWN COMMUNITY ROOM, $7

Your kids will create their very own, unique, bike-y Valentine in this family-friendly, holiday craft class, run by Hometown artist, Lauren Patrell of LPbyLP.

For ages 6 and up, but don’t be shy about participating if you’re an adult. We bet you know a cyclist or two who would love to get one of these from you!

LIMITED CLASS SIZE! $7 per person payable at time of class.

REGISTER NOW FOR “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINE’S KID CRAFT CLASS

THIS WEEK:  Flat Tire Fixes for Everyone (Hands On!)

We’re running our flat tire fix clinic 3 times this week with a limited class size, so that everyone – and we mean EVERYONE – gets individual attention, and an opportunity to practice with the expert (Shaun). Bring a wheel, or use one of ours!

EMERGENCY BIKE REPAIR PART 2 – REGISTER NOW!
Tues. 2/7 from 12:15-1pm  -OR-  Wed. 2/8 from 12:15-1pm  -OR-  FRIDAY 2/10 from 6-7pm
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WHY JAMIS? – REGISTER NOW!
Thursday, February 16 from 6-7pm
A favorite addition to our clinic series, “Why Jamis?” answers who Jamis is, what they offer YOU, and why we’ve loved ’em from Day One!  Jamis rep and our “brother-from-a-different-mother”, Tom Trentanove, will guest speak and answer your individual questions.

WHERE TO RIDE IN MICHIGAN & POTLUCK PARTY! – REGISTER NOW!
Thursday, February 23 from 6-7pm
Bring your favorite dish to this munch-and-learn, wrap-up clinic party! Enjoy your fellow clinic-goers’ culinary skills, while we share some of the best parks and routes in Michigan for your cycling Adventures, plus groups you can ride with.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE OUR “WHY JAMIS?” CLINIC ON 2/16

When spring fever is setting in, and you’ve got bike on the brain, your research can bring up more questions than it answers:

     •   How do bike brands compare?
•   Why would you choose one over the other?
•   Why is Hometown head-over-heels for Jamis?
•   What does Jamis offer YOU?

We introduced this clinic last year, and it wound up being our biggest clinic to date! We provide chews and brews, a chance to socialize with fellow bike peeps and ask questions of our “brother-from-a-different-mother” Jamis rep Tom Trentanove, plus the information you need to make a decision that’s right for YOU.

So, if you’re curious, seriously searching, or just feeling housebound…

REGISTER NOW FOR “WHY JAMIS?” CLINIC – THURS (2/16) AT 6PM

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND …  NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE … JUST MIND-EXPANDING FUN!

(Top: Shaun and Jean feelin’ mighty proud to be a part of Tour de Livingston. Bottom [left to right]: Team Hometown’s Joe Ostervik being awarded Jersey Rider status – we’re proud of you, Joe! We helped raise $37,500 in 2016 for Livingston County United Way – woohoo!! And a shout out to our man, Josh Hendershot, who was the Tour’s TOP FUNDRAISING RIDER – he’s one special Hometownie!)

NO, NO… THANK YOU, TOUR DE LIVINGSTON!!

Oh, man, did we ever feel the love at last week’s Tour de Livingston Thank You Luncheon! But for however much they appreciate our involvement, we are just as appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of something that connects so match-made-in-heaven-ly to the very soul of Hometown. Bikes, cyclists, community, family, fun, and goodwill – it’s truly an honor to be a part of it all!

HANG WITH HOMETOWN AT THE SWEETHEART DANCES

THIS WEEK, Hometown’s super-proudly co-sponsoring one of the family-friendliest events we’ve EVER participated in – Howell Parks & Rec’s Sweetheart Dances!

This 3-day, bop-’til-you-drop event launched yesterday with a mother-son dance, and continues today (2/8) and tomorrow with daddy-daughter dances at Crystal Gardens. If you and your princess are going, be sure to drop by our table and say “hi!” to Shaun!

(Shout out to co-sponsors Brennan Investment Services and McCaskill Family Services!)

(Image at left courtesy Chris Buddingh – hey, Chris, you should enter Jamis’ Bikepacking Contest!)

MEET YOUR CREW: CHRIS “CRITTERBUD” BUDDINGH

Chris is wacky and wonderful – a man of many talents with a heart as big as they come. Chris helps keep our shop ship-shape, along with a million other tasks that – somehow – he always seems to be good at. He’s been with us since our early days:

Critterbud defined: Loves family, friends, fun, and God, bicycling… Bigfoot!!!… ‘cycle touring, camping, making music, singing and songwriting… the love of Country and Hometown!!! Stolen quote of the day: “If you’re living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space!!!”

SHAUN’S GOTTEN HOOKED ON SPIN CLASS!

Sunday’s “Spin-Off” with Shaun over at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp resulted in a full house of Hometownies (thanks for the support!)… and a new convert to spinning!

Instructor Nancy was top-notch, the atmosphere was friendly and encouraging, and the bikes were loaded with Hometownies. It was the kind of class that could encourage a 24/7 bike guru to sneak away from the shop for a weekly spin hit! Stay tuned on Facebook, if you would like to join him!

And, of course, keep a weather eye out in upcoming newsletters for even more opportunities to pick Shaun’s bike brain over at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp.

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – THIS SATURDAY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, LEAVES PROMPTLY AT 1PM

It’s another adventure through the Island Lakes Badlands on this relaxed pace, NO DROP shop ride. Be prepared to push your bike up a hill or two! This is a Plus/Fat Bike expedition. Not appropriate for “skinny” tires. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation and updates.

Need a fat bike? We rent! Call our shop:  (810) 225-2441

SPRING: 42 Days & Counting