You just never know what sort of adventure awaits you at Hometown Bicycles… as recently discovered by Jill and Steven Gautherat of Hartland.

While picking up their two new Jamis Explorer comfort bikes, we issued Jill and Steven a challenge: 500 miles of cycling by the end of the summer. And what’s more, we asked them to chronicle the journey!

To their credit, Jill and Steven took to the idea like – well, like cyclists to saddles – and enthusiastically signed on for the adventure.

We’ll be tracking their pedal-powered mileage over the course of the summer on both our Facebook page and website.

Jill and Steven will also be joining us for weekly shop rides, and you are invited to ride along with these Hometown rock stars to encourage them on their way to 500 miles!

The Start of Something Spectacular: Jill and Steven’s First Blog

Hey Everyone! Jill and Steven Gautherat here, and we will be blogging our adventures of biking 500 miles! Shaun asked us to blog about our summer adventures on a bike so here it goes!

Who are we?

Steven and Jill Gautherat, we are husband and wife who have been married 11 years and love an adventure! We are living in Hartland, and both work in Brighton. I (Jill) work retail, so crazy hours for me, and Steven is a truck driver for a local company, so long hours for him! On the days we actually have off together, we love to go for walks, bike rides, and just enjoys our beautiful state of Michigan. With over 150 bike trails in Michigan, there are plenty of opportunities to ride 500 miles! Look for our posts soon, and see you on the trails!

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On Wednesday, April 7th 2010, Hometown customer Bill Saint-Onge made a remarkable commitment. He committed to himself, his family and his life to ditch the car and ride a bicycle.

Thousands of miles, 2 bicycles and 3 winter spills (ouch!) later, he’s still going strong.

Bill isn’t greeted with the typical “Welcome to Hometown” when he stops by the shop. Instead, we throw him a “Hi, Bill. Where are you riding to now?”

And it’s not uncommon to get a response of “Traverse City!”, or some similarly distant location.

You may be wondering, did Bill break down and drive a car at any time over the last year?

NO. In worst case scenarios, he was driven where he needed to go.

Bill admits that he is nervous about taking the next step. And what step is that?

Completely getting rid of the car. Between you and me, I think he will do it!

You see, Bill isn’t just an inspiration to all of us at Hometown Bicycles. He represents what our shop is all about – committment, personal growth, courage, passion and cycling.

You’re most likely to spot Bill riding along Grand River between the East and West side of town, with more flashers on his bike than a fire engine.

Do us a favor. When you see Bill cycling through town on his trusty, orange steed, give him a wave and a thumbs up. His is a lifestyle choice we are proud to support!

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