Love for Your Bike, Your Fellow Cyclists, and Your Bike Shop

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Shaun

Choose Your Own Adventure… er, Products!

LET US KNOW WHAT REVS YOUR RIDE
We like to call Hometown Bicycles the shop that was built BY the people, FOR the people. Your loyalty and patronage is what got us to where we are today, and helps drive our decision making for Hometown’s ongoing evolution!

Along the way, you’ve been giving us feedback on product you’d like to see in our shop. Awesome! We’ve been connecting with new vendors who can help us meet your needs.

Over the coming months, we’ll be inviting new vendors to demo their products at our shop, so that you can meet the reps and scope out the products you’ve been asking for. Pay attention to our newsletters for these opportunities, and keep a weather eye out for the occasional survey to help us understand what you like best.

We’ve always been YOUR bike shop. Let’s take that to the next level!

TEAM NEWS: CRUSHING IT AT TREE FARM!

Team Hometown Bicycles returned home from last weekend’s Novi Tree Farm Relay in a blaze of glory! Not just four, but FIVE teams of four sported the Hometown jersey (when they weren’t in costume) – the sea of Hometown participation was, in and of itself, glory-worthy. But there were also 3 Team podiums to celebrate – first places, all!

FIRST PLACE – COSTUME DIVISION (above, top)
Congrats, Cobra Kai (who moonlight as Hometown Bicycles crew), Tim Bart, Colin Woods, Rocco Mularoni, and Andrew Jackson!

FIRST PLACE – CO-ED DIVISION (above, bottom right)
Helmets off to the lightspeed pedal power of Olga “The Romanian Rocket” Negrut, Doug Queener, Justin Hamm, and John Wyatt!

FIRST PLACE – MEN’S SPORT CLASS (above, bottom left)
Kudos on some pretty slick speed work from Matt Maximoff (a Team Sponsor), Scott Simpson, Brandon Bailey, and Aaron Smith!

We were also proud to be represented by the great sportsmanship of Paul Andres, Bryan Beach, Leslie Cook, Michael Dyer, Roger Pelkey, Steve Steinberg, Jim Thompson, and Linc Wehrly. Trail conditions started off sloppy, and progressively dried, so an additional shout out to the trailblazers who took one for their teams in the form of mud-encrusted bikes and gear. We happen to know a great place for getting your bikes cleaned and back to fighting fit… just sayin’!

PLEASE VOTE HOURLY THROUGH AUGUST 13TH!

SINGLES RIDE: WHO’S IN??

Matchmaker, matchmaker, pedal me a match… it’s said that one of the best ways to meet a special someone is by sharing a common interest. Call me a romantic, but I think that the combination of pedal-powered locomotion, fresh air, good company, and mutual helmet hair creates prime conditions for the warm fuzzies. My husband and I met over bikes!

Matchmakers, we are not, but we can at least set the stage for possibility! Please help us gauge interest in a Singles Ride* by completing an easy-peasy, 5-question, Singles Ride survey HERE. Thanks for your input, single Hometownies!

*This ride would be for single men and women, ages 18 and older.

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION: IT’S A GO!!

Good news… no, FANTASTIC news!! The uber-successful yoga-bike-beer event that we supported this past Spring has been resurrected for a round 2 on Saturday, September 30th.

Based out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of event coordinator Tocca Massage & Yoga, follows up with a scenic and recreational bike ride with Hometown Bicycles (new route!), and ends with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker.

Registration is limited to 50, so if you missed out last time, be sure to hit the link below, like, IMMEDIATELY!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION

21 DAYS OF ACTIVE PLAY FAMILY CHALLENGE

Fitness… Family time… Fun… Now, that’s a program we can throw some rpm behind! Here’s the scoop:

More than $2,000 in prizes are up for grabs, and all you have to do is PLAY!

Sky Zone Brighton, Hometown Bicycles, and Body Within Personal Training have teamed up to bring you the FREE 21 Days of Active Play Challenge. We are challenging Livingston County families to commit to 21 Days of Active Play this August. From going on walks together, to riding bikes, to jumping around on trampolines, families will pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per day being active.

Registration is open NOW through August 3rd. The Challenge begins August 4th.

Be sure to read up on the amazing prizes, mid-challenge incentives, and final wrap up party. You’ll find details and a registration link HERE.

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 27, 2017

Here’s your latest race update from Hometown’s Amy Gluck, an IRONMAN competitor who nearly lost her life after getting hit by a gravel truck, and is now intensely and personally driven to overcome her new physical challenges, and the naysayers who say she can’t, all the way back to IRONMAN:

I pushed hard on my road bike during the race. Between not setting up my Garmin correctly and a non-functioning speedometer (I’d switched up wheels a number of times), I had to wait until after the race to find out that I had biked 3:16 faster at the Pterodactyl triathlon than I had at the Triceratops triathlon. Yeah, road bike!… READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

MEET YOUR CREW: COLIN WOOD

Colin makes an art of being helpful. He’s studious, he’s polite, he’s intelligent, he’s friendly, and he’s scary fast on a bike! Many a customer have commented on Colin’s charisma on the sales floor. He’s carried on the tradition of equating the name “Wood” to overall awesomeness, as started in Hometown’s early years by his brother Austin. We’ll sure miss him when he heads off to college! Here’s Colin’s story:

I was 8 years old the first time my father took me mountain biking. Since then, I have gone from closing my eyes every time I get near a tree, to competing at the highest level within Michigan. My sophomore year of high school, I joined the Brighton Cycling Club. That year I finished as the 2nd place overall JV racer in the State. I was hooked. This past season I finished 3rd place in the Varsity Points series, as well as claiming victory at my home course, Island Lake. This fall I will be attending Colorado School of Mines to study Mechanical Engineering. While at Mines, I plan on racing for their cycling team. Working at Hometown has provided me with the ability to be around my favorite type of people, cyclists, and has given me the knowledge of everything bike related.

WISHING YOU SPEEDY RECOVERIES, BRIAN AND MEL!

Team Hometown’s Mel Robinson and his trusty recumbent are regulars at shop rides and events. This kind soul and avid cyclist is currently on the mend from open heart surgery. Mel, we just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery – can’t wait to see you back on your bike!

Another heal-quickly shout out goes to a man who has religiously gone above and beyond in service of Team Hometown Bicycles and the shop. This one’s for Team Captain, Brian Forhan, whose pending back surgery puts him out of outdoor cycling for the remainder of the season. Brian, if you get itchy legs, know that you’re welcome at the shop any time for bike talk, beer, and other cycling geekery!

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Our Team and Crew marks off the route, leads off and mans the ride, provides on-site SAG support, and also offers bike valet service until 2pm, so you can enjoy the Festival without worrying about your two-wheeled babies!

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (7/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come check out the Thursday Social A.M. Road ride as we hit the back entrance to Island Lake and explore the park roads. The plan this week is to ride 1-1.5 hours at a 10 mph average pace. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/29)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/30)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/30)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 remain with their guardian throughout the ride. Be mindful that the trail has several hills and some minimum level of fitness will be helpful to make for a positive experience for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/31)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

Please make sure you have some experience riding the bike you bring to this ride and are comfortable with the way it handles, including basic shifting and braking, for the safety of all. Beyond that, our friendly ride support are delighted to share tips on how to make the hills easier and the flats faster – just ask!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (8/1)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (no Son of Hammerfest this week) (8/2)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Check Facebook for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL WITH HOMETOWN (8/2)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
It’s time to dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

THURSDAY BAKERY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (8/3)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Wal-Mart in New Hudson – **Special start location!**
It was fun, so we’re going to do it again! Bring along your wallet for a tasty treat or coffee as we pedal to a Bakery via the rails-to-trails system. It will be a 5-mile, ~10 mph pace, relatively hill-free ride. Does include a busy road crossing. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level for this NO DROP ride. Follow along on Facebook for ride updates.

Meet in the Wal-Mart parking lot – take the entrance right off Lyon Center Drive between the Wal-Mart/Lowe’s, turn right, and stay closest to the Lyon Center Drive end of the parking lot.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

(Photo cred: Yoga pic at left courtesy Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga)

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays – August 4, 11 & 18
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.

– Winnie the Pooh

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 21 Days of Active Play, Amy Gluck, amy's blog, Ashley Knuth, beginner rides, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike race, bike rides, bike shop, bikes, Body Within Personal Training, Brewery Becker, Brian Forhan, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, challenge, Cobra Kai, Colin Wood, cycling, cyclists, Doc May Melon Ride, family, financing, fitness classes, fun, gravel grinder, group rides, Hammerfest, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownie, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, matchmaker, Mel Robinson, Michigan, mountain biking, Novi Tree Farm Relay, Poses Pedals and Pints, shop rides, singles ride, Sky Zone Brighton, synchrony, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Vote 4 the best, yoga, zumba | Leave a comment »

Inspiration of All Kinds

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Shaun

GIVE YOUR BIKE GURUS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE…
You’re about to read a newsletter brimming over with inspirational content that, in the grand scheme of life, makes the following “ask” seem rather unimportant. But know that your faith in our shop and your – dare-we-say-it? – fanaticism for “the Hometown experience” inspires the *heck* out of US, and that’s no small thing!

So please, take a moment to share your loyalty via a vote or, better still, a stream of votes (you can now VOTE EVERY HOUR!) – in this year’s Vote 4 the Best competition (CLICK HERE).

Voting closes August 13th. Your support means the world to us!

TEAM NEWS: JERSEY TAKEOVER AT TREE FARM

The Novi Tree Farm Relay is a perennial hit with our Team, crew, and customers and, this year, we’re sending four teams of four Team Hometownies on this whirlwind, beginner mountain bike endurance race.

That’s a lotta Hometown jerseys ripping it up on this 10-mile, hill-encrusted, fast course!

Cheer us on this Saturday, July 22nd at Lakeshore Park in Novi, or gather up 3 of your cycling buddies and throw your own helmets into the ring!

(Photo credits: Paula Zimmer)

PAULA’S JOURNEY

Can you remember a profound moment in your life – made more profound for it coming unexpectedly?

Yesterday, I met “profound” at the register in the form of a remarkable customer who was prepping for a cycling journey that had nothing to do with mileage. In our chance conversation, I learned that Paula Zimmer, while successfully battling cancer, lost her husband to the same disease just a year ago. She finds solace in writing and cycling, and is taking her touring bike – a handsome, midnight blue, Jamis Aurora named “Auriel” – East to deliver her husband’s final ashes.

Paula has created a grief blog – a “Glog” – to journal about her metaphorical and cycling journey, and has generously allowed me to share it with you. I suspect it will resonate with many.

I’m particularly honored to have been included in her recent post (yep, I caught that, Paula!) All of us at Hometown wish you the adventure of a lifetime, and success pinning down that elusive “simplicity”.

You can follow Paula’s story HERE and, believe me, it will move you.

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 20, 2017

On the topic of inspirational blogs, here’s the latest from a woman who regularly competed in top-tier IRONMAN races, nearly lost her life after getting hit by a gravel truck, and just nailed a 10 mile run on a “fake knee and femur” because she’s intensely and personally driven to return to IRONMAN:

While training for my October ½ marathon, I need to get in some long runs. So, on Friday, July 14 – a pleasant, sunny, cool-ish (70 degree) day – I decided it was time to re-attempt my 10 mile run, which had been rained out the day before… Earlier, I had received a fabulous secret from one of my Ultra runner friends. (Ultra runners are people who run races longer than a marathon.) This is a great secret for anybody coming back from an injury, or trying to ramp up their mileage (or, in my case, both)! The secret is… READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

HEATHER’S STORY

We meet the most amazing people at Hometown! Heather Pierson of Body Within Personal Training recently ran a free Fresh Air Fitness class just for Hometownies on our shop’s front lawn, with great results. Her participants finished up stoked and inspired. And we can understand why!

Heather herself has a highly motivating story – clinically obese and unhealthy, Heather not only successfully shed over 70 lbs with the help of the Body Within team, she ultimately became a part of it, so that she could help others make THEIR goals come true!

Watch Heather’s story HERE!

LEARN ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HOMETOWNIE

For you long-time Hometownies out there, the name Jill Gautherat may ring a bell. Jill and her husband Steve took on a 500 mile cycling challenge from Hometown back in 2011… and succeeded!

Jill is now offering classes in Young Living Essential Oils, and is bringing her seminar to Hometown’s Community Room this Sunday, July 23rd from 2pm-3:30pm.

No registration required – everyone is welcome.

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/22)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/23)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re bumping up the mileage! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/23)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 remain with their guardian throughout the ride. Be mindful that the trail has several hills and some minimum level of fitness will be helpful to make for a positive experience for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/24)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (7/25)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (no Son of Hammerfest this week) (7/26)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Details can be found here.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL WITH HOMETOWN (7/26)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
It’s time to dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

(Photo cred: Yoga pic at left courtesy Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga)

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Coming soon!
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

– Mariah-Danu

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, Ashley Knuth, Aurora, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike guru, bike rides, bike shop, bike valet, bikes, blog, Body Within Personal Training, cancer, Cardio Drumming, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride, Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride, Fresh Air Fitness, glog, gravel grinder, group rides, Hammerfest, Heather Pierson, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Melon Festival, inspiration, inspirational, Ironman, Jamis, Jill Gautherat, journey, Leslie Barrett, Martha Soraruf, motivating, motivation, Novi Tree Farm, Paula Zimmer, registration, road ride, shop rides, Slow Roll, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tour de Livingston Prep Ride, touring bike, Tree Farm Relay, Vote 4 the best, yoga, Young Living Essential Oils class, zumba | Leave a comment »

Bike for a Cause THIS MORNING!

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Shaun

Egads! This ride is today!

… AND EVERY SATURDAY LEADING UP TO TOUR DE LIVINGSTON (whew!)
Do I feel sheepish for giving such short notice on the first of a series of fantastically friendly, weekly Prep Rides, designed to gear you up for the locally-loved Tour de Livingston? Absolutely.

Is this a shop ride you’ll totally fall in love with? You betcha.

Am I going to make excuses for not getting the word out earlier? Tempting, but it would be a phenomenal waste of time, because what you really need to know is that these Prep Rides are put on by the Tour de Livingston folks, and run by and from Hometown Bicycles. If that ain’t a match made in heaven, I don’t know what is.

If you miss the first one, shake a disapproving finger at your tardy newsletter correspondent, then join us the next Saturday… or the Saturday after that… or the Saturday after next Saturday… Just get your spandex on, and let’s go ride!

ONLY 5 SPOTS LEFT FOR FRESH AIR FITNESS AT HOMETOWN THIS TUESDAY EVENING (7/18)

Q: What would you say to a FREE, outdoor fitness class at Hometown Bicycles?
A: SIGN ME UP!!!

Team Sponsor, Body Within, is generously offering a complimentary Fresh Air Fitness class right here at Hometown on Tuesday, July 18th at 5:45pm. Runs about 45 minutes.

Fresh Air Fitness from Body Within is a fast-paced class that will get you ready to ride! It provides outdoor training that includes cardio intervals, upper and lower body strength training, core conditioning, and ends with a muscle-easing stretch. Come ready to work out with a bottle (or two) of water and a mat or a large towel to lie on. Everything else you need for a great workout will be waiting for you! FREE FOR HOMETOWNIES, but class is limited to 10, and 5 spots are already taken!

Questions? Give Jenny a call at (517) 304-2282. Ready to sign up before this free class fills up? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 15, 2017

Hometown’s Amy Gluck taps on her years of top-level IRONMAN training and competition, and the life-altering accident that put her passion to the test, to share a soul-stirring blog about her recovery, training triumphs and challenges, and her personal mission to get back to IRONMAN. From her 7/15/17 installment:

Sometimes inclement weather gets in the way of best laid training plans. My plan to run a full 10 miles on Wednesday was derailed by rain and thunderstorms. 10 miles would have put me well on my way for my ½ marathon training, and it would have really built up my confidence in my ability to get it done on this fake femur and knee…. READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

(Images courtesy Cool Hedge Creations by Melissa)

COOL ARM GEAR FROM COOL HEDGE CREATIONS

Livingston County is just full of talent! Enter local creative, Melissa, from Cool Hedge Creations, whose sassy, hand-stamped “purpose bracelets” are now available at Hometown Bicycles. Here’s what Melissa has to say about her clever arm gear:

These are handcrafted, stamped bracelets personalized with your “Purpose”. Being the wife of an avid cyclist and longtime Hometown Bicycles customer, it only seems appropriate that I step up my game and create industrial looking bracelets with meaning that have significance to only riders.

Drop by to see all of Melissa’s fun cycling bracelets, and support this talented Hometownie!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/15)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. We may break into 12 – 15 mph and 16 – 19 mph groups for the ride. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/16)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re bumping up the mileage! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/16)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll ride 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails over 1.5 hours. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/17)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (7/18)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (7/19)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

THURSDAY BAKERY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (7/20)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Wal-Mart in New Hudson (**Special start location!**)
Bring along your wallet for a tasty treat or coffee as we pedal to the South Lyon Village Bakery via the rails-to-trails system. It will be a 5-mile, relatively hill-free ride. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level for this NO DROP ride. Facebook event available here.

Meet in the Wal-Mart parking lot – take the entrance right off Lyon Center Drive between the Wal-Mart/Lowe’s, turn right, and stay closest to the Lyon Center Drive end of the parking lot.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

(Photo cred: Yoga pic at left courtesy Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga)

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Wednesdays at 9:00AM
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

A good friend listens to your adventures. A best friend makes them with you.

– Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, amy's blog, Ashley Knuth, bicycle shop, bike for a cause, bike rides, bike shop, biking, Body Within Personal Training, bracelets, Cardio Drumming, Cool Hedge Creations by Melissa, cycling, cyclists, fitness classes, Fresh Air Fitness, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, inclement weather, Leslie Barrett, Martha Soraruf, shop rides, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tour de Livingston, Tour de Livingston Prep Rides, training, zumba | Leave a comment »

A Salute to Our July Jubilee!

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Shaun

PATRIOTISM, GENEROSITY, CAMARADERIE & GOOD TIMES
Last weekend, we pioneered an event that combined the best of it all! Our property was packed with a perfect blend of pro-Community, big-hearted, and upliftingly friendly local businesses and organizations. Relationships were forged, prizes won, adventures had and, to cap it all off, a flag raised to honor our remarkable Country.

Photos of the event – including vendors, activities, winners, and more – are scattered across our Facebook page, and you can catch bonus pics on our July Jubilee album. But you know I wouldn’t leave you pictureless here…

Congratulations to the many, MANY winners of our giant July Jubilee prize drawing! And a world of thanks to the wonderful July Jubilee participants below. These are locals who embody the spirit of integrity, kindness, and Community. Please support them, and let them know you’re a Hometownie!

(Photo courtesy Jim Cleer)

TEAM NEWS: A RAMBLING RIVER-SIDE RIDE

Famous for its ferry ride, Island loop, unbeatable SAG support, and breathtaking river views, it’s not hard to be jealous of Team Hometown riders Jim Cleer and Tom Hermann, who enjoyed every minute of Algonac, Michigan’s famous Blue Water Ramble.

RIDING BRIGHTON’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE

A large swarm of glittering, whirling, and patriotically colored kids bicycles were led off by Shaun and Liam, astride a Nirve Kilroy at Downtown Brighton’s Fourth of July Parade. This cheerful, kid-centric parade entry in the annual festivities, along with a Bike Decorating Contest held immediately prior, were hosted and run by the wonderful folks at Brighton Optimist Club.

Hometown had the honor of helping promote, transport, judge, and join in the parade fun… all in the line of duty, of course! Do we have the most fun job in the world? Why, yes… yes we do!!

(Congratulations to the winners of the Brighton Optimist Club Fourth of July Bike Decorating Contest!)

SAFE CYCLING FOR PINT-SIZED CYCLISTS

Every year, Hometown Bicycles enjoys the privilege and pleasure of instructing elementary-age riders to cycle safely via Brighton Safety Town. And every year, we get excited all over again by the joy these mini-cyclists so evidently take in our favorite sport!

This year is no exception, with droves of pedaling tykes looping eagerly through the course we set up in Hilton Elementary’s parking lot. Can’t wait for the next Safety Town on Tuesday morning – hope to see you and your kidlets there!

JULY 18: FRESH AIR FITNESS COMES TO HOMETOWN

Q: What would you say to a FREE, outdoor fitness class at Hometown Bicycles?
A: SIGN ME UP!!!

Team Sponsor, Body Within, is generously offering a complimentary Fresh Air Fitness class right here at Hometown on Tuesday, July 18th at 5:45pm. Runs about 45 minutes.

Questions? Give Jenny a call at (517) 304-2282. Ready to sign up before this free class fills up? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 7, 2017

Learn my lesson, so you don’t wind up sacrificing your own race! Make sure you get your bike checked over before your next event. While I was racing, my chain fell off my large chain ring 5 times! After the 4^th time, I decided to just put it on the small chain ring to get going. Was finally able to shift back to the large chain ring and finish out the ride without it falling off again. At the Triceratops Triathlon, I averaged 19.0 mph on my bike. YEAH!! After hopping off my bike 5 times, I was still able to beat my average at the Island Lake Triathlon… READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

HOMETOWN KICKS OFF TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest dawned bright, and sunny, and packed with bicycles for the Tour de Livingston’s Kick-Off Ride from the County Courthouse. We shut down the shop for the morning, so that Hometown Team and crew members could all join in on leading off this yearly Tour teaser in tandem with the balloon launches.

October will be here before you know it (you know I speak truth!), so be sure to REGISTER NOW for THE BEST and most scenic Fall ride in our Community! Also, join us for weekly Tour de Livinston Prep Rides, starting Saturday, July 15th from your favorite bike shop!

(Photos above courtesy Howell Rotary. Team Hometown riders at left. One of the 10 bikes we’ve donated to this year’s Tour de Livingston, center. And we’re super proud of Team Hometown’s Joe Ostervik at right, a Tour de Livingston Jersey Rider!)

(Image at left courtesy Matt Thompson)

MEET THE CREW: MATT THOMPSON

When you head back to the Service Shop, odds are you’ll be greeted by a friendly “hello!” from Hometown’s impressively personable Service Tech, Matt Thompson. Matt is a natural at making everyone feel welcome, and he has a knack for sharing his love of cycling. Matt says:

I started Mountain Biking when I first moved to Michigan. Its’ always been one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. Nothing could ever replace the feeling after a good ride for me. Joining the Hometown crew has just made me love the sport more, and connected me with people who feel the same way. Biking is one of the best ways to keep your body and mind healthy. I encourage everyone to go ride, because cycling has changed my life forever.

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/9)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
Scenic, very HILLY dirt roads with a few miles of pavement for connectors. Expect to venture across a changing route of 25 to 40 miles at a 13 – 15 mph pace. (Did I mention it was hilly?) All types of bikes are welcome on this NO DROP RIDE. Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/9)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. Expect to venture out past Island Lake throughout the season to Brighton’s Murray Lake, Milford, Maybury, and Waterloo’s DTE Trail. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season! Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail with the Hometown crew. NO DROP RIDE.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/10)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (7/11)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (7/12)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

THURSDAY MORNING SOCIAL RIDE (7/13)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and this week – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

(Photo cred: Yoga pic at left courtesy Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga)

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Wednesdays at 9:00AM (starting July 12)
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.

– Frank A. Clark

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Leave a comment »

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Write a Review

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

A Salute to Our July Jubilee!

TEAM NEWS: A RAMBLING RIVER-SIDE RIDE

RIDING BRIGHTON’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE

SAFE CYCLING FOR PINT-SIZED CYCLISTS

JULY 18: FRESH AIR FITNESS COMES TO HOMETOWN

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 7, 2017

HOMETOWN KICKS OFF TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF

MEET THE CREW: MATT THOMPSON

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!