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    Hometown Bicycles:
    10595 Grand River Road
    Brighton, MI 48116
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    Tuesday: Closed
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM
    Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM
    Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
    Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

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Ways for you and your family to enjoy SUMMER!

Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride at Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
RIDE WITH YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM & CREW AT TOMORROW’S KICK-OFF!

Every year, Hometown joins forces with our Howell Rotary and Livingston County United Way peeps to run a FREE, family-friendly, multi-loop ride on Howell’s scenic roadways. The Kick-Off Ride coordinates with the breathtaking balloon fly-in for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, and builds awareness for the much-loved Tour de Livingston, run annually in the Fall.

Our Team and Crew have marked the routes and will be on hand to lead the rides. Come on out this Sunday, June 24 at 6:45am and ride with us!

(Note: Our shop will still be open at 9am on Sunday – be sure to drop by after the ride and make those few of us who stayed behind jealous!)


Hometown Bicycles Service Lead Andrew Jackson

AN UNPRECEDENTED SALUTE TO A STELLAR CREW MEMBER

WE WILL BE CLOSING EARLY (4PM) THIS SUNDAY (6/24) 

 

Everybody knows Andrew. Hometown Service Lead Andrew Jackson has been a fixture at our shop for the past 4 years. He’s unfurled his wings with us, evolving from a youthful and studious Service Tech to a self-assured, highly-skilled leader. He’s respected by customers and crew alike, and is the sort of guy you would describe as a “genuinely good human being”.

We knew our time with Andrew was limited by his unshakeable aspiration to study Engineering. And now that he’s graduated, that time is coming to a close, as he prepares for college and future greatness.

For the first time in the history of Hometown, we are closing the shop early, so that Shaun and I, and all of his fellow Crew members, can attend Andrew’s graduation party. We don’t know how to give you any greater compliment on your exceptional contribution to Hometown, Andrew. Congratulations, and we look forward to seeing what amazing things you accomplish!

STORE HOURS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH

9AM – 4PM


Team Hometown Bicycles rider Shannon McKay at Le Tour de Shore
TEAM NEWS: Long Rides & Mountain Mayhem
 

Your Team continues to have a pedal in every pie, starting with the adventurous Shannon McKay, who biked 114 miles from Chicago to New Buffalo, MI with Le Tour de Shore. Awesome sauce, Shannon!

Brad Allen and Jack Riddle attacked grueling gradients on one of Michigan’s toughest road bike challenges, the Michigan Mountain Mayhem Spring Classic. Meanwhile, Team Captain Jim Cleer road a FULL 24 HOURS in the National 24 Hour Bike Challenge, billed as the nation’s oldest and largest ultramarathon cycling event. “The burn isn’t telling me to stop. It’s telling me it’s working!” – way to go, guys!!

Team Hometown Bicycles dads Paul Andres and Mike Dyer on Father's Day rides with their littles
And we just want to give a newsletter high-five to these two Team dads, Paul Andres and Mike Dyer, who cycled with their families for Father’s Day. Cool beans!


2nd Annual Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee and Sale logo
SAVE THE DATE: 
HOMETOWN JULY JUBILEE (7/15) 

Last year, we introduced the Hometown Bicycles Annual July Jubilee & Salewith a “huzzah!” heard ‘round the world! Now this year’s July 15th Jubilee takes the fun had last year, and exponentially multiplies it for an utterly epic, carnival-style, super-event that your whole family will love!!
— JULY JUBILEE EVENT & SALE – Sunday, July 15 from 1-5pm —
2nd Annual Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee and Sale logo
Food & YUMMMMMMMMMM Cotton Candy!!
Hydration courtesy Team Sponsor Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply!

 

2nd Annual Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee and Sale logoGames & Prizes
Including water balloon tournaments on the front lawn, tire tosstricycle tug-of war, andcrazy cool lawn games, courtesy of Team Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp!

 

2nd Annual Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee and Sale logoFamily Classes & Demos
Including Zumba-Cardio Drumming Fusion with Leslie Barrett and Martha SorarufAcro Yoga with Yoga Nature, and Belly Dancing with One Spirit Dance & Fitness of Pinckney(all PG and kid-friendly!)

 

2nd Annual Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee and Sale logoTour de Livingston Tent
Learn about Hometown’s favorite local charity ride from creators, Howell Rotary andLivingston County United Way!

 

*** MEGA SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE on accessories – from bags to bells to saddles to tools – to make way for new product lines that you’re going to LOVE!! ***

———— JULY JUBILEE RIDE – Sunday, July 15 at 3:00pm ————-

 

Hometown Bicycles shop rideJoin our Team and Crew on a MASSIVE, July Jubilee Ride, for riders of all types, ages, and skill levels. We leave from the shop at 3:00pm for a leisurely spin around Island Lake. Make friends, have fun, and be back just in time for our…
— RED, WHITE, & BLUES CONCERT – Sunday, July 15, 5-8pm —
This ‘funk’y fundraising concert rounds out our July Jubilee celebration with the bluesy rock and roll of Hometown’s long time service tech and purveyor of extraordinary bike knowledge, Dan “CycloDan” Tribble, and his PBR Band.Enjoy outstanding music, dancing, snacks (BYOB), and socializing… all while directly supporting your fellow cyclist and Hometownie, Dan Rosenhack, and his amazing family. Dan’s diagnosis of terminal brain cancer has resulted in costly medical and living expenses, and this concert is geared to help relieve the financial strain on his family. Half of your $10 cover charge helps pay for the band, and half will be gifted to Dan Rosenhack’s family.
Dan Tribble and his Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band
It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting a deeply meaningful cause.Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!
July star border

A Taste of Brighton logo
VISIT HOMETOWN AT A TASTE OF BRIGHTON!

This year, Hometown’s headed downtown July 13th & 14th (with July Jubilee on the 15th!) for the annual A Taste of Brighton affair, where we’ll give festival-goers a flavor of what makes our shop and our sport so darn special! Shaun will be on stage running several Bike Care 101 and Flat Tire Fix clinics throughout the event, and our tent will be crankin’, with our Service Crew demo-ing what we’re famous for – the best bike repair in Southeast Michigan! Add this event to your family calendar, and be sure to stop by and say “hi!”

Hometown Bicycles' Shaun and Liam in last year's 4th of July Parade
RIDE WITH SHAUN IN BRIGHTON’S JULY 4 PARADE!

Brighton Optimist Club Bike Decorating Contest and Parade with Hometown BicyclesThis year, the whole family – Shaun and I and the kids – will be riding in Brighton’s 4th of July Parade, and we’re calling on all families with kids ages kindergarten through 5th grade to join us! There’s no charge!!

Brighton Optimist Club is the annual host of this well-loved Bike Decorating Contest & Parade Ride, and Hometown has enjoyed the privilege of helping their program grow year by year. In addition to hosting bike decorating parties at our shop and offering complimentary bike checks and helmet discounts to participants, we’re also providing free bicycle delivery and pick-up service to and from the parade! Details of this event can be found here, but here’s our mission…

Hometownies, let’s BLANKET this parade in bicycles!! Sign up now to be a part of making this the biggest bike entry in the history of the parade!


KIDS SELF DEFENSE CLASS AT HOMETOWN

BullyIf someone wants to hurt our children, they won’t choose a time or a place with witnesses. That means no parents, no teachers, no policemen, just our children and the predator. The safety of our children will depend on their ability to recognize a threat and respond effectively.

Hometown is thrilled to welcome back outstanding instructor, Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy for a fun, interactive and age-appropriate workshop that teaches essential, lifesaving information about the threats facing our children, strategies for prevention and real world techniques designed to reduce their risk of abductions, assaults and other forms of violence. But most of all, these programs teach students that they have the right to be safe, that no one has the right to hurt them and that they are worth protecting.

Coed, for ages 6-12. Class fee is $25.  REGISTER NOW!


HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDERSTAND CYCLIST NEEDS

League of Michigan Bicyclists Community Bicycle Safety EducationThe League of Michigan Bicyclists is always up to something exciting, and their latest adventure is a new training series, designed for law enforcement and cyclists, being held across the State. They note that each session is interactive, and addresses:

•  MI Vehicle Code and MI Compiled Laws
segments relating to the use of the bicycle
on MI roadways and sidewalks.
•  Best practices for bicycle crash investigation
and reporting.
•  Updates on accepted engineering designs
for bicycle travel.
•  Safe bicycling practices.

Want to help cyclists be heard? Register now for this 5-hour, $15, food-included session!


PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES FOR HOMETOWN!

Livingston Daily People's Choice award Click On Detroit Vote 4 the Best

** The Best Bike Shop section on Livingston Daily’s survey is question number 53!
** In Vote4theBest, you can go directly to Hometown’s voting page: CLICK HERE!


Hometown Bicycles Womens Only Mountain Bike Shop Ride with Ride Coordinator Laura Faunce
UPCOMING SHOP RIDES
Saturday Road Ride
SATURDAY, JUNE 23  |  11:00AM (MEET BY 10:45AM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE!

SUNDAY, JUNE 24  |  7:00AM (MEET BY 6:45AM)  |  FROM HOWELL COURTHOUSE
Join your Hometown Team and Crew for the annual Tour de Livingston Kick-Off Ride, running in conjunction with the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest! This ride is FREE and offers 5-mile, 10-mile, and 25-mile road route options. Every rider receives a commemorative water bottle, and a chance to watch the balloons launch! Click here for all of the exciting details!

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Monday Beginner-Friendly Road Ride
MONDAY, JUNE 25  |  6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Advanced Skills & Drills
TUESDAY, JUNE 26  |  6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN
Want to learn to ride with a peloton? This ADVANCED, road warrior training is led by our Team racers! You’ll learn and practice: draft lines, hill repeats and intervals. Come ready to work hard at an average 20mph pace. Bring a cadence sensor, speed sensor, and heart rate monitor. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, JUNE 26  |  7:00PM (MEET BY 6:45PM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake (~14 miles) at a conversational, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate with your new biking friends. BYOB! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Gravel Grinding 101
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27  |  6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN
Ride with your Hometown bike guru, CycloDan Tribble! Front and rear light required, as we end at dusk. This ride weaves through and around Island Lake, covering 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads (a few hills just for fun!) at an average 12-13 mph. Expect a “puddle” or two of sand and a few face slappers on the trails this time of year. Nothing our gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle. Skinny tire bikes will NOT work for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

*** RENT A FAT BIKE AT THE SHOP! ***

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Ladies Only Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
THURSDAY, JUNE 28  |  6:30PM (MEET BY 6:15PM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, come learn beginning mountain bike skills! We’ll tackle the trails in manageable bites, with the empowering support of skilled and supportive Hometown women. We’ll ride together to Island Lake Recreation Area, and focus on taking the fear and uncertainty out of riding the trails! NO DROP. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

*** RENT A FAT BIKE AT THE SHOP! ***


Zumba with Leslie Barrett and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles
FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want a high-energy pick-me-up, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!

CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

ZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more


Team Hometown Bicycles' rider at mountain bike race

When muscle and machine connect, extraordinary things happen.

~ Anonymous

Hometown’s July Jubilee and Tour Kick-Off

Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee and Sale logo

A FREE Family Fun Event

Saturday, July 1st from 9am – 5pm

Since dropping early hints about this summer celebration in past newsletters, the Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee & Sale on Saturday, July 1st has taken on a life of its own. It’s an event that’s become legendary in scope. Forget “pencilling it in”… just COME. You won’t want to miss one single, glorious moment of July Jubilee fun!!EVENT DAY ACTIVITIES (ALL FREE!) INCLUDE:

MMM-M-M BARBECUE & SWEET TREATS SUPPLIED BY (for purchase):

Hog Wild BBQ and Catering Oh My Lolli!

YOU’LL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET (and, in many cases, play games and win prizes with) THESE AWESOME LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS:

Pro-Motion Physical Therapy logo

The Eric Hartwell Foundation logo
Yoga Nature logo

PKSA Karate of Brighton
Kearns Brothers logoGinny's Danceworks logo
American Spirit Centre of Brighton logo
Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply logo

Sky Zone Trampoline Park logo

Tour de Livingston 2017 logo

Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp logo

Brighton Optimist Club logo

SELCRA logo
PURE Fitness and Nutrition

OH, AND DID I MENTION THE GIVEAWAYS, GREAT DEALS, NEW INDOOR PLAYSCAPE FOR KIDS, AND NEWLY EXPANDED BICYCLE GIFTS & NOVELTIES DEPARTMENT??
PRINT THE EVENT FLIER… share it with your friends and family! Let them know you have an adventure planned for them at Hometown Bicycles on July 1st! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!


Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride flier
THIS SUNDAY: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE

Add it to your calendar, Hometownies! It’s an annual tradition for Hometown to lead off this pre-Tour teaser of one of our favorite events ever – the Tour de Livingston. Hometown Bicycles is offering ride support, SAG support, and bike valet. Ride with us!!

So that all of our Hometown crew can enjoy this event…
WE WILL OPEN LATE THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH
12pm – 5pm (6/25)


Team Hometown Bicycles' Joe Van Gordon, Deb Godmer, and Rex Blair with John Clark at Michigan Mountain Bike Mayhem 2017
(From left: Joe Van Gordon’s looking pretty in pink, alongside John Clark, Deb Godmer and Rex Blair. Photo pirated from Deb’s Facebook – I knew you wouldn’t mind, Deb!!)

HILL CRUSHERS! TEAM HOMETOWN CLIMBS MOUNTAINS 

Or, at least, that’s what it feels like in Michigan’s grueling, short-course-steep-climb Mountain Mayhem race series. According to the event website, this series “will test your mental sanity”, but you’d never know it by the laid back grins on our Team’s faces!

Kudos to Joe Van Gordon, Deb Godmer, Rex Blair, and Caddy Johnson for conquering this spirit-breaker of an event!


Team Hometown Bicycles' Scott Simpson at the Lumberjack 100
(Left to right: Pre-race, bringin’ it home, and hangin’ with the kiddies after. Photos courtesy Scott Simpson)

100 MOUNTAIN BIKE MILES WITH TEAM HOMETOWN

Eight and a quarter hours. That is the length of time Scott Simpson rode last Saturday in the epic Lumberjack 100. Think about that… that’s a FULL 9-TO-5 WORK DAY, riding a saddle instead of a desk chair. WOW. Congrats, Scott, on a mighty mountain biking accomplishment!


Hometown Bicycle's Amy Gluck talks about Metabolic Efficiency Training

TODAY: HOW TO BURN MORE FAT + GUEST SPEAKER

Tapping on her Degree in Nutrition and Bob Seebohar’s revolutionary Metabolic Efficiency research, Hometown’s Amy Gluck talks about how to train your body to burn fat for fuel, instead of using quick-access carbs. She’s joined this week by Brian Grzyb of Lifetime Fitness in Commerce, who is a resident expert on Metabolic Efficiency Testing!

In her talk about Metabolic Efficiency Training, you’ll learn what it is, how to do it, and the enormous benefits to be gained… like no more GI distress at competitions, never hitting “the wall” again, and turning yourself into a lean and efficient, fat-burning machine! NO CHARGE!

REGISTER NOW FOR “TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT”

Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm in the Community Room


AMY’S BLOG: June 23, 2017

The inspiration continues… ! Hometown’s tri clinician, Amy Gluck, is tapping on her years of top-level IRONMAN training and competition, and the life-altering accident that put her passion to the test, to share something soul-stirring in the form of blogging about her recovery, her training triumphs and challenges, and her personal mission to get back to IRONMAN. From her 6/23/17 installment:

Hometown Bicycles' Amy Gluck races IRONMAN

“This year, the T-Rex Series are my “A” races (basically, the peak races for my tri season).  I’ve never had a Sprint Tri as my “A” race, since I started Ironman racing.  In my mind, Sprints are too hard because they demand 100% speed all of the time, even through transition.  Ironman made me too lazy to put 100% speed on all of the time.  Ironman is more about proper pacing and avoiding 100% effort to save yourself for the end of the race…”  READ ON

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


NEXT WEEK: SUMMER EMERGENCY REPAIR CLINICS

Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown BicyclesOur “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic are primed for your immediate benefit, addressing quick, on-the-go fixes and how to handle the dreaded flat:
•  Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair).

NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.


Hometown Bicycles partnered up with Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park of Brighton for their big Annual Summer Bash.

PARKED BESIDE PUPPIES AT SKY ZONE’S SUMMER BASH

Last Saturday found us “ooo”-ing over the Livingston County Humane Society‘s furry recipients of the Sky Zone Summer Bash fundraiser.  There may also have been some jumping involved… and said jumper just may have had a fantastic nap as a result!

Overall, our helmets are off to Sky Zone for a truly terrific event. We appreciate you making us a part of it! Look for Sky Zone at our 1st Annual July Jubilee!!


Friday Morning Yoga at Hometown Bicycles, with Tocca Massage and Yoga

TOMORROW (6/23):

YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Good news for your overworked, under-appreciated cycling muscles – Ashley of Tocca Massage & Yoga is bringing her insanely popular Vinyasa Yoga class back to Hometown!

Held in our Community Room, this 3-week, Friday morning fun class started June 16th at 9am. It’s all about dynamic movement and stretching, not perfection and freaky, double-jointed pretzeling. Whether it’s your first or 500th class, you’ll gain immeasurable benefit from this ancient art made user-friendly. $10 per class. Email ashley@toccamassage.com with questions.


KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

Brighton Optimist Club partnering with Hometown Bicycles on the Fourth of July Kids Bike Decorating ContestMore than just an upbeat group of community-minded people, the Brighton Optimist Club is 100% about “bringing out the best in children.”

We are absolutely geeked to be partnering with these big-hearted folks with an event that combines kids, bicycles, patriotism, and a community parade! Check out the flier at left and click HERE for further details.


Hometown Bicycles Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Shop Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL A.M. ROAD RIDE  (6/22)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This friendly road ride takes the back entrance to Island Lake and explores 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 (a support rider will be the last person back). Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER RESUMES JULY 9TH 
Please join us in Howell this Sunday, June 25th for the Tour de Livingston Kick Off. 
Watch the balloons lift off, then continue on along your Kick-Off route.  Enjoy the Farmer’s Market after you ride!

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (6/25)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
As a tribute to Father’s Day, the Beginner Friendly Mountain Bike Ride leaders would like to encourage riders to bring their dad out for a 1.5 hr trail ride on Sunday. We’ll ride from Hometown Bicycles to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails, splitting into a couple of groups. All levels of riders are welcome at this 1.5 hr pace. This is a NO DROP RIDE – which means we will have a ride support person at the end of the last group. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (6/26)
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 travel towards the back of Island Lake, then head through the park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to do more mileage to satisfy their cycling need!  Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels.  All level riders are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear.

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  (6/27)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This ride from Hometown Bicycles covers 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads between 12 – 13 mpg average. We’ll ride the back of Island Lake, enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!), pop onto some paved roads, and grab a dirt trail back into ILRA. Expect a few “puddles” of sand. Nothing our gravel, adventure/mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle! Standard road bikes (skinny tires) are not appropriate for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE (a support person will be the last rider).

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/28)
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!

SON OF HAMMERFEST (for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest):
Also 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.

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


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(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 BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays at 9:00AM (starting June 16)
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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


Mountain Biking at Island Lake in Brighton, MI

I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.

– David Bowie

Your Father’s Day Treat, Burnin’ Fat, and Tykes on Mountain Bikes

We love you, Dads!

Happy Father's Day from Hometown Bicycles
(Happy Father’s Day to my soulmate and father of my amazing children… you’re a wonderful dad, Shaun!)THIS SUNDAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU, DADS!  
Dads are remarkable people – combining the best of provider, protector, and person we most admire in one exceptional human being. That warrants some extra love this Father’s Day, June 18th, don’t you think??
So, this Sunday, it’s DADS’ turn to be pampered, compliments of your Hometown crew. There’ll be beer, t-shirt give-aways, ABicycle neck ties offered at Hometown BicyclesND the first 20 bikes purchased by or for a dad come with a COMPLIMENTARY Hometown Bicycles Father’s Day package – a cycle computer, safety light, bottle cage, water bottle, and seat bag at NO ADDITIONAL COST.And for those of you who were wondering… why, yes, we DO have bicycle neck ties (arriving today!)

Hometown Bicycles crew and members of Team Hometown Bicycles volunteering at Poto Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event at Brighton Rec
(Upper right and center left photos courtesy PotoMBA)

THE FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING LOOKS GREAT!

Last weekend, Shaun and a handful of Team volunteers set up a support station at the PotoMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event… and shared the joy of cycling with a knee-high crowd of cuties.
Team Hometown Bicycles Jacob Henrikson donated kids helmets for the PotoMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event
Boys and girls of all ages learned trail skills, rode obstacle courses, enjoyed toured trail rides, and picked up great swag from an incredible group of Sponsors. Our Jr. Hometownie t-shirt giveaway was an especially big hit. (Marley Simpson, pictured center with mom, was the artiste behind the awesome t-shirt artwork.)

Shout out to Team Hometownie Jacob Henriksen (at right) for having the foresight to bring extra kiddie helmets for children who came without head gear. They were put to good use!

Overall, we’re thrilled to say that the future of mountain biking is looking just grand!


Hometown Bicycles' Shaun Bhajan and family head to the Brighton Bulldogs U9 Travel Baseball Team game at Hawkins Elementary
(We met up with Team Hometown’s Title Sponsor, Vinnie Baylerian of Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, whose son plays on the Team)

HEY, BATTER-BATTER-BATTER… SWING!!

In fact, we did swing by the Brighton Bulldogs’ U9 Travel Baseball game last weekend to cheer on the Team that Hometown Bicycles is proudly sponsoring… and we learned that the attention span of a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old adds up to approximately 2.9 minutes, so we sadly didn’t stay long enough to see our favorites win 17-11!

Congrats, Bulldogs! Click HERE for the Team’s game schedule.


Team Hometown Bicycles at the Island Lake Challenge Spring Mountain Bike Race

TEAM NEWS: THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

In last weekend’s Island Lake Challenge Spring Mountain Bike Race, 9 Team members – Leslie Cook, Mark Lang, Olga Negrut, Joe Ostervik, Roger Pelkey, Doug Queener, Brien TerBush, Linc Wherly, Steve Wortley and John Wyatt – laid some definitive claim on what amounts to Hometown’s “backyard”.

We’d like to congratulate Olga “ The Rocket” Negrut, who took home the gold in Expert Women, Roger Pelky, who also powered to 1st in Sport Men 60-65, and Linc Werhly, who podiumed at 3rd place in Beginner Men 50+. (Thanks, Jack Riddle, for capturing it all on camera!) Job very well done, Team!


Fourth of July border

SAVE THE DATE: 7/1/17! HOMETOWN’S JULY JUBILEE

Next week, you’ll hear all the glorious details about this first-of-its-kind, biggest ever, Hometown summer celebration, but in the meantime – I’m telling you – you really want to mark this one on your calendar!! JULY 1ST: Think American, think family, and think “one for the record books”… (stay tuned!)


TODAY: FLAT TIRE FIX SUMMER CLINIC

Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown BicyclesOur “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic are primed for your immediate benefit, addressing quick, on-the-go fixes and how to handle the dreaded flat:
•  Thursday 6/15 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair).
NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.


TOMORROW (6/16): TRAMPOLINES & PUPPIES

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park Summer BashHang out with Hometown at Sky Zone Trampoline Park of Brighton at their annual Summer Bash on Friday, June 16, 12pm-5pm, where Shaun will be running our tire toss game!

As a fundraiser for the Livingston County Humane Society, there will be adorable animals for snuggling and adopting, plus a fire truck and police car for kids to explore, face painting, balloons, food trucks, coupons and swag from local businesses, raffles, and giveaways. Think about the fun you’ll have with your kiddies!! Click here for info or, better still, come out and help us support a fellow business that’s supporting our community!


TOMORROW (6/16): YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Vinyasa Yoga with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaGood news for your overworked, under-appreciated cycling muscles – Ashley of Tocca Massage & Yoga is bringing her insanely popular Vinyasa Yoga class back to Hometown!

Held in our Community Room, this 3-week, Friday morning fun class starts June 16th at 9am. It’s all about dynamic movement and stretching, not perfection and freaky, double-jointed pretzeling. Whether it’s your first or 500th class, you’ll gain immeasurable benefit from this ancient art made user-friendly. $10 per class. Email ashley@toccamassage.com with questions.


Amy Gluck at a competition
CLINIC: TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT

Tapping on her Degree in Nutrition and Bob Seebohar’s revolutionary Metabolic Efficiency research, Hometown’s Amy Gluck is coming back next week with a topic to intrigue ANY athlete – a way to train your body to burn fat for fuel, instead of using quick-access carbs. It can be done!

In her talk about Metabolic Efficiency Training, you’ll learn what it is, how to do it, and the enormous benefits to be gained… like no more GI distress at competitions, never hitting “the wall” again, and turning yourself into a lean and efficient, fat-burning machine! NO CHARGE!

REGISTER NOW FOR “TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT”

Tuesday, June 20 from 6-7pm  – or –  Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm


AMY’S BLOG: June 15, 2017

The inspiration continues… ! Hometown’s tri clinician, Amy Gluck, is tapping on her years of top-level IRONMAN training and competition, and the life-altering accident that put her passion to the test, to share something soul-stirring in the form of blogging about her recovery, her training triumphs and challenges, and her personal mission to get back to IRONMAN. From her 6/15/17 installment:

Amy Gluck in wetsuit at a competition

“At the park, I SQUEEZED into my wetsuit. They’d made me gain 40 lbs. in the hospital – I was 120 lbs. upon admission and they discharged me at 160 lbs. – but they did not offer to replace my wetsuit!  With my wetsuit all zipped up, my lungs felt crushed.  As I started swimming across the lake, my goggles fogged up and I had to stop and tread water to clear them out.  By the time I figured out where I was going and put my face back in the water to swim, I was so out of breath after treading water and being suffocated in my wetsuit, that there was no way was I was going to swim back to the shore!  What was I going to do?  I was in the middle of the lake with no oxygen coming into my lungs.…”  READ ON

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


Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride flier
JUNE 25: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE

Add it to your calendar, Hometownies! It’s an annual tradition for Hometown to lead off this pre-Tour teaser of one of our favorite events ever – the Tour de Livingston. Ride with us!!


Hometown Bicycles bicycle donation at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Charity Golf Classic Auction
A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT, SANS SHAUN

Sadly, Shaun missed out on putting the green at what turned out to be a wonderfully successful Charity Golf Classic for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. The keynote speaker, Greg Kelser, was warm and engaging, and the light showers cleared up in time for a beautiful day and evening. But Hometown was still proud to contribute with a bicycle donation for their silent auction, which was won by an architect with four children ranging from ages 7 – 14. So, the bike will get a lot of love, the Parks benefited, and that makes us happy.


KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

Brighton Optimist Club partnering with Hometown Bicycles on the Fourth of July Kids Bike Decorating ContestMore than just an upbeat group of community-minded people, the Brighton Optimist Club is 100% about “bringing out the best in children.”

We are absolutely geeked to be partnering with these big-hearted folks with an event that combines kids, bicycles, patriotism, and a community parade! Check out the flier at left and click HERE for further details.


Hometown Bicycles Thursday A.M. Social Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL A.M. ROAD RIDE  (6/15)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This friendly road ride takes the back entrance to Island Lake and explores 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 (a support rider will be the last person back). Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (6/16)
9:00PM (meet at 8:45) from Janowski Field Trailhead (301 Peters Rd. in Milford)
Join us for an INTERMEDIATE pace forward/backward loop night adventure at the Milford Trail. We roll from the Janowski Field Trailhead (301 Peters Rd – between GM Rd & Commerce Rd). Charged lights are required for this ride. We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Check back for ride confirmation/changes. Don’t forget your bug/tick spray!

NO SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER THIS WEEKEND 
In observance of Father’s Day… but be sure to check out our Dad’s Day ride below!

SUNDAY TAKE YOUR DAD MOUNTAIN BIKING RIDE (6/18)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
As a tribute to Father’s Day, the Beginner Friendly Mountain Bike Ride leaders would like to encourage riders to bring their dad out for a 1.5 hr trail ride on Sunday. We’ll ride from Hometown Bicycles to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails, splitting into a couple of groups. All levels of riders are welcome at this 1.5 hr pace. This is a NO DROP RIDE – which means we will have a ride support person at the end of the last group. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (6/19)
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 travel towards the back of Island Lake, then head through the park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to do more mileage to satisfy their cycling need!  Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels.  All level riders are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear.

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  (6/20)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This ride from Hometown Bicycles covers 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads between 12 – 13 mpg average. We’ll ride the back of Island Lake, enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!), pop onto some paved roads, and grab a dirt trail back into ILRA. Expect a few “puddles” of sand. Nothing our gravel, adventure/mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle! Standard road bikes (skinny tires) are not appropriate for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE (a support person will be the last rider).

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/21)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
SON OF HAMMERFEST (for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest):
NO Son of Hammerfest this week, but if you’re prepared to ride at warp speed…
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!

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


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(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 BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays at 9:00AM (starting June 16)
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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


Mountain Biking at Island Lake in Brighton, MI

Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

– Bob Bitchin

The Young & The Priceless

Brighton Safety Town at Hilton Elementary with Hometown Bicycles
(Photo courtesy of and used with permission of Brighton Safety Town)

HOMETOWN HELPS SAFETY TOWN TEACH TINY TOTS TO RIDE SMART 

One of our absolute favorite summertime activities is working with Brighton Safety Town to teach kindergarten-age kiddies how to enjoy safe fun on two (or three) wheels.

Between tricycle checks, helmet fits, and pedal-powered parking lot practice, we’re helping the next generation grown into smart cyclists! In fact, if you’re reading this email Tuesday morning, than Shaun is at Hilton Road Elementary School, “schooling” the next batch of pint-sized cyclist-to-be’s. We’re telling you… it’s priceless!

Check out Brighton Safety Town’s Facebook page and website to see all of the cool things they do!

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4TH OF JULY PARADE FUN… WITH BICYCLES! 

Bradley on his 4th of July parade bicycle with Brighton Optimist Club and Hometown BicyclesEvery year, Hometown has the pleasure of teaming up with Brighton Optimist Club on 4th of July parade prep for bicycle-bound youth. This year was a blast – check out Bradley’s sweet rig (at left) that he decorated for the event!

Next year promises to be especially fun with bike decorating at the shop, convenient bicycle/tricycle transport provided by your Hometown crew, awards, adventures, and all the other seasonal coolness that goes along with this awesome Brighton Optimist Club program. Stay tuned next year for details!

Thanks for letting us be a part of it!

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$10 BICYCLE ART BY PINCKNEY STUDENTS

Pinckney High School bicycle art for sale at Hometown Bicycles

Brianne Campbell's bicycle balloon art at Hometown BicyclesHometown recently had a blast hosting an art reception open house for the creative kids of Pinckney schools.

Art teacher Hallie Levine made the clever decision to create prints of her students’ pieces before their original artwork headed home with them for the summer. What does that mean for you?

It means fabulously imaginative bicycle art available for purchase at Hometown… for just $10! And remember, on any student art purchase, 100% of the sale goes directly to the student! Come support these creative kids!

Capital-“K” Kudos goes to Brianne Campbell whose whimsical balloon bike art (above left) was the first piece of Pinckney student art to sell at Hometown Bicycles. Congrats, Brianne!
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BONUS BIKE BITS

HOMETOWN COMMUNITY ROOM RENTAL
Community Room rental at Hometown BicyclesA word from our Events Coordinator, Jennifer McCauley:
Are you or anybody you know looking for a location to teach an exercise class? Instruct artists? Inspire crafting? Lead a seminar? Hometown’s Community Room is being used for everything from Yoga to Cardio Drumming, and personal trainer clinics to painting parties… and we’re looking for more activities!

Our room rental is the best you can find. I know because I checked around! Please contact me atevents@myhometownbicycles.com with your rental questions. 

FREE WEEKLY TRI WORKOUT WITH TEAM HOMETOWNIE JOHN VAN ALSBURG
Triathlon iconOur Team is so cool! Team Hometownie John is an experienced tri-guy with a wealth of knowledge to share and a passion for the sport. He’s providing FREE brick workouts every Tuesday evening at 5pm (swim at 5, usually riding by 6:15… or ride only, if the water is too cold). Everyone is welcome.

John’s tri workout meets weekly at Island Lake’s big Kent Lake parking lot.

CONGRATS TO HOMETOWNIE RICK SMITH ON HIS CROSSFIT LAUNCH
Earned Not Given Crossfit logoWe’re constantly inspired by our customers’ drive… like Rick Smith – long-long-long-time Hometownie – who deserves a shout-out for his upcoming Earned Not Given CrossFit grand opening on Saturday, July 30th from 10-2.

For location, coaches,schedules,and details, visitwww.earnednotgivencrossfit.com

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