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    Hometown Bicycles:
    10595 Grand River Road
    Brighton, MI 48116
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    Shop Hours:
    Monday: 10 AM - 7 PM
    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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    -----------------------------

    (810) 225-2441

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Yep, we’re ON for THIS SUNDAY!

Hometown Bicycles 8th Birthday Party Invitation
WEATHER LOOKS PERFECT FOR OUR 8TH-YEAR CELEBRATION!
Spring sprang, just in time for our new birthday party date of this Sunday, April 22nd from noon-6pm!

Wish a Mile 2018 logoBy now, you know it’ll be a day of family-friendly birthday games and prizespresents (for you!), and a 3pm birthday bike ridewith grill out and birthday cake to follow. Make-a-Wish of Michiganwill be joining us with a Wish-a-Mile ride information table, manned by Team Sponsors, Dr. Bill & Louise Horal! Now, all that’s left to do is show up and have fun. Can’t wait to celebrate with you!!

Click the invitation above for party details and updates on our Facebook page!


Hometown Bicycles Amy Gluck running the 2018 Martian Half Marathon on Hines Drive in Dearborn, Michigan
TEAM NEWS: LOWELL LOW-DOWN & RUNNING MARTIANS

Earlier this month, Team Hometown Bicycles braved icy temps and stiff winds to compete at northern Michigan’s Lowell 50 Classic Gravel Road Race. We’d like to high five Linc Wehrly, Jack Riddle, and Brian Forhan for hanging tough and riding strong!

Another Hometown shout out goes to our very own Amy Gluck, who ran bright and bold in the Team kit at a sub-40°, dismally soggy Martian Half Marathon on Hines Drive. One more step in Amy’s remarkable journey back to Ironman from near death. Way to go, Amy!

Tomorrow will find a flood of Hometownies racing the world’s largest gravel road bike race, Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race… including your very own Ride Coordinator! (Kick some gravel butt, Laura!!) Whether you’re riding or not, come hang out at the Hometown tent and cheer on your Team – the weather will be all kinds of nice for riders and spectators alike. Good luck, Team!!


Hometown Bicycles lunch-and-learn bicycle clinic at Kem Krest of Brighton
LUNCHING AND LEARNING WITH THE KEM KREST CREW

For years, we’ve enjoyed quality expo time with the Kem Krest crew at their annual Wellness Fair. We love how this company puts their employees’ health at the top of the list! We were honored to accept a recent invitation to talk basic bike maintenance at a lively corporate lunch-and-learn, where fascination and fun were the order of the day. Thanks for that opportunity, Kem Krest crew!

We LOVE to share our bike know-how! If you’d like to book Hometown for your upcoming business event, please email Dawn at events@myhometownbicycles.com.


Join our crew

WE’RE HIRING – STOP IN AND APPLY!
Creating the magic of Hometown is no small thing, and we don’t hire lightly, but we do offer positions that are meaningful and make a real difference in the lives of customers, our community, and the cycling industry. We currently have openings for:

Part-Time Social Media Specialist
Helps market and share the Hometown culture on social media. Must be social media savvy, highly organized, an excellent writer, and skilled in photography. Graphic design skills a plus.

Part-Time Events Coordinator
Coordinates and manages on- and off-premises shop events of all types. Must be highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, sociable, and enthusiastic.

Full- and Part-Time Service Techs
Provides reliably outstanding technical bike service. Some technical knowledge preferred. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and a quick learner.

Full- and Part-Time Sales Associates
Provides reliably outstanding customer service, including sales, cashiering, and shop organization and cleanliness. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, sociable, enthusiastic, and a quick study.

Drop by our shop, introduce yourself, and pick up an application. You’ll never know unless you try!


Hometown Bicycles Beginner Mountain Bike shop ride
THIS WEEK’S SHOP RIDES
Pop-Up Mountain Bike Ride – Advanced
SATURDAY, APR 21  |  9:00AM (MEET BY 8:45AM)  |  FROM BRIGHTON REC TRAILHEAD
Join us at Brighton Recreation Area for an ADVANCED ride on the mountain bike trails. We’re riding 20+ miles at 8-10 mph. Advanced level skills are required for these trails and pace. Mud, Sweat & Beers is 3 weeks away, so come get some training in with us! Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!
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Hartland Gravel Grinder – Intermediate/Advanced
SUNDAY, APR 22  |  9:00AM (MEET BY 8:45AM)  |  FROM HARTLAND TWP HALL
Come enjoy beautiful, HILLY country roads and wonderful ride company. Expect several TOUGH, LONG CLIMBS, at an average 14 – 15 MPH pace for all 28.2 miles. The group may split into 2, with the front pack averaging > 15 mph. (Check out Dan’s Gravel Grinding 101 ride for a less grueling option.) Cross/Gravel, Mountain and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) at 2655 Clark Rd. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

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Hometown Bicycles Birthday Bike Ride!
SUNDAY, APR 22  |  3:00PM (MEET BY 2:45PM)  |  FROM HOMETOWN
Come celebrate 8 incredible years of Hometown adventures and existence on a birthday party bike ride for riders of all levels and bikes of all types! We’ll ride the famous, Island Lake “Green Dumpster loop” at a conversational “party pace”. You’ll return to a grill out and birthday cake with your Hometown peeps. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
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Beginner Friendly Road Ride
MONDAY, APR 23  |  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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Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, APR 24  |  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, APR 25  |  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!

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


Cat enjoying spring sunshine

The heat is on!
(finally)

~ Glenn Frey

Your Novemberfest Invite

Hometown Bicycles 2nd Annual Novemberfest logo

YOU’RE INVITED! NOVEMBER 11TH, NOON-6PM… to The 2nd Annual Hometown Bicycles Anniversary Party, Post-Iceman Fat Bike Friendly Mountain Bike Ride, Fat Bike Demo, Fall Sale, and Chili Cook-off (whew!!), which we’ve affectionately nicknamed “Novemberfest!

Building off of the fun from last year’s shindig, this November 11th (noon-6pm) event celebrates YOUR role in Hometown’s move to this big, beautiful, bicycle adventure center just over 2 years ago, along with 2017 Iceman adventures, fat bike season, and your culinary skills! Highlights will include:

Click the links above for details and to sign yourself up for the Fat Bike Friendly Mountain Bike Ride or to enter the Chili Cook-off (no charge for either). And while you have your phone in hand, please add Novemberfest to your calendar! We’re so excited to celebrate with you!

Hometown Bicycles' Bhajan family at the 2017 Tour de Livingston
(Photos courtesy Richard Lim Photography. Thanks for the awesome family photo, Richard!)

A TOUR TO REMEMBER  

Ten years, Hometownies – October 8th marked ten, glorious years that the Howell Rotary’s Tour de Livingston has been raising funds and awareness for our Community through the Livingston County United Way.

The weather was exquisite, the course was beautiful, the riders were stoked, and the volunteers were wonderful. There’s a wonderful collection of event photos available on Tour de Livingston’s Facebook page – take a look! THANK YOU, Howell Rotarians and LCUW – both for allowing Hometown to be an ongoing part of such a worthwhile event, and for building a community of riders who love and support the Community they ride in.

2017 Tour de Livingston photo


2017 Hometown Bicycles Women's Tuesday Fitness Adventures logo

LOVIN’ OUR LADIES NIGHT CLASSES

  
Following on the heels of an OUTRAGEOUSLY successful Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles (SO much fun, ladies!!), we’ve transformed our weekly, Tuesday Women’s Ride into a weekly, Tuesday Women’s fitness activity “sampler.” Our gals have already beaten the stress out with cardio drumming, enjoyed a spectacular fall color trail hike, found Zen with beginner’s yoga and, just last week, learned the finer points of female-specific bike fitting. Up next on the docket is a strengthening combo of beginner friendly (seriously… any age, any skill level!) acrobatics and strength/circuit/flexibility training with Yoga Nature’s AcroFit class at 6:30pm, Tuesday 10/24, NO CHARGE!
Have you been a part of the fun yet, women Hometownies?? This is the PERFECT opportunity to try a wide variety of off-bike fitness activities on for size! Find a class HERE, and register ahead!

HOMETOWN PARTNERS WITH AAA 

Well, here’s a fun bit of trivia for you – AAA, the famous Auto Club that saves stranded motorists and provides top notch travel info, is now offering CYCLISTS’ Roadside Assistance, and guess who they picked as your local go-to bike resource… that would be us!!

Hometown Bicycles is now your Authorized AAA Repair Shop, which means AAA members who run into a problem on their ride and require emergency bike repair can now have those bikes repaired here at a discount. It’s just one more way for us to help get you to Your Happy Place.


Hamburg Fitness Center Wolf Lake 5K

THIS SATURDAY: WOLF LAKE 5K

Have you been to Hamburg Fitness Center’s Annual Wolf Lake 5K? It’s coming up this weekend! Run, walk, or mosey, you’re in for the best of fall colors, family fun, and Halloween spirit in this charming, seasonal, trail race. Think crosstraining, Hometownies!

Hometown’s been a proud sponsor for years now, and five lucky participants will win gift certificates to our shop! Register now at http://hamburgfitness.net/wolf-lake-5k/ or at the event. Race starts at 4pm this Saturday, October 21st!


AMY’S BLOG: 10/18/17

Hometown Bicycles' Amy Gluck at the 2017 Detroit Free Press Half MarathonEvery week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. Today, you’ll enjoy the story of Amy’s triumph over 30+ mph winds at the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon:

… Boy, was I was happy to hit the halfway point on Belle Isle!  The wind is always awful on Belle Isle, but this year, it was stifling!  It tried to push me back a few times, and was torturous to run against – 30+ mph winds, with white caps on the Detroit River.  I kept thinking how glad I was that this was not a triathlon!  I was relieved to hit the 6.5 mile mark, counting down the miles to the finish… READ ON 

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


CRANDALL FIDGET SPINNERS AT HOMETOWN

Jason Crandall with his bike chain fidget spinner, now available at Hometown BicyclesIf we hear a chuckle on the sales floor, it’s a toss up whether it’s Liam entertaining our customers, or our customers locating Jason Crandall’s clever, bike chain take on the fidget spinner fad! With holidays in the wings, you’ll want to check these babies out as first rate stocking stuffers and present toppers. Here’s a note from the creator:

Hi, my name is Jason Crandall, and I make the fidget spinners at Hometown Bicycles. I live in Howell with my wife and 2 boys. I first started making the spinners for my oldest boy who has sensory issues. Fidget spinners help kids with ADHS, ADD, and sensory problems to focus by calming them.


Hometown Bicycles Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Hometown weekly and pop-up shop rides are still going strong! FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK to find out what’s coming up (including an Iceman Training Ride!) and for to-the-minute ride updates.


We offer financing at Hometown Bicycles through Synchrony Financial


Hometown Bicycles Team rider raising bike over head at Tour de Livingston

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

– Unknown

Countdown to the Tour

 

Tour de Livingston logoWe are just ONE MONTH AWAY from the incredibly fun, awesomely scenic, marvelously community focused Tour de Livingston, a ride we place so much value in that we’ve donated TEN bicycles this year to celebrate its 10 years of service to our Community!

If you haven’t registered yet, what are you waiting for?? In addition to enjoying one of our county’s most beautiful rides and supporting your Community in the process, you have 10 CHANCES TO WIN a brand, new Jamis!! The odds are in your favor – REGISTER NOW for Tour de Livingston!

On a side note, do you remember a few newsletters back, when we promised a special Hometown prize to the first person to report back with selfies with all 10 bikes which have been placed around town?… It’s go time! Shaun will be posting the first eight locations today on our Facebook page to get you started. On your marks, get set…

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SPECIAL REQUEST:  On Wednesday, September 13th, we will be hosting a special Tour de Livingston Sponsor/Jersey Rider event that will fill our Hometown parking lot from 5pm-7pm. We’ll still be available for your emergency needs, but encourage you to visit us before or after these hours for your non-urgent bike needs. Thank you, Hometownies!


Hometown Bicycles' Dawn Bhajan with Shebeest's 2018 Spring cycle wear line

3 REASONS TO SIGN UP FOR LADIES NIGHT OUT

  
Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles on Tuesday, September 19th from 6-9pmOk, ladies, by now you know the pampering and perks that will be going down at Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles on Tuesday, September 19th from 6-9pm (and if you don’t, you can CLICK HERE.) As a fellow gal – living an insanely busy life, but still wanting to stay active – I’ve put a lot of myself into this event, and so I can say with sincere confidence that there are THREE CORE REASONS why you should sign up now:

1)  Give yourself a “night off the clock”. You are a mom, a friend, a daughter, a boss, a wife, a girlfriend, a coworker, a role model, or some glorious combination thereof. All of these make you wonderfully and uniquely YOU. But they also come with responsibilities, and those demand energy. Set those duties down for a few hours. Rejuvenate. This event is 100% about YOU!

2)  Meet other active women. One of the world’s greatest motivators is finding like-minded people to enjoy activities with and share accountability. This is your group. These are your gals.

3)  Experience a new level of flattering and comfortable fashion. Comfort does NOT have to come at the expense of looking good. Our new women’s cycle wear line, Shebeest, puts a definitive end to “diaper butt”, boring styles, boxy silhouettes, see-through lycra, and generic fit, at the same time it eliminates bunching, chafing, and raw bums. You’ll LOVE the women-designed patterns and styles, the silky feel, and the EVERY-body-type fits that will make you WANT to ride your bicycle again and again. I know – I have the 2018 Spring line in my office!

Yoga, wine, chocolate, fashion, giveaways, and discounts – this is truly shaping up to be a perfect mid-week get-away. That’s why I am personally inviting you to…


Team Hometown Bicycles and Hometownies at the 2017 Milford Labor Day 30K

TEAM NEWS: LABOR DAY 30K & BREWERY APPRECIATION  

Milford’s Labor Day 30K was overflowing with Hometownies who captured podiums and placings galore! This annual event is known for its lively combination of running, walking, cycling, and kiddie events from the well-loved home base of Baker’s of Milford. Great attitudes… a great time… great job, Team Hometownies!

Team Hometown Bicycles represented by the Steve and Jean Steinberg at the MCMBA Sponsor Brewery Appreciation Ride
(Images courtesy Katherine Rose and MCMBA)

Team Hometown Bicycles also made its way to the MCMBA Sponsor Brewery Appreciation Ride, supporting the local breweries that support our local MMBA chapter which supports our local trails (whew!) Team representatives Jean and Steve Steinberg report:

43 participants pedaled from River’s Edge, through Kensington Park, Island Lake, and ended up at Draught Horse in New Hudson. After fellow riders grabbed food and beverages, we moved on through the railtrail all the way to Drafting Table in Wixom. Some of us enjoyed a quick couple games of Left, Right Center with our drinks – something new I learned was available at the brewery!  Once our hour was up, away we went, back through the railtrail, down Old Plank and back to River’s Edge for more food and fun.

BONUS NOTE: We definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to congratulate Team Captain, Brian Forhan, on coming out of back surgery like a champ AND becoming a grandpa for the second time on the exact same day! Happy healing and enjoy that new granddaughter, Brian!


Dick Janson's recumbent bicycle
(Images courtesy Dick Janson: Dick’s trusty steed at left, Dick’s “stick” shift at right!)

RIDING LITERALLY EVERY PAVED ROAD IN MICHIGAN 

… that a cyclist is allowed to be on. That’s the self-assigned challenge of one of the most fascinating customers I’ve ever chanced upon at the front counter – League of Michigan Bicyclists advocate, Dick Janson. He rides year-round, and has already pedaled SIX counties under his belt! His story will put your jaw squarely on the floor:

Yesterday, September 4, I completed the effort I started December 1, 2016, to ride all the paved roads in Livingston County that a bicyclist is allowed to be on.  This included dead ends, cul de sacs, mobile home parks in all their incarnations, state highways, and every other road that I determined had ever been paved, regardless of current condition. If a road was not continuous, I was on the full length of all sections within the county. What I didn’t ride were limited access highways and ramps, gated communities, and paved subdivisions surrounded by unpaved roads. It involved 74 rides and included 1864 miles of riding (or pushing, in the case of some hills).

January of 2015 I looked back on my my accomplishments and decided that I wanted to do something that nobody else had ever done to celebrate my upcoming birthday in July. I determined that nobody had done this in Ingham County. I enjoyed it so much that I moved on to other counties.

Livingston County is the sixth county for which I have done this, since the start of 2015. The other five are Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee and Saginaw, which took 23 months, covered 3,000 square miles, and required over 11,000 miles of riding.

I ride a Tour Easy recumbent I bought used 18 years ago. Since then, I have ridden it over 56,000 miles. I’ve been on self-supported tours that lasted up to 4 weeks, mostly riding alone. Two of them were 1100 miles and 19 days each, using DALMAC rides as an initial springboard. I spent a month in West Virginia, carrying 40 pounds of gear, and still logged 500 miles.

I have come to favor the County Challenges more than the extended tours for several reasons:

1. It forces me to ride roads that are challenging.
2. I can, to a certain extent, choose my geography and weather.
3. I’m not committed to riding the day after a tough day.
4. I get to stop and talk with so many interesting people, and with those that are not that way, I can “get on down the road” without feeling rude.
5. I get to sleep in my own bed.

Dick also keeps up a fun website, Necessary Options, with some of the most useful information I’ve ever seen for self-supported bicycle touring, and it’s entertaining as heck. We hope to invite Dick back over the winter to entertain and instruct us with his tales of touring daring-do… stay tuned!


AMY’S BLOG: 9/8/17

Hometown Bicycles' Amy Gluck at the final race in the Island Lake T-Rex Triathlon seriesEvery week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. Today, you’ll enjoy Amy’s overview of the much-loved T-Rex Triathlon race series:

… The unusual thing about the T-Rex series is that the races are on weekday evenings. Most people are used to getting up early and racing first thing in the morning, but this race series focuses on a different athlete. For example, when you are training for an Ironman, you can’t give up a whole weekend day of training for one short sprint race. So, this type of race actually works well for the serious athlete. It’s odd, though, because you have to keep your body “race ready” all day long. This is a pretty tricky challenge… READ ON 

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


CHEER ON BRIGHTON CYCLING THIS WEEKEND!  

Brighton Cycling's first logoJust wanted to remind all you supporters of youth cycling that this weekend, Sunday, September 10th from 8am-2pm, you’ll have the opportunity to cheer on your Hometown service crew and their fellow high school racers, as they compete in the second event of their mountain bike race series. The race will be held at Island Lake. Wear your Hometown gear, and get ready to raise the roof!


Bike path in Kensington Metropark

NEXT TUESDAY (9/12):  LIVINGSTON COUNTY BIKE WAYS FORUM 

Non motorized transportation in Livingston County flierHere’s your chance to speak up about cyclist safety and bike paths! This forum, presented by the Livingston County Transportation Coalition is centered around:

  • How would a county-wide network of non-motorized paths and lanes impact our communities and our residents?     
  • What non-motorized routes would be most desirable in our county or from our county to nearby destinations?

Runs Tuesday, September 12th from 3-4:15pm at 622 E. Grand River in Howell. CLICK HERE for more information.


Cool Hedge Creations Sign Painting Party options
(Images courtesy Cool Hedge Creations)

NEXT TUESDAY (9/12): BICYCLE SIGN PAINTING PARTY

Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations is offering a class in our Community Room on Tuesday, September 12th from 6-9pm. She says:

Join me for a night of painting! You will create your very own personalized wooden sign.  Your creation can be a selection of one of 4 and will take 2-3 hours to create. You choose your image and the color of stain for your 20″ x 24″ sign, and I will prepare it for you to transfer your image. Then, complete it by painting the image the colors of your choice.  No creative skill necessary to create your masterpiece! (Registration and $50 prepayment required, please – see link below.) 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS SIGN PAINTING PARTY NOW


Apples

HOMETOWN BICYCLES APPLE ORCHARD RIDE 

Cider, donuts, bikes, beer… this ride has got it GOING ON! Organized by Team Captain, Jim Cleer, this casual fun ride is a must-do for fellow cider mill junkies!

We’ll roll at 8am on September 23rd from the Block Brewing Company in Howell (1140 S. Michigan Ave.), and pedal scenic back roads to Parshallville Cider Mill. Then it’s on to Markillie Orchard for a cider-and-donut top-off before looping back ’round to the brewery. This no-drop ride is about 35 miles of predominantly dirt roads. We’ll be riding a brisk, conversational pace (think 12-16mph). Come with “WAM” (Walking Around Money!) to enjoy refreshments at each stop. Ride updates be found HERE. Cider fiends, let’s ride!


MCMBA's National Mountain Bike Patrol training at Hometown Bicycles

BE A HERO! BECOME A MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROLLER 

Earlier this year, the upstanding group of outstanding individuals pictured above met at Hometown Bicycles for an intense course in helping riders in distress. Hosted by the MCMBA, the National Mountain Bike Patrol training used our Community Room for classroom education, and our backyard trail for hands-on learning.

MCMBA’s Randy Kessler will be running a second Mountain Bike Patrol training at our shop on September 23rd from 10am-3pmClick HERE to learn more and to register for this gallant group!


HAMBURG FITNESS CENTER HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

Hamburg Fitness Center Health and Fitness ExpoFor all of you who will NOT be riding with us at Poses, Pedals & Pints (P3) on September 30th, here’s a free and family-friendly event that’s an absolute blast, run the same day by Team Sponsor, Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. We LOVE their annual Health & Fitness Expo, and are bummed to be missing out on the fun this year (since we’re the “Pedal” portion of P3).

You do NOT have to be a member to attend!!The public is welcome to enjoy everything from raffles, health and spinal screenings, to massage, laser therapy, kids activities, and special class demos for Cardio Drumming, Aikido Martial Arts, Piyo, PILOXING Barre, and IntenSati. It’s all about giving you the tools to live longer and stronger… and to have fun doing it! CLICK HERE for details.


POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: ONLY 6 SPOTS REMAINING!!

Poses, Pedals and Pints logoBased out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this Saturday, September 30th 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 BeckerOnly 6 spot left… hurry!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION


Hometown Bicycles Women's Road Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS  (9/8)
8:30PM (meet at 8:15) from Maltby Intermediate School (4740 Bauer Rd. in Brighton)
*** NOTE THE NEW TIME & LOCATION! *** This week, we’ll ride to the Brighton Recreation trails, accessing them from the gravel roads. This will be an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are charged for this ride in the dark! We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Details are HERE.

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE  (9/9)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
*** ONLY 2 PREP RIDES REMAINING! TOUR DE LIVINGSTON IS OCTOBER 8TH! ***
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  (9/10)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
A holiday weekend can’t put a stopper on these gravel road warriors! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb (which, for MI, is a TON of climb!) on beautiful and EXTREMELY hilly country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! This is an intermediate/advanced ride (check out Tuesday’s Gravel Grinding 101 for a less grueling option.) Expect several long, tough climbs at a MINIMUM 14-15 MPH 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  (9/10)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. This week, we’ll be exploring 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. Save 1.5 hours of your day to ride with the Hometown crew. 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  (9/11)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
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. Stay tuned to Facebook for ride updates!

TUESDAY WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE  (9/12)
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, women-only road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake – about 14 miles of road – at a conversational, 11+mph pace. Road bikes recommended, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate at a behind-the-shop, BYOB bonfire with your new cycling buddies! Stay tuned to our Facebook events page for ride/weather updates.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (9/12)
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  **It’s time to start bringing lights!!**  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 (9/13)
This is a DROP RIDE! 
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Island Lake  *** NEW START LOCATION THIS WEEK ONLY & EARLIER START TIME ***

HAMMERFEST:
This Wednesday, the Hometown lot will be packed to the gills for a Tour de Livingston event, so we’re moving our Hammerfest/Son of Hammerfest rides to Island Lake Recreation Area! Check on Facebook for meet up location details.  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!

SON OF HAMMERFEST:
**For those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest** Also rolling at 6:00 from Island Lake, this ride includes 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph. Check Facebook for ride updates.

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 6:00PM
$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 | Coming Soon!
$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


We offer financing at Hometown Bicycles through Synchrony Financial


Hometown Bicycles cyclist looking back at a beautiful Island Lake sunset

Only look back to see how far you’ve come.

– Anonymous

Ladies Night Out and Other Hometown Adventures

Ladies Night Out at Hometown BicyclesCALLING ALL WOMEN!!  
Welcome to our first ever Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles, coming September 19th!!It’s a combination of yoga, wine, hors d’oeuvres, trunk show fashions, new product lines, amazing deals, and absolutely ALL of it tailored specifically for women!

This exciting segue between the ending of our weekly Women’s Road Ride, and the beginning of our weekly Women’s Fitness (details coming soon!) is open to ALL WOMEN ages 21 and older. Here’s the scoop:

Ladies Night Out at Hometown  |  TUES., SEPTEMBER 19, 6-9PM

Your evening will start by easing away the stresses of your day with a 30-minute, beginner yoga session, courtesy of Jenny of Body Within Personal Training. Stretched and centered, you’ll move on to wine and hors d’oeuvre tasting, with gal-centric beverages and delicious treats. Next, you’ll enjoy the incredibly unique opportunity to preview and order – with phenomenal discounts, of course! – from the 2018 Spring product trunk show of Shebeest, a fashion-forward cycling wear brand, developed by and for women, that we are CRAZY-EXCITED to introduce to our shop! You’ll wrap up the evening with ladies-night-only dealson women-specific cycling shoes, helmets, gear, and bikes.

A $40 pre-registration is required and, for that, you receive:

   30-minute, beginner Yoga Class with Body Within
   Wine and hors d’oeuvres tasting with a certified professional ($20 value)
   $20 Hometown Bicycles Gift Certificate
   Goodie Bag (valued at $35)
   Ladies-Night-Out discounts on women-specific bike, apparel, and accessories
   Unique Trunk Show + discounted pre-ordering of Shebeest’s 2018 Spring cycling wear line!

Ladies, know that this Night Out was designed by your Hometown gals specifically for YOU. (Fellas, don’t be jealous – there’s a “Guys’ Night Out at Hometown” a-brewin’!) Are you as geeked about this as we are?? Call for details (810-225-2441) or come join us!


NOTE:

  HOMETOWN HOURS SHIFT-BACK 

With many of our crew headed back to their collegiate and pre-collegiate studies, it’s time to make our annual weekday hours shift-back. Nothing dramatic, but beginning Monday, August 28th, our Spring/Summer 7am-9pm weekDAY hours will change to:

MONDAY – FRIDAY  9AM-9PM

SATURDAY & SUNDAY  9AM-5PM


Hometown Bicycles heading up the Doc May Memorial Melon Fest Ride in Howell, MI

MAKING MEMORIES AT THE MELON FESTIVAL 

This past Saturday brought cyclists’ DREAM weather for the annual Doc May Memorial Melon Ride, and the riders loved every minute of it! From the route (which Hometown created and marked), to the ride (which Team Hometown led), to the bike support and valet (which Hometown manned), to the melons and melon ice cream (which Hometown… um… ate in copious quantities), we had an absolute ball giving the wonderful folks of Livingston County a morning to remember!

THANK YOU to Howell Area Parks & Recreation for the continuing opportunity to run this true gem of a ride. THANK YOU to the Team volunteers and staff for your stellar and sunshine-y assistance. And THANK YOU to all of you wonderful Hometownies who joined us for THE BEST Melon Ride to date!


Hometown Bicycles Saturday Singles Road Ride

SINGLES RIDE: OH MY GOSH!! THEY PROPOSED… !!! 

… that we should definitely do our Hometown Bicycles singles group ride again! (Couldn’t help myself!) But, even without a love-at-first-sight story, our inaugural Singles Ride was a smashing success, with riders of all ages ♥ing the camaraderie, casual conversation, and bicycle-based connection time. The after-ride mingle went late into the evening – we’d say reluctance to leave equates to a good time! Stay tuned for more singles opportunities…


38th Annual Assenmacher 100
(Photo courtesy Team Hometownie, DJ Joe Ostervik)

TEAM NEWS: THE ASSENMACHER 100 

One of the most popular century rides in Michigan, the Assenmacher 100 is a social fun ride through the rolling hills and farmland of Swartz Creek, MI. But when you pair speedster Team riders Jim Cleer, Joe Ostervik, and Joe Van Gordon, “social” tends to translate to peloton pacing. They powered up a swift 20+ mph pace with a group of 15 riders, but our warmest wishes for a speedy recovery to Jim, who took a sharp spill. Hope your recovery is as swift as your pacing, Jim!


AMY’S BLOG: Take 2 (it’s there, I promise…)

Hometown Bicycles' Amy GluckAfter revving up your interest last week for another intriguing Amy’s Blog, I biffed it with a memory fail. Sorry folks! But it’s posted on her blog page now, so you can finally appease your curiosity… I promise!

Every week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. In the latter half of this week’s blog, Amy gets real with an inside look into the mind of a top-tier, to-the-core athlete… and it’s not what you’d expect!:

… people ask me “what do you think about while you’re doing your long, solo runs and rides?” That’s a tough question to answer.  I’ve honestly had so much trouble concentrating on the bike in an Ironman, I’ve actually started singing the alphabet to distract my mind! Usually, the best thing to do is… READ ON 

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


Purpose bracelets at Hometown Bicycles by Cool Hedge Creations

STAINLESS STEEL SASS: MEET COOL HEDGE CREATIONS 

Cool Hedge Creations logoMelissa Fournier-Rudberg is a feisty-spirited, creative type with talent in spades! She’s enlivened our shop with a playful collection of bicycle-themed Purpose Bracelets, that are cheeky and fun. Come check them out in our gift department! Her Facebook page is also a treasure trove of clever, customized pieces crafted by this lively lady. According to the artist:

Cool Hedge Creations is a love project from local artisan, Melissa Rudberg. What started out as a project to help out a friend, has quickly turned into a growing business. Specializing in “Purpose” bracelets created by hand stamping stainless steel washers with purpose words to remind the wearer that we all have a purpose in our lives, she has expanded into other stamped jewelry and accessories. Melissa lives in Howell with her husband, 2 dogs, and 4 hedgehogs, which were the inspiration for the business name.


Cool Hedge Creations Sign Painting Party options
(Images courtesy Cool Hedge Creations)

BICYCLE-THEMED SIGN PAINTING PARTY

Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations (the one you just met above!) is offering a class in our Community Room on Tuesday, September 12th from 6-9pm. She says:

Join me for a night of painting! You will create your very own personalized wooden sign.  Your creation can be a selection of one of 4 and will take 2-3 hours to create. You choose your image and the color of stain for your 20″ x 24″ sign, and I will prepare it for you to transfer your image. Then, complete it by painting the image the colors of your choice.  No creative skill necessary to create your masterpiece! (Registration and $50 prepayment required, please – see link below.) 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS SIGN PAINTING PARTY NOW


Hometown Bicycles Service Tech, Mason Verbison
(Images courtesy Mason Verbison)

MEET YOUR CREW: MASON VERBISON 

Mason is one of those crew members who just “got it” from the get-go. His work ethic as a Service Tech is outstanding, and he’s as friendly as can be – true Hometown material, this one. Mason says:

In June of 2016, I went to buy a mountain bike, thinking it would only be for riding pavement, but after I bought it, i heard about the Brighton Cycling Club and of course I had to try it. I joined the cycling club and was hooked from there on out. I have competed in 5 races and done very well. I went to Hometown to look at a new bike, and Shaun was there to happily help me find a bike that would fit me perfectly. I ended up buying a beautiful Jamis bike, and have had many great adventures, and hopefully many more to come.


Pennylane Resale Facebook page

THE-LOCATION-FORMERLY-KNOWN-AS-HOMETOWN 

Does this place look familiar? The colors maybe ring a bell. Possibly the painted floor. Something about it just seems a little… déjà vu.

Oh, wow!! That’s where the former Hometown Bicycles’ service shop was located, next door to where we are today!

I’m personally elated to welcome Pennylane to the neighborhood – owner, Duwayne Jessop, was the founder of one of my favorite salt-and-pepper shaker hunting grounds of all times – Paddywacks of South Lyon. After selling his business, he couldn’t shake the knick-knack bug, and has started up this cozily cluttered store, filled with video games, music, movies, home decor, art, toys, jewelry, tools, collectibles, and the list goes on, and on, and on… Duwayne affectionately refers to them as his chachkies, thingamajigs, whatchamacallits, and doodads.
Pennylane Resale in Brighton, Michigan
All I have to say is that you’ll have to arm wrestle me for the salt-and-pepper shakers! (You think I’m joking.)

Pennylane Resale is open Monday-Saturday 11-7, and Sundays “optional”, at 10603 E. Grand River in Brighton. Call them at (810) 522-5254 or visit their Facebook page.

Please help us welcome our new neighbor by stopping in and saying “hello!” The transformation from bearing grease and chain lube to fun and eclectic treasures is AWESOME to experience first hand!


POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: NOW LOOKING FOR SPONSORS!

Poses, Pedals and Pints logoAshley notified us that a few Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this Saturday, September 30thyoga-bike-beer event. If your company is interested, please contact her for details: ashley@toccamassage.com.

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 sign up NOW!

REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION


Hometown Bicycles Beginner Road Ride group ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (8/26)
*** ONLY 3 LEFT! ***
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 (8/27)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb (which, for MI, is a TON of climb!) on beautiful and EXTREMELY hilly country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! This is an intermediate/advanced ride (check out Tuesday’s Gravel Grinding 101 for a less grueling option.) Expect several long, tough climbs at a MINIMUM 14-15 MPH 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 (8/27)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. This week, we’ll be exploring 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. Save 1.5 hours of your day to ride with the Hometown crew. 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  (8/28)
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. Stay tuned to Facebook for ride updates!

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 WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE  (8/29)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, women-only road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake – about 14 miles of road – at a conversational, 11+mph pace. Road bikes recommended, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate at a behind-the-shop, BYOB bonfire with your new cycling buddies! Stay tuned to our Facebook events page for ride/weather updates.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (8/29)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  **It’s time to start bringing lights!!**  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 (8/30)
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.

SON OF HAMMERFEST – ** NOW WEEKLY **:
**For those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest** Also rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles, this ride includes 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE  (8/31)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This conversational morning ride will find us exploring Island Lake’s beautiful 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 Facebook for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

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 | Tuesdays & 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 | Coming Soon!
$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


We offer financing at Hometown Bicycles through Synchrony Financial


Hometown Bicycles cyclist wearing helmet in the sunshine

I opened two gifts this morning. They were my eyes.

– Anonymous

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