bicycle rides | Hometown Bicycles

What Happened at Hometown the Other Night…

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Shaun

(Friendships were forged and fun was TOTALLY had at Hometown’s Ladies Night Out: Spring Edition!)

WHAT HAPPENS AT HOMETOWN, STAYS AT… OH, WAIT!
No it doesn’t! It gets shared with you right now! Ladies Night Out: Spring Edition was just too wonderful to keep to ourselves, anyway…

In our second celebration of Hometownie women, we launched the evening with a stellar, stress-melting yoga session, courtesy of Terry of Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. Next came a few words from the girl-power advocate who runs this show (me).

Wine was a-flowing from an ambrosial selection of reds and whites, and partnered beautifully with our tableful of gal-geared goodies!

Many of our women picked up quick and simple flat tire fix tips and shifting techniques in a set of mini clinics that ran mid-event. Complimentary chair massages took place just a few steps away, generously offered by wonder-women, Jenn and Sue, of Kor Chiro Studio.

In what’s quickly become one of the largest selections of women’s cyclewear in the area, our women found an abundance of eye-popping deals and colorful fashions to suit every style. And one of the favorite additions to the evening was the playful jewelry and artwork offered and donated as door prizes by kind-to-the-core vendors/artists Peggy Kerwan, Lauren of LPbyLP, Cathy and Rita of Echo Lake Steel, and Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations.

Generous gift donations from Hamburg Fitness Center‘s chief ladies, Deb and Terry, and one of the most vibrant personalities we’ve ever met – Sandy of Beauchamp Water Treatment – cherry-topped the evening for several happy winners.

We welcomed 5 new ladies to our Hometown Team, made friends and cycling buddies, and 200% loved life with some of the most wonderful women we know. What a magical evening! Ladies, you have my personal thanks for supporting my mission to make Hometown one of the female-friendliest bike shops in the region and, of course, for being so awesome!! (Stay tuned for our next big women’s event, coming up in May!)

INVENTORY, TOOLS, FIXTURES & MORE

Moving Vincere operations to Hometown means a BIG BIKE SHOP BLOW-OUT SALE the likes of which you’ve never seen – product, fixtures, tools… anything that’s not nailed down at blow-out pricing. Start moving the seats out of your cars – sale runs THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 FROM NOON-4PM, and you’ll be needing the space! First come, first serve!!!
Meet man-of-the-hour, Matt Fitzhorn (and his little dog, too!) parked in front of Vincere Cycles of Milford.

MARCH 1ST: CLINIC POTLUCK PARTY

Hometownies, we’re wrapping up this – our 8th year of winter bike clinics – with the most epic Potluck Party to date… because, this year, there’s something extra to celebrate!

In this clinic, you’ll learn about the best parks, routes, and groups for your Michigan cycling adventures. We’ll also be welcoming back guest speaker Jim Plaunt of Bike Tour Vacations, who’s worked up a special promotion just for Hometownies!

You’ll get our 2018 Spring Shop Ride agenda (spoiler alert – it’s awesome!), and meet the cool people you’ll get to ride them with! PLUS, this March 1st party is your LAST CHANCEto sign up for our all-inclusive, all-about-making-it-fun Team Hometown Bicycles!! (We’re at 85 riders – can you help our Team get to 100??)

Exciting, right? But wait, there’s more! At this event, you’ll have a chance to finally meet the one and only Matt Fitzhorn, whom you’ve been hearing so much about – the new head honcho for your famous Hometown Service Department. You’re right. You absolutely won’t want to miss this:

Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party

Thur, March 1st, 7-9pm – The only fee is food!

2018 HOMETOWN WOMEN’S WINTER CLASSES

It’s the final class in our Hometown, women-only, winter class series to keep you going strong over the winter! Women’s rides are next on the agenda, beginning in April – be sure to watch our Facebook page and newsletter for the official announcement! Click the registration link for details and to sign up for the final class:2/27 WOMEN’S PILOXING BARRE with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for PILOXING | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, FEB 24 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

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 to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, 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 moreZUMBA | 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

Making memories with you is my favorite thing to do.

~ Jordy Daniel

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, bicycle clinics, bicycle repair, bicycle rides, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike repair, bike rides, bike shop, Bike Tour Vacations, bikes, blow out sale, Cardio Drumming, Cathy Nelson, chair massages, Cool Hedge Creations, cycling, cycling team, cyclists, Dawn Bhajan, Deb Godmer, Donna Rinnas, Echo Lake Steel, female friendly bike shop, flat tire fix, group rides, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hometown Bicycles, Jim Plaunt, Kor Chiro, ladies night out, Lauren Patrell, Leslie Barrett, LPbyLP, Martha Soraruf, Matt Fitzhorn, Melissa Rudberg, Peggy Kerwan, Piloxing Barre, potluck party, Sandy Rachwal, shifting, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, Terry Mushong, Vincere Cycles, wine, winners, womens winter fitness classes, yoga, zumba | Leave a comment »

Look Outside! + Roll & Rock Concert at Hometown

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Shaun

I TOLD YOU S… OK, OK, I WON’T SAY IT…
Remember that email I sent you a couple weeks back, telling you that the best time to get your bikes tuned up is NOW, so you won’t miss a minute of cycling weather? Today has just put a very definitive exclamation point at the end of that statement!

Those of you early birds who already took up the call – happy cycling! And there’s been another surge of tune-up bikes over the last few days. But if you haven’t acted yet, know this…

We’ll be seeing a lot more of these spring-heralding days over the coming month. If indoor cycling is your thing, may the force power your climate-controlled pedal strokes. But if the thought of getting back outdoors makes your heart SOAR, pack up those bikes and bring them in! We’ll have you ready to ride the next wave of beautiful weather.

MEET YOUR TEAM SOCIAL SPONSOR!

I am exceptionally pleased to RE-introduce Sean Lowry of Lowry Solutions. You may already recognize this name as one of the quality companies that’s sponsored Team Hometown Bicycles over the past two years.

Sean approached us with a desire to take his Sponsorship to a new level of awesome and, from that conversation, Team Social Sponsor was born! Our 2018 Team members will enjoy quarterly events geared toward Team bonding, accomplishment celebration, and having FUN, thanks to this avid cyclist and his community-minded company.

When you spot Sean at rides and events, be sure to shake his hand! Thanks, Lowry Solutions, for helping strengthen and grow our Team!! (And congrats, Sean, on your baby daughter!)

Haven’t signed up yet for Team Hometown? Email Laura at ride@myhometownbicycles.com. We’re accepting applications through March 1st!

MIKE KEARNS REPRESENTS AT SUMMIT

Speaking of Team Sponsors we can all be proud of, we’d like to give a 21-gear salute to Mike Kearns of Kearns Brothers, Inc, who spread Team goodwill and bike joy all the way down in Florida, building donation bikes at a recent Contractor Summit. As described in their event roster:

“… we are giving back to the Miami community with a Build-a-Bike charity component [and] are asking all in attendance to volunteer a portion of their time, and help us give back to those recently ravaged by Hurricane Irma… help us assemble [the bikes] and have fun doing it!”

And so he did. Mike, ya’ done your Team proud!

(Photo courtesy and © Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band)

ROLL & ROCK EVENT COMING 2/10
A ‘funk’y fundraiser for the Brighton High School Mountain Bike Team

Recognize the fella standing in the middle? Of course you do!! Because he’s Hometown’s very own CycloDan Tribble – long-time service guru, leader of our Tuesday shop rides, all-things-bike geek and, in his alter life, member of a band! (We always knew he was cool!)

On Saturday, February 10th, we’re clearing our floor of bikes for a LIVE CONCERT AT HOMETOWN, starring Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band. On the agenda – crazy awesome music, dancing, BYOB, snacks, socializing… and knowing that half of your $10 cover charge goes directly toward gearing up the BHS Team for their 2018 cycling season!

Enjoy the show from 7pm-9pm, then hang with the band at the after-party. It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting youth cycling. Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!

BAND BIO: The Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band is Brian “BK Big Fish” King, drums, Doug “Bird Dog” Percha, guitar, Theo “Dr. Thee” Smith, bass and Dan Tribble aka “Shoocat Hopkins” on vocals and harmonica. All have been active members of the S.E. Michigan music scene mostly dating back to the mid 70’s. The PBR Band intends to bring you a brew of blues, rock & funky R&B for your listening and dancing enjoyment! Contact Brian at 330-806-1710 for booking info.

SAT, FEBRUARY 10 | 7PM-10PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$10 cover charge, payable at the door – cash or checks only, please.

CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN ATTEND!

LADIES NIGHT OUT: SPRING EDITION (2/20)

You asked – we listened!! Welcome to ’Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles – Spring Edition’ on Tuesday, February 20th from 6-9pm!! We’ll close the shop again for the last 3 hours of the day, so that we can make this evening all about you! Shake off the winter blah’s, and let’s think Spring, ladies!!!Back by popular demand, your evening will start by easing away the stresses of your day with a 30-minute, beginner yoga session, courtesy of Terri from Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. Stretched and centered, you’ll warm your spirits with wine and refreshments, provided by Hometown.

Next on the agenda, the mini-clinics so many of you asked for! We’ll be running 15 minute quickies on Flat Tire Fixes and Shifting Demystified. Pick one, try both, or go back for seconds – we’ll run repeats over the course of an hour. In the meantime, browse a specially ordered selection of women-specific cycling necessities – discounted at Ladies-Night-only pricing! More details to come – stay tuned!

TUES, FEBRUARY 20 | 6PM-9PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$40 payable at registration. Click the link below!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR LADIES NIGHT OUT!

(Photo courtesy and © Live Safe Academy)

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN (2/13)

MEN, don’t skip this section on account of it’s title! I KNOW there are women in your life who are important to you. Ladies, same goes for you, and I sincerely hope that one of those women is YOU!We’ve invited Ian Kinder, owner and personal safety instructor of Live Safe Academy, to teach a Women’s Self Defense class right here at Hometown on Tuesday, February 13th. In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn “simple, life saving skills from programs designed to increase your safety after only one class! Our hands on courses teach time-tested, realistic methods that are easy to learn and remember… No previous training required.”

Timed beneficially just before Valentine’s Day, this class is targeted for ladies, ages 12 and up. Valentine’s Day safety, solo bike rides, peace of mind – whatever your interest, COME! I’ve signed up… your turn!

TUES, FEBRUARY 13 | 7PM-9PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$40 payable at time of registration. Minimum 15 participants required – tell your friends and family!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
FOR WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN

1/30 & 2/1: BIKE MAINTENANCE – AFTER THE RIDE

We’ve run our Winter Clinic Series since opening in 2010… not to toot our own horn, but *toot* we’re really good at it! All clinics are FREE – click the links below for details and to register:

Bike Maintenance – After the Ride Care
Tues, Jan 30th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 1st, 7-8pm

Bike Fitting with Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
Thu, Feb 8th, 7-8pm

Cycling Nutrition Clinic
Tues, Feb 13th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 15th, 7-8pm

Cycling Gear & Wear Clinic
Tues, Feb 20th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 22nd, 7-8pm

Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party
Thu, March 1st, 7-9pm

<< Click the image at left for a printable Clinic Series flier!

2018 HOMETOWN WOMEN’S WINTER CLASSES

Ladies, Hometown’s women-only, winter class series is going strong to KEEP you strong over the winter. Click the registration links for details and to sign up:1/30 WOMEN’S SPIN CLASS with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for Spin | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

2/6 WOMEN’S HOT YOGA with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for Hot Yoga | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

2/13 WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE with Live Safe Academy
REGISTER for Self Defense | 7PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registration
A Note from Dawn: I’ve seen this instructor in action, and he is awesome. This class NEEDS to
be shared with the women in your life who are important to you… that’s why I’m sharing it with you.
Ages 12 and up – mothers, daughters, wives, friends, and coworkers – ALL women welcome!

2/20 LADIES NIGHT OUT at Hometown Bicycles
REGISTER for Ladies Night Out | 6PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registration

2/27 WOMEN’S PILOXING BARRE with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for PILOXING | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 10AM (MEET AT 9:30AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’ll pedal our fat bikes through the “badlands” of Island Lake Recreation Area. This week, we split into A and B groups. Group A, the ADVANCED Riders, will be riding at a much faster pace and put in more miles. Group B, the INTERMEDIATE Riders, will ride as their skill determines. All riders will be powering through hills, sand and snow (exploring behind “the pond”). We’ll cover about 10 -16 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Fat bikes are available for rent at the shop!***

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Night Riders with Dan
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 | 6PM (MEET AT 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
If, and only if, trail conditions are favorable, Dan will lead this Beginner/Intermediate paced group through the mountain bike trails of Island Lake. *Bring your Lights!* Make sure you have front AND rear lights (charged). NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes welcome. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

***Fat bikes are available for rent at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

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

To bike or not to bike… what a silly question!

~ Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: beginner yoga, bicycle clinics, bicycle rides, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bike clinics, bike rides, bike shop, bike tune ups, bikes, biking, Build-a-Bike, Cardio Drumming, charity, community, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Dan Tribble, fat bike friendly ride, Hometown Bicycles, Hurricane Irma, Ian Kinder, indoor cycling, Kearns Brothers Inc., ladies night out, Leslie Barrett, live music, Live Safe Academy, Lowry Solutions, Martha Soraruf, Mike Kearns, mini-clinics, musicians, night ride, PBR Band, Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band, Roll and Rock concert, Sean Lowry, Social Sponsor, spring, Spring Edition, Team Hometown Bicycles, team sponsor, tuneups, wine, women only classes, womens self defense, zumba | Leave a comment »

Team Time, Michigan Gifts, and Tons of Winter Fun

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Shaun

BE A PART OF SOMETHING THAT SUPPORTS THE SPORT YOU LOVE!
Team Hometown Bicycles is a combination of non-competitive and competitive riders with a passion for cycling, supporting their community, and growing the sport. Sound like your cup of tea? Awesome! Because we are now accepting applications for our 2017 Team.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SKINNY ON TEAM HOMETOWN BICYCLES!

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THANK YOU FOR BEING A 2017 TEAM SPONSOR!
BODY WITHIN PERSONAL TRAINING

Getting the 2017 Team Sponsor ball rolling is a company with which we have a long and truly special history. Body Within Personal Training, run by Chris and Jenny Schild, has been a key player in the evolution of Hometown Bicycles since day one – everything from sponsoring our Team in 2015 and 2016, guest speaking at our much-loved winter clinics, sponsoring our epic Mountain Bike Marathon, teaching yoga classes for Hometownies (Shaun and I loved these!), volunteering expertise at our Fall Extravaganza, and being deserving perma-residents on the Hometown Bicycles VIP wall of fame.

I’ll tell you right now that when you support Body Within, you’re supporting Hometown. This company is amazing, and is our role model for business ethics and values.

Check out their video above and visit www.bodywithinfit.com to learn more about the people of Body Within and their in-home personal training and corporate wellness services. They have over 12 years of success stories under their belts, and are loved community wide. And here’s something awesome just for Hometownies…

20% OFF YOUR 1ST MONTH OF TRAINING
when you mention “Hometown Bicycles”
(For new clients only.)

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION: 517-404-3488

“Move Better. Feel Better.” AND show your appreciation for this remarkably supportive Sponsor. Two birds, one stone. Thanks, Hometownies! And THANK YOU, Body Within!

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KEEP YOUR CHRISTMAS $$ IN MICHIGAN!

While you’re in the thick of Christmas shopping for your favorite bike lovers, why not keep your dollars right here in Michigan by supporting the remarkable talent of local artists on display at Hometown!

Image above (clockwise from top left): Aubrey Baumeier’s Sunshine Design jewelry consists of ingeniously recycled chain links and inner tube. Winnie Chrzanowski’s bike photography tells an artistic story. Deborah Marlowe-Kashdan’s geometric print is playful and pre-framed. Peggy Kerwan’s exquisite bike prints are beautifully presented – all you need is abow! Lauren Patrell of LPbyLP has sewn bicycle perfection into her purses, cards, and keychains. And Cindy Selke’s bicycle wreaths are the perfect accent for your front door.

Don’t forget to check out our 24 Days of Christmas daily deals on Facebook for more gift ideas that will help you shop local. Today’s daily deal is at right >>

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TEAM NEWS: GLOBAL FAT BIKE RIDE

Hometown’s Team and crew made the short trek out to Island Lake last weekend for the Global Fat Bike Day Ride. It was total fat bike nirvana!

Hometown Rides Coordinator, Jean, described it like this: “it reminded me of dumping out a jar of marbles – bikes rolling in every direction! Over 100 Fat Bike cyclists joined in for the group ride – some estimate over 150.”

Wanna be a part of the next big fat bike adventure? Join us over at the Poto Trail this Saturday, December 10th at high noon for the 2016 Abominable Snowman Ride! Don’t have a fat bike yet? Cue the Hometown fat bike rentals…

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RENT A FAT BIKE AT HOMETOWN

Our fleet of rental fat bikes were out in full force at last weekend’s Global Fat Bike Day Ride, and they’re all rarin’ to go again for any of you wanting to ride this weekend’s Abominable Snowman Ride. Here’s how the program works:

We have a fleet of 12 rental fat bikes in all sizes, for guys AND gals.

1 DAY = $50 3 DAYS = $100 5 DAYS = $150

Go out, ride, have fun and, if – you know – you just happen to fall in love, we’ll apply the rental fee toward your purchase of that bike!

While your picking out your rental bike, be sure to check out our winter gear selection. Riding’s infinitely more fun when you’re not frozen to your seat!

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FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

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

CARDIO DRUMMING – Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA – Fridays at 9AM on 12/16, 23, 30 • 1/6
$10 drop in or $35 for all 4 weeks – Presented by Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

ZUMBA – Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$5 drop in – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

Stay tuned to upcoming emails for an announcement about another favorite use of our Community Room: Winter Bike Clinic Series 2017… COMING SOON!

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HOMETOWN SHOP RIDES

Happily, cold weather and early nights do NOT signal the end of cycling season! Here are shop rides you won’t want to miss this week:

Friday Night Lights – TBA
Although we’re a hardy bunch, temps creeping down into the 20°s this Friday with a stiff, 20mph “breeze” are beyond even our adventurous comfort level. Stay warm this weekend, and we’ll look forward to catching you on the next ride! Stay tuned to our Facebook for the next scheduled ride.

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Saturday, December 17th, 10 a.m.
Explore ~12-14 miles of Milford area mountain bike trails with us! Fat bike / mountain bikes are all welcome. NO DROP RIDE. Dress warmly! Meet at the Milford trailhead located on Peter’s road between GM/Commerce roads, on the West side (at the Janowski Field park). Park in the lot closest to Peters Road (if you see baseball fields to your left, you’re there). **Check Facebook for ride updates.**

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2017 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Check out the companies below… they’re our 2015/16 sponsors, and businesses that we are proud to promote because they share our core values of integrity, passion, dedication, and community-mindedness.

Additional Team Sponsor opportunities are still available. Interested in learning more? Contact our Rides Coordinator, Jean, at ride@myhometownbicycles.com.