Your Hometown Crew and Speak Up for Cycling

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Shaun

Who’s This Attractive Bunch?

MEET YOUR HOMETOWN BICYCLES CREW… We consider it a true honor when you introduce us to your family and friends – it lets us know that you feel the same respect, loyalty, and you’re-our-peeps kind of thang that we feel for you.

Well, we’d like to extend you the same courtesy! Meet your Hometown 2.017 crew (above). We’ll be featuring your go-to bike gurus here and on our website over the coming weeks; get to know the guys and gals who help make your Hometown experience a magical one!

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THIS WEEK: BIKE MAINTENANCE CLINIC (free!)

This Wednesday and Thursday starts the first in a 2-part series of ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR CLINICS TO DATE! Whether you’re a newbie or bike buff, here’s your chance to learn the workings of your trusty sidekick, and how to set yourself and your bike up for a brilliant ride. Bring your questions, and be prepared for some hands-on learnin’!

BIKE CARE & MAINTENANCE PART 1 – REGISTER NOW!
Wednesday, January 11 from 12:15-1pm -OR- Thursday, January 12 from 6-7pm
In this first of a 2-part clinic, we’ll cover tips and tricks to prep your bike BEFORE you hit the roads and trails.

BIKE CARE & MAINTENANCE PART 2 – REGISTER NOW!
Wednesday, January 18 from 12:15-1pm -OR- Thursday, January 19 from 6-7pm
In this second of a 2-part clinic, we’ll talk about how to care for your bicycle AFTER you come back from your ride.

BIKE FITTING BASICS – REGISTER NOW!
Wednesday, January 25 from 12:15-1pm -OR- Thursday, January 26 from 6-7pm
Guest speaker, Vinnie Baylerian of Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, covers bike fit that maximizes efficiency and minimizes discomfort.

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SPEAK UP FOR CYCLING AT JANUARY SUMMIT

Concerned about the state of cycling safety in Livingston County? Shaun says, “Let’s stop _itchin’, and do something about it!”

We not only encourage, but ASK you to attend the January 17th Livingston County Transportation Summit, running 8am-Noon at Cleary University’s Johnson Center. It’s FREE, and the more cyclists who attend, the more likely our concerns about local cycling safety will be heard and addressed. You can sit with us – Hometown will be there!

Click the image at left to view the Summit invite. You can REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT HERE, or email arennie@CMHLIV.ORG for details.

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FAT BIKE FRIENDLY SHOP RIDE THIS SATURDAY

Knock on wood-ed trails… it looks like the weather is going to be idyllic for a roll through the winter woods. Bring your fatties (or rent one from us!) or mountain bikes. This weekend’s shop ride will be a 2-parter: a 6-mile, beginner-friendly loop to start, and a faster, 7-9 mile, Proud Lake loop for eager beavers craving an additional challenge!

Meet at Milford trailhead (Janowski field) at 1pm on Saturday, January 14th. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation/changes.

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LEARN ABOUT TEAM HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Heads up, Hometownies… we’ve scheduled a munch-and-learn Team meeting on Saturday, January 21st, 4:30pm in our Community Room. You’ll meet our Team Captains and learn everything from what our Team is about and past accomplishments, to upcoming adventures and Team perks.

There’s no charge to attend, but we do need to plan for food, so please register:
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR TEAM MUNCH-AND-LEARN

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ONLY 2 TEAM SPONSOR SLOTS REMAINING!

We’re down to the FINAL TWO Team Hometown Bicycles sponsorship slots. If interested, please email Jean at ride@myhometownbicycles.com.

We tip our helmets to these exceptional companies who have committed (or recommitted!) to being a part of our 2017 Team adventures:


THIS COULD BE YOUR COMPANY!

THIS COULD
BE YOUR
COMPANY!

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(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 winter fitness programs running right here inside your favorite bike shop:

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

Dynamic Yoga with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga at Hometown Bicycles DYNAMIC YOGA | New series pending… stay tuned!
$10 drop in – Presented by Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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

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Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Ashley Knuth, bicycle clinic, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinic, bike fitting, bike maintenance, bike shop, bikes, Body Within Personal Training, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, Dr. Horal DDS, Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride, fat bikes, fatties, financing, fitness classes, free clinics, group ride, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bicycles crew, Hometownies, Jamis, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Michigan Banner Factory, milford, munch and learn, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, Proud Lake, shop ride, southeast michigan, speak up, sponsorship, Synchrony Financial, Team Captains, Team Hometown Bicycles, team sponsors, Tocca Massage and Yoga, transportation summit, vinyasa yoga, woods, 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.

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 24 Days of Christmas, Abominable Snowman Ride, Aubrey Baumeier, bicycle rides, bicycle shop, bike clinic, bike lovers, bike rides, bike shop, Body Within Personal Training, Cardio Drumming, Chris and Jenny Schild, Christmas shopping, Cindy Selke, cycling, cyclists, Deborah Marlowe Kashdan, dynamic yoga, Global Fat Bike Ride, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Island Lake, Lauren Patrell, LPbyLP, Peggy Kerwan, rent a fat bike, shop rides, Team applications, Team Hometown Bicycles, team sponsor, Winnie Chrzanowski, winter clinic series, zumba | Leave a comment »

New Mountain Biking Intro Clinic + Parties, Rides and Accomplishments

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Shaun

Curious About Mountain Biking?
—- WE’VE GOT A CLINIC FOR THAT! —-

JUST HOW DIFFERENT IS RIDING TRAILS TO RIDING ROADS ANYWAY?

The lure of woodsy single-track strikes just about every cyclist at some point in their life… there’s something almost primal about the need to take a path less traveled.

But mountain biking (MTB) is a very different beast from road riding – with different equipment, challenges, and skill requirements – and that can be downright intimidating.

We get it, and that’s why we’ve created the “So, You Want to Transition to Mountain Biking” Clinic. Jennifer (our Events Coordinator, MTB novice, and instigator of this clinic) and Shaun will talk about these differences, how to prep for your first trail experience, where to ride when you’re ready, and groups and classes that can help. PLUS, we’ll have a variety of demo bikes on hand for you to try what you just learned!

CLINIC RUNS TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 AT 6:30PM
in the Hometown Bicycles Community Room

Rest assured, you will NOT have to grow facial hair and wear flannel shirts to participate…

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR THE TRANSITION TO MOUNTAIN BIKING CLINIC

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KUDOS TO CORA FOR THE SALE OF HER BIKE ART!

Just wanted to give a huge Hometown shout-out to Pinckney High School art student, Cora Kroll, for the sale of her wicked-cool graphite bike art. Way to go, Cora!

Do YOU want to support the awesome talent of these students? Their artwork is still on display (and for sale) in our Community Room. Come check it out!

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8/6: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PARTY RIDE WITH SHAUN

Don’t forget to sign up for this FREE, biggest-ride-of-the-year, food-on-the-barbie, chill-around-the-campfire, win-a-jersey, Party Ride with your goateed bike guru to launch our annual Tour de Livingston Training Ride series (see section below)!

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR OUR SATURDAY, AUGUST 6TH TDL PARTY RIDE

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TOUR DE LIVINGSTON TRAINING RIDES JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER

Following the big Party Ride (see section above), we’re turning our annual TDL Training Ride series into a tip-top training tool to maximize your Tour de Livingston experience, with skill building, stamina stretching, and many more chances to win cool TDL swag!

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TEAM NEWS: ACHIEVEMENTS THAT REALLY HIT HOME

Just when we think we can’t get any prouder, our Team serves up another dish of “oh, wow!” This time, a couple Team achievers hail right from our very own Hometown crew…

Congratulations to Hometown’s Events Coordinator, Jennifer McCauley, for blowing it out of the water at last weekend’s Sylvania, OH Women’s Only Triathlon and rocking a second place win in her age division! Jennifer designed and will be instructing our upcoming, August 9th “So, You Want to Transition to Mountain Biking” Clinic. She credits MTB cross-training for breaking her out of a plateau and shaving 3 minutes off her triathlon bike time! (see top)

(Above: Jennifer holds up her well-deserved trophy at the Tri. Image courtesy Jennifer McCauley)

A round of high fives to Hometown’s Rides Coordinator, Jean Steinberg, who was tapped byCRAMBA (Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association) to be an instructor at last weekend’s Got MTB Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic. Despite getting caught in a deluge (“I dumped running water out of my shoes twice…”), Jean did our shop and her sport proud, sharing her passion with a bevy of enthusiastic MTB newbies. (There’s another one on August 27th!)

(Above: Jean simulates proper weighting for climbing with fellow instructor Norbert. Image courtesy Jean Steinberg)

Also, we want to give a “hollah!” to Team Hometownie “DJ Joe” Ostervik, who’s been posting some great pics on Facebook of his RAGBRAI (“The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa”) adventure in the Team kit. In fact, he’s still out there, enjoying his week-long trek across Iowa. Safe travels, Joe, and thanks for sharing the adventure!

(Left: “DJ Joe” pit stops at the Jamis tent on the RAGBRAI, crossing Iowa by bicycle. Image courtesy DJ Joe Ostervik)

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VOTING CLOSES AUGUST 7 – PLEASE VOTE DAILY!

CLICK TO VOTE HOMETOWN BICYCLES “BEST BIKE SHOP 2016”

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TAKE NOTE! DOC MAY MEMORIAL MELON RIDE ON 8/20

It’s never too early to mention a Hometown favorite – the Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 20th!! We’re partnering with the Howell Area Parks & Rec Authority on a simple, new route that will tour you past some of Howell’s most scenic highlights. Our Team will be cycling on course to provide basic SAG, route assistance, and all-around good vibes. Plus, Hometown’ll also be your bike valet for the event, so that you can enjoy the post-ride festivities unencumbered by your 2-wheeled steed – NO CHARGE!

What are you waiting for, Hometownies?? GET REGISTERING!!

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HOMETOWN BICYCLES’ SHOP RIDES

Here’s what’s coming up this week:

WEDNESDAY, 8:45AM – Rails-to-Trails Ride

WEDNESDAY, 6:30PM – Hammerfest Advanced Road Ride

SUNDAY, 8:00AM – The Gravel Grinder

SUNDAY, 5:00PM – Beginner Mountain Bike Ride

TUESDAY, 9:00AM – Hometown Green Gals Mountain Bike Ride

CLICK HERE for details about these Hometown shop rides!

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Spring: Getting on Your Nirves

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Shaun

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH HOMETOWN

Recognize these roads and trails? Our local Hometownies got geared up with GoPros for this quick-clip intro to Hometown Bicycles and the community we ride in. Helmet tip to Greg Jacek of Unique Photo & Video, who created this mini-masterpiece for our shop. Keep an eye out for more of this up-and-coming videographer’s handiwork at Hometown!

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NIRVE BIKES: EAT-YOUR-HEART-OUT EYE CANDY

These days, our floor is filling up with an eye-boggling array of colorful cruisers that scream “SUMMER!!” Nirve Bicycles (owned by Jamis) produces vibrant, cheeky bikes that stand WAY out in a crowd. We’ll let these beauties speak for themselves…

You’re welcome!

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“HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR RIDE” CLINIC TONIGHT!

Today (5/17) from 6:30-8pm, Pro Triathlete Ryan Rau of Real Results Personal Training is coming to Hometown to offer expert instruction in the art of becoming a better cyclist. This clinic will cover ways to improve your fitness, build speed and stamina, and slim and tone via targeted workouts for real results. He’ll also share insider insights on tools and products you can use to accurately track and assess your progress.
(Photo © Real Results Personal Training)Weekend warrior or racer-in-training, this clinic will add valuable arsenal to your cycling skill set. NO CHARGE… ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

REGISTER FOR MASTER CYCLING – HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR RIDE
Tuesday, May 17th • 6:30-8:00pm • Hometown Bicycles’ Community Room

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HOW TO ENCOURAGE KIDS TO MAKE BIKE ART

As example-setters and role models, our enthusiasm can turn younger generations onto the joys of pedal-powered adventure… AND fuel future bike art from young creative minds!

Stop in next Tuesday, May 24th from 5:30-6:30pm to help celebrate and encourage the bike-y artistry of Zach Hoggard’s Bartlett Elementary 5th Grade students. This Artists’ Reception Open House – refreshments provided – is a self-esteem-building show-&-tell.

Who knows… your kind kudos may just inspire the next creative genius whose work will one day hang prominently on your wall!

STUDENT ARTISTS’ RECEPTION OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, May 24th • 5:30-6:30pm • Hometown Bicycles’ Community Room

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MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION & MINI-SHAUN TURNS 1

Shaun’s and my little Hometownie turns 1 on June 1st, and since his birthday coincides so closely with Memorial Day, there’s really only one thing to do… CELEBRATE!Our next email will have day/time details, but just know that there’ll be games and prizes, fresh grilled hot dogs, birthday cake, special deals, the works! No presents – your presence is present enough!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Bartlett Elementary, bicycle art, bicycle clinic, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike art, bike clinic, bike shop, bikes, birthday party, cruisers, cycling, cycling clinic, cyclists, eye candy, Greg Jacek, Hometown Bicycles, kids, master cycling, Memorial Day, Nirve Bicycles, party, picnic, Real Results Personal Training, Ryan Rau, Student Art Program, students, Unique Photo and Video | Leave a comment »

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