bike ride | Hometown Bicycles

FREE WINTER STORAGE with Tune-Up!

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Shaun

FREE WINTER STORAGE with Tune-Up!
Bring your bike in anytime between now and December 23rd for a tune-up and we will store it at the shop until spring! This means your bike will be all set to roll come those early days of cycling weather in March. No wait, no hassle… just freedom to get out there and ride.

We have room to store up to 220 bikes, so take advantage of this opportunity while space permits. For $25, we can even deliver your bicycle to your door this spring!

Gift Certificate Trade-Up!
We are so grateful to our Hometown community for supporting our shop during what has been a tough year. We’ve received an outpouring of encouragement and generosity to keep us Hometown Strong. People still ask what they can do to support the shop as we enter the off-season, and with the holidays coming up, we have the perfect answer to that question — gift certificates!
We are offering a Gift Certificate Trade-Up program this holiday season, through December 23rd.

Here’s how it works:
Buy a gift certificate…
Get an accessory certificate on us!

The accessory certificate is for 10% of the gift certificate you purchase. For example — you buy a $200 gift certificate and we give you a $20 certificate to use on accessories. The cyclist in your life is sure to love it!

Toys for Tots!
We are a Toys for Tots collection site!

Your donations make a huge difference for children in Livingston County. This year, there is a greater need than ever before.

Drop off a new, unwrapped toy, game, or book for kids up to age 16, through December 19th.

If you aren’t up for shopping, you can make a cash donation at the shop and our Events Coordinator, Leslie B, will play the role of Santa’s elf and shop on your behalf!

THANK YOU for your generosity.

Congratulations to Team Hometown Bicycles sponsor, Dream Kitchens, on their fantastic new location!

Visit their showroom at 5728 Whitmore Lake Rd, Brighton.

Check out the “Transformation” page on their website to see how they create beautiful, functional spaces that match your style.

Hometown Bicycles Ornaments!
Need a great stocking stuffer? Stop by for these custom-made Hometown ornaments! We have several designs available. Prices range from $10-$15.

We’d love to see photos of your Christmas trees donning a Hometown ornament! Send them to events@myhometownbicycles.com. We’ll feature them in a future newsletter.

Mobile Handyman Service by Joe Ostervik LLC

Did you know our Team Hometown Co-Captain is an exceptionally talented handyman?

Joe Ostervik is a fully insured, local handyman with over 30 years of experience in rough carpentry, roofing, siding, decks, and much more.

You can reach Joe at (517) 548-1954 or joe.ostervik@gmail.com. To see his work, check out his Facebook page HERE. Be sure to like/follow his page for updates!

Metroparks 2021 Annual Passes
The unique gift of a 2021 Metroparks annual pass is the gift that keeps on giving. With an annual pass, you have access to all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks every day of the year.

Now through the end of December, you can get a 2021 annual pass at a discounted rate of just $35. For seniors (62+) the deal is even better, with a senior annual pass costing only $24. Take advantage of this great opportunity before year’s end.

Purchase online HERE.

Hometown Giveaway Challenge!
We have a challenge for our Hometownies! Take a selfie with the Shaun & Dawn billboard (you can access it from Dorr Road, near the Humane Society). Post it on social media, tagging Hometown Bicycles and Lake Trust Credit Union. Stop by the shop to show off your selfie and get a FREE tube!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: best bicycle service, Bicycle Adventure Center, bicycle ride, bicycle service, bicycle service industry, bike ride, bike service, Christmas countdown, Christmas Deals, Christmas ornaments, Dream Kitchens of Brighton, holiday shopping, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bicycles Gift Certificates, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, joe ostervik, Lake Trust Credit Union, Mobile Handyman Service, Toys for Tots, Tresa O’Rourke, Winter Bicycle Storage | Leave a comment »

Hometown Bicycles WILL STAY OPEN for SERVICE needs!

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Shaun

WE ARE OPEN FOR BIKE SERVICE 10AM – 3PM EVERY DAY

Dear Hometown Family,

There is no doubt that this unprecedented time is causing endless uncertainty and anxiety for everyone. We at Hometown Bicycles put your health and well being, and that of our crew’s, at the top of our priority list.

Following the Executive Order 2020-21 (COVID-19) issued TODAY at 11:00 a.m. by Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer, we wanted to assure you that, pending any Executive Order updates, Hometown Bicycles WILL REMAIN OPEN for SERVICE NEEDS throughout this period of sheltering in place.

In section 7a(1), the Governor discusses the “critical importance of engaging in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreation consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household.” We are here to support your physical and emotional need for exercise during this time.

Here are some important updates and changes for you to be aware of beginning March 24, 2020:

Our Service Department’s hours of operation will be 10am-3pm, 7 days/week, until the stay-at-home order is lifted.
Our Retail Store will be closed.
Emergency parts and accessories are available through our Service Department; pull into our lot during our hours of operation and call the shop from your vehicle to tell us what your needs are.
Product orders can be placed by calling the shop.
Please utilize our parking lot drop off and pick-up for all service bikes; we can handle payments at your vehicle.
For specific requests and concerns, give us a call at 810-225-2441.

From all of us to all of you, get out there and ride. Enjoy the emergence of spring — the fresh air, budding leaves and flowers, sunshine, and everything wonderful nature has to offer. We love you and our cycling community, and hope you and your family are staying healthy and positive. Stay strong. Stay sound. Stay active.

Shaun, Dawn & Your Hometown Bicycles Crew

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike ride, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Coronavirus, COVID-19 Update, cycling, cycling community, cyclists, emergency bicycle repair, emergency bike repair, family, Hometown Bicycles, livingston county, Michigan, outdoors, parking lot drop off, parking lot pick up, parking lot service, ride | Leave a comment »

Countdown to Tour de Livingston: THREE DAYS!

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Shaun

It’s HERE! Our Favorite Event of the Year!

2019 Tour de Livingston

** NOTE: Because the Hometown crew will be at Tour, shop hours for Sunday 10/6 are Noon-5 PM **

October is here — a gorgeous month for cycling in Michigan! And what better way to enjoy a Sunday in October than to join us for the MOST AWESOME cycling event, Tour de Livingston!

Hometown loves, loves, loves this event, and has been its Major Bike Shop Sponsor since the beginning!

We will be there to provide bike support, to ride, and to man our much-loved bike corral, where riders can leave their bikes while they enjoy the food and festivities indoors. Be sure to stop by the Hometown Bicycles tent on Tour day for any/all of your cycling needs!

We have also donated the Jamis bike you see here! The bike giveaway will take place during announcements between 7:50-8:00 AM. You don’t want to miss this!

Tour de Livingston is a fully supported ride that includes hospitality tents, a full breakfast, snacks along the route, and a hearty meal prepared by the chef at Mt. Brighton.

All proceeds from this event help to: bridge the gap for local hardworking families struggling to meet their most basic needs via the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Programs. Since its start in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the community’s most critical needs. The Tour de Livingston is organized and run by the Howell Rotary Club.

Check out the schedule!

Registration Starts at 7:00 am

Course Opens at 8:00 am

Breakfast is Served 7:00 am – 9:00 am
* All riders must report to Mt. Brighton for packet pickup and breakfast

Announcements and Bike Giveaway (donated by Hometown!) at 7:50 am – 8:00 am

Group Start 8:00 am
* All riders must start by 9:00 am

Lunch is Served from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

GM Proving Grounds closes by 12:00 pm

Century Ride Celebration (100 Mile Riders) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

* Please Note that All Rider Services End at 5:00 pm

All Riders MUST wear a bicycling helmet

Location:
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, 4141 Bauer Road, Brighton

Check out the routes!

FAMILY FUN LOOP, ISLAND LAKE ROUTE & RECREATIONAL RIDES
An easy novice route consisting of paved bike paths, low to no traffic and neighborhoods. Some routes with ice cream shops near the halfway point. Estimated 5,10 or 20 miles.

ISLAND LAKE ROUTE
This is bike-friendly with paths and park roadways within Island Lake and Kensington. Great for families, beginners, or those that prefer to ride on roads less traveled. Routes will include 5, 10, and 20-mile options with hospitality stops every 6 miles. Island Lake route riders must register at Mt. Brighton, drive to Island Lake for ride and return to Mt. Brighton for lunch.

EXPERT ROAD BIKE ROUTES
Spend the day enjoying the countryside of Livingston County. Three different expert level loops begin and end at Mt. Brighton. Choose from 38-mile Parks Loop, 62-mile Metric Century, or combine to ride a Century Route. All distances are approximate!

NEW THIS YEAR
GRAVEL GRINDER ROUTES
New this year, our Gravel Grinder routes to “Hell and Back” will consist of 2 routes approximately 36 miles and 50 miles from Mt. Brighton to Hell, Michigan. These routes will take you on paved and unpaved gravel roads and will inspire the adventure seeker in you!

We look forward to seeing YOU there!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle ride, bicycles, bike ride, bikes, cycling, cyclists, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Rotary, Jamis Bikes, Livingston County United Way, Tour de Livingston | Leave a comment »

We Did It for Dan with ALL of Your Support

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Shaun

With our deepest gratitude, thank you…

(Photo courtesy Miles Janicki)
There are truly no words to capture the incredible outpouring of support and love we witnessed this past Sunday. It was a breathtaking moment to realize that over 550 riders and walkers were present in body, mind and soul at Island Lake to honor fellow cyclist, Dan Horal, whose life was tragically cut short after being struck by a car mid-ride on April 25th.

(Photo courtesy Doug Lapp)

We could not have asked for more… absolutely amazing weather, a beautiful tribute, and a COMMUNITY who came together in solidarity to offer condolences to Dan’s family while also raising awareness about bicycle safety. Thank you so very much.

We offer our warmest gratitude to each of you who had an impact on this Memorial Ride for a great man who touched so many lives. We would like to call out a few particular individuals and businesses that helped take this Ride from meaningful to sheer magic.

Our sincere thanks go to…

The Horal Family – For allowing us to honor Dan’s memory and celebrate his life. Our love and support are with you.

Every cyclist who attended – For helping the Horal Family and cycling community make an unforgettable statement, and for not letting Dan’s tragedy go unremarked.

Cyclists in other States – For implementing your own Do It for Dan Memorial Rides and, in doing so, spreading the message and mission of this Ride beyond Michigan!

The Hometown Crew & Team Hometown Bicycles – For spreading the word so well and so quickly!

Unit Manager Andrew Haapala and Island Lake Recreation Area – For being wonderfully supportive and helpful throughout the process of creating this Ride

The Plotners & Wheels in Motion (at right) – For dropping everything to come out and support this Ride as a family and a team

WHMI – For their helpful promotion of this Ride

Channel 4 & Channel 7 – For making an appearance at this Ride to help spread the message

League of Michigan Bicyclists – For using its vast network to help spread the word

MCMBA – For allowing us to use Demo Day to promote the event

All of the Demo Day participants – For rallying to the cause, and helping get the word out throughout the cycling community

(To all of the amazing vendors at Demo Day, THANK YOU for helping to spread the word about the Ride!)

Kirt Albrecht at Big PDQ – For his contribution toward printing the Ride flier

Robin Fry – For her lightning-fast turnaround on, and her contribution toward, the unmissable Ride t-shirts

Fred Tomczyk – For his skillful rendering of the Ghost Bike Memorial design

Scott Brooks – For his artistry and craftsmanship in the creation of the Ghost Bike Memorial

Joel Hakken of MidWest Bike & Tandem – For his bicycle donation for the Ghost Bike Memorial

Master Blaster – For donation of his services to prep the Ghost Bike for painting

Matt Maximoff – For his invaluable assistance in creating the Memorial plaque

Joe Ostervik of DJ Mobile Rhythms – For emceeing the Ride, and the use of his sound equipment

Mike & Lisa Hartwell of The Eric Hartwell Foundation – For the loan of their bullhorn

Beauchamp Water Supply & Treatment– For generously supplying all of the water for the Ride

Les Cook – For carrying on his tradition of being the world’s most helpful sweep, and assisting cyclists all along the Ride

Jim Plaunt with Bike Tour Vacations – For sharing his heartfelt blog post about the Ride

Miles Janicki, Jill Zamojcin of Jilly Bean Photography, Doug Lapp, and a host of other skilled photographers – For photographic and video documentation of the event

Click to view Miles’s stunning event photos

Click to find yourself in Jill’s Facebook rider collage

Click to view Doug’s awesome Ride video

The Do It for Dan Memorial Ride will now become an annual event.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 3, 2020.

With May being National Bike Month, the timing couldn’t be more appropriate. In partnership with the Horal Family, and with your support, we want to finish Dan’s ride year after year.