WE’RE REMARKABLY PROUD TO INTRODUCE YOU TO TEAM HOMETOWN BICYCLES 2017!  These 56 riders have taken up the challenge to positively represent your bike shop and your sport in our community and in competition.

We want you to know that each of these riders has committed to being the best version of themselves, to advocate for cycling, to do right by their community, to ride with sportsmanship and integrity, to be kind, welcoming, and helpful, and to HAVE FUN!

So the next time you run into a Team member, please, shake their hand… they’re on a mission to support and grow the sport you love, and to give cyclists a good name!!

OUR TEAM BATTLES WATERLOO

No Napoleon Complexes here… just a bunch of sturdy Team survivors, who cycled the slick and sloppy roads of last weekend’s Waterloo G&G Gravel Road Race. There were a few spills and sore muscles but, in true Hometown form, nothing could dampen Team spirits – 10 Team members rocked it on the course, and two even podiumed this insanely popular race! Way to go, Team!

Roger Pelkey, congratulations on powering into 3rd in your age division!

And Deb Godmer (of Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp… have we mentioned how cool our Team Sponsors are?!) placed 2nd in her age division – and this was her first 50K mountain bike race!!

OUR TEAM THAWS OUT AT MELTING MANN

Team member, Joe Van Gordon, took Hometown to Vandalia, MI the day after Waterloo to race the roads at Melting Mann Dirt Road Bike Challenge. Way to represent, Joe!

Joe’s volunteered himself to lead a Hometown singles ride, if there’s enough interest. Any takers??

(Images at left courtesy Amy Gluck)

MEET YOUR CREW: AMY GLUCK

The newest member of our crew is the big-hearted Amy Gluck, who you’ll spot strolling the sales floor and up at the register. Amy will also be helping us grow our involvement in triathlon and women’s cycling. She has a particularly remarkable story to tell:

I’ve loved Hometown since my first trip there…..from Island Lake….in need of a spare tube….in the middle of a long ride….

I was taken over by cycling following my unexpected addiction to triathlon. Now I’ve completed 9 Ironmans, with 5 Kona qualifications, numerous 1/2 Ironmans, and even more sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. I’ve tried time trialing in Hines Park, but it didn’t give me the same satisfaction as triathlon. That’s probably because running was always my strength in triathlon.

Until a day that changed my life forever. After a week of training in France on numerous climbs from the Tour. Followed by a killer training camp down in the mountains in Georgia. I was sure to be in my best shape for Kona ever in my life!  However, 4 weeks before Kona, while I was out on a training ride, I was hit by a semi who made an illegal left turn right into me.

This resulted in a fake hip, femur, and knee. Killing my running game altogether. I’m working on getting that back and I’ve competed in a few 1/2 IM Aquabikes (swim, bike) this past summer. This summer, I plan to do a few sprint distance triathlons at Island Lake (the T-Rex Series). Hoping that comes back so I can work my way back to longer distance triathlons. In order for me to get back to my longer distance triathlons, I’m going to need to get back in the habit of riding with groups of riders so I always have someone to ride with!  So Hometownies, I NEED YOU to help pull me back up to where I belong!

SPRING SNOWMAN 5K – CROSS-TRAINING THAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL

Spring Snowman 5K Run/Walk is hosted by the Eric Hartwell Foundation, a remarkable organization created by the Hartwell Family (a particularly awesome group of Hometownies) to raise money to “directly support children, diagnosed with Leukemia and other blood disorders, being treated at C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.” Participants have a chance to win a Jamis bike, donated by Hometown Bicycles. Great cause. Great cross-training. Great prize.

GREAT TIME TO REGISTER, DON’T YOU THINK??

HERE’S AN EVENT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE…

Poses, Pedals & Pints on Saturday, May 13th
It’s a triathlon of a different color – yoga, bikes, and beer with a laid back vibe in Downtown Brighton. Yoga commences at 11am at Brewery Becker. Hometown’s in charge of the leisurely 8-mile bike ride that follows, along with bike valet service. And it all concludes with a refreshing pint at the Brewery to cool your gullet.

It’s already over half filled, so sign up NOW, to ensure your participation in this first annual event!

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – THIS SATURDAY

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 – MEET UP AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES @ 12:45 P.M.
We’re back with another adventure through the Island Lakes Badlands on this relaxed pace, NO DROP shop ride. Be prepared to push your bike up a hill or two! This is a Plus/Fat Bike expedition. Not appropriate for “skinny” tires. As always, follow us on Facebook for ride confirmations and updates.

Want to try a fat bike? We rent! Call our shop:  (810) 225-2441

I don’t have a bucket list, but my bikeit list is a mile long.

– Anonymous