birthday presents | Hometown Bicycles

Yep, we’re ON for THIS SUNDAY!

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Shaun

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!

By now, you know it’ll be a day of family-friendly birthday games and prizes, presents (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!

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!!

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.

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!

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!

………………………………………………..

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!

CLICK HERE for our 2018 Spring/Summer Daily Shop Rides Schedule!

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

The heat is on!
(finally)

~ Glenn Frey

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, anniversary, Barry Roubaix, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike ride, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, birthday cake, birthday games, birthday party, birthday presents, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, fitness classes, gravel road race, grill-out, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, kem krest, Laura Faunce, Leslie Barrett, Lowell 50, lunch and learn, Martha Soraruf, Martian Half Marathon, Michigan, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, zumba | Leave a comment »

THIS SUNDAY (4/15): Eat Cake at Hometown’s 8th Birthday Party!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Shaun

YOU’RE INVITED TO HOMETOWN’S 8TH-YEAR CELEBRATION!
Eight eventful years ago, we propped a hand-painted sandwich board in front of a pint-sized service shop, and called Hometown Bicycles officially “OPEN”. Fast forward eight years, and just look what you’ve helped us create, Hometownies!

That’s why we want you, a member of our Hometown family, to party hearty with us on April 15th between noon and 6pm for a day of family-friendly birthday games and prizes, presents (for you!), and a 3pm birthday bike ride with food and cake to follow! Read on for details or click here for party updates on our Facebook page!

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Shop Hours for this Sunday, April 15th
Hometown’s 8th Birthday: NOON – 6PM

GAMES, PRIZES, AND MORE SURPRISES!
What birthday party would be complete without games and prizes?? Starting at noon, you and your family will enjoy birthday game classics with a cycling twist, like “Pin the Pedal on the Bicycle”, “Tricycle Tug-of-War”, “Guess How Many”, and “Bicycle Tire Toss”. Winners take home a prize!

BIRTHDAY PRESENTS FOR YOU!!
Listen, your loyalty over the years and continuing support are truly gift enough – I mean that, Hometownies! That’s why, at THIS party, the birthday presents are for YOU! Beginning at noon, you’ll receive your very own, wrapped birthday gift with any purchase of $20 or more. (One per person while they last!)

A BIRTHDAY BIKE RIDE FOR THE BIRTHDAY BIKE SHOP!
If Hometown could talk, we know it would ask us for a birthday bike ride. That’s why our shop exists, after all – for the love of cycling! This casual road ride will leave from Hometown at 3pm (arrive by 2:45pm) for a spin around Island Lake’s famous “Green Dumpster loop”. All bikes welcome – there will be riders of all types, skills, and paces to make this fun for everyone! Just be sure to work up an appetite…

BIRTHDAY GRILL-OUT WITH A SIDE OF BIRTHDAY CAKE!
We’ll be wrapping up Hometown’s 8th-year birthday bash with food on the barbie, compliments of your appreciative bike shop. Be sure to do some post-meal vocal runs – gotta warm up those pipes for a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to You”! Birthday cake will top it all off for those of us with a sweet tooth.

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See you this Sunday, Hometownies!!

Yesterday is a beautiful reflection. Today is a new beginning. Tomorrow is limitless possibility.

~ Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 8th Anniversary, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike ride, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, birthday bike ride, birthday cake, birthday games, birthday party, birthday presents, Brighton, cycling, cyclists, food on the barbie, grill-out, group rides, happy birthday to you, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Michigan, prizes, shop ride, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles | Leave a comment »

You’re Invited to Hometown’s 8th Birthday Party!

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Shaun

YOU’RE INVITED TO HOMETOWN’S 8TH-YEAR CELEBRATION!
Shaun and I have always called Hometown our “first child.” We’ve raised it from infancy, helped it toddle into childhood, and watched it continue to blossom and mature over the past 8 years with YOUR love and support. A shop like Hometown is more than just a business. It’s family, and family deserves a birthday party!

As a part of our Hometown family, we’d love for you to join us on April 15th between noon and 6pm for a day of family-friendly birthday games and prizes, presents (for you!), and a 3pm birthday bike ride with food and cake to follow!

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

WELCOME TO OUR 2-MINUTE TIP VIDEO SERIES

For those of you who know – or have gotten to know – our new Service Manager, it won’t come as any sort of a surprise that Matt’s the “bees knees” when it comes to cyclist education and bike tech-ery. Beginning next week, you’ll enjoy the benefits of his expertise in a weekly bike care and maintenance video series, titled “2-Minute Tips,” that will help keep your bike ride-ready!

Click here or the image above to watch the introductory video!

WIN A GRANT FOR IMPROVING MI CYCLING

Put your creative caps on, Hometownies! League of Michigan Bicyclists is now accepting proposals for a cyclist-, State-, and industry-benefiting Micro-Grant Program through May 4th!

“The Micro-Grant Program will provide financial assistance to individuals and organizations who implement creative projects that promote bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on Michigan roadways.”

Grants range from $200 – $2,000 with a quick and simple application and reporting process. We love what this program means for our sport, and we’d love to hear that YOU won a grant! CLICK HERE for details.

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

THIS WEEK’S SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, APR 7 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM BRIGHTON REC
This week, we’ll meet at Brighton Rec trailhead. 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!***

………………………………………………..

Hartland Gravel Grinder – Intermediate/Advanced
SUNDAY, APR 8 | 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!***

………………………………………………..

Beginner Road Ride
MONDAY, APR 9 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
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!

………………………………………………..

Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, APR 10 | 7:00PM (MEET BY 6:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
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!

CLICK HERE for our daily 2018 Spring/Summer Shop Rides Schedule!

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 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