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    Brighton, MI 48116
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Your Father’s Day Treat, Burnin’ Fat, and Tykes on Mountain Bikes

We love you, Dads!

Happy Father's Day from Hometown Bicycles
(Happy Father’s Day to my soulmate and father of my amazing children… you’re a wonderful dad, Shaun!)THIS SUNDAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU, DADS!  
Dads are remarkable people – combining the best of provider, protector, and person we most admire in one exceptional human being. That warrants some extra love this Father’s Day, June 18th, don’t you think??
So, this Sunday, it’s DADS’ turn to be pampered, compliments of your Hometown crew. There’ll be beer, t-shirt give-aways, ABicycle neck ties offered at Hometown BicyclesND the first 20 bikes purchased by or for a dad come with a COMPLIMENTARY Hometown Bicycles Father’s Day package – a cycle computer, safety light, bottle cage, water bottle, and seat bag at NO ADDITIONAL COST.And for those of you who were wondering… why, yes, we DO have bicycle neck ties (arriving today!)

Hometown Bicycles crew and members of Team Hometown Bicycles volunteering at Poto Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event at Brighton Rec
(Upper right and center left photos courtesy PotoMBA)

THE FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING LOOKS GREAT!

Last weekend, Shaun and a handful of Team volunteers set up a support station at the PotoMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event… and shared the joy of cycling with a knee-high crowd of cuties.
Team Hometown Bicycles Jacob Henrikson donated kids helmets for the PotoMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event
Boys and girls of all ages learned trail skills, rode obstacle courses, enjoyed toured trail rides, and picked up great swag from an incredible group of Sponsors. Our Jr. Hometownie t-shirt giveaway was an especially big hit. (Marley Simpson, pictured center with mom, was the artiste behind the awesome t-shirt artwork.)

Shout out to Team Hometownie Jacob Henriksen (at right) for having the foresight to bring extra kiddie helmets for children who came without head gear. They were put to good use!

Overall, we’re thrilled to say that the future of mountain biking is looking just grand!


Hometown Bicycles' Shaun Bhajan and family head to the Brighton Bulldogs U9 Travel Baseball Team game at Hawkins Elementary
(We met up with Team Hometown’s Title Sponsor, Vinnie Baylerian of Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, whose son plays on the Team)

HEY, BATTER-BATTER-BATTER… SWING!!

In fact, we did swing by the Brighton Bulldogs’ U9 Travel Baseball game last weekend to cheer on the Team that Hometown Bicycles is proudly sponsoring… and we learned that the attention span of a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old adds up to approximately 2.9 minutes, so we sadly didn’t stay long enough to see our favorites win 17-11!

Congrats, Bulldogs! Click HERE for the Team’s game schedule.


Team Hometown Bicycles at the Island Lake Challenge Spring Mountain Bike Race

TEAM NEWS: THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

In last weekend’s Island Lake Challenge Spring Mountain Bike Race, 9 Team members – Leslie Cook, Mark Lang, Olga Negrut, Joe Ostervik, Roger Pelkey, Doug Queener, Brien TerBush, Linc Wherly, Steve Wortley and John Wyatt – laid some definitive claim on what amounts to Hometown’s “backyard”.

We’d like to congratulate Olga “ The Rocket” Negrut, who took home the gold in Expert Women, Roger Pelky, who also powered to 1st in Sport Men 60-65, and Linc Werhly, who podiumed at 3rd place in Beginner Men 50+. (Thanks, Jack Riddle, for capturing it all on camera!) Job very well done, Team!


Fourth of July border

SAVE THE DATE: 7/1/17! HOMETOWN’S JULY JUBILEE

Next week, you’ll hear all the glorious details about this first-of-its-kind, biggest ever, Hometown summer celebration, but in the meantime – I’m telling you – you really want to mark this one on your calendar!! JULY 1ST: Think American, think family, and think “one for the record books”… (stay tuned!)


TODAY: FLAT TIRE FIX SUMMER CLINIC

Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown BicyclesOur “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic are primed for your immediate benefit, addressing quick, on-the-go fixes and how to handle the dreaded flat:
•  Thursday 6/15 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair).
NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.


TOMORROW (6/16): TRAMPOLINES & PUPPIES

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park Summer BashHang out with Hometown at Sky Zone Trampoline Park of Brighton at their annual Summer Bash on Friday, June 16, 12pm-5pm, where Shaun will be running our tire toss game!

As a fundraiser for the Livingston County Humane Society, there will be adorable animals for snuggling and adopting, plus a fire truck and police car for kids to explore, face painting, balloons, food trucks, coupons and swag from local businesses, raffles, and giveaways. Think about the fun you’ll have with your kiddies!! Click here for info or, better still, come out and help us support a fellow business that’s supporting our community!


TOMORROW (6/16): YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Vinyasa Yoga with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaGood news for your overworked, under-appreciated cycling muscles – Ashley of Tocca Massage & Yoga is bringing her insanely popular Vinyasa Yoga class back to Hometown!

Held in our Community Room, this 3-week, Friday morning fun class starts June 16th at 9am. It’s all about dynamic movement and stretching, not perfection and freaky, double-jointed pretzeling. Whether it’s your first or 500th class, you’ll gain immeasurable benefit from this ancient art made user-friendly. $10 per class. Email ashley@toccamassage.com with questions.


Amy Gluck at a competition
CLINIC: TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT

Tapping on her Degree in Nutrition and Bob Seebohar’s revolutionary Metabolic Efficiency research, Hometown’s Amy Gluck is coming back next week with a topic to intrigue ANY athlete – a way to train your body to burn fat for fuel, instead of using quick-access carbs. It can be done!

In her talk about Metabolic Efficiency Training, you’ll learn what it is, how to do it, and the enormous benefits to be gained… like no more GI distress at competitions, never hitting “the wall” again, and turning yourself into a lean and efficient, fat-burning machine! NO CHARGE!

REGISTER NOW FOR “TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT”

Tuesday, June 20 from 6-7pm  – or –  Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm


AMY’S BLOG: June 15, 2017

The inspiration continues… ! Hometown’s tri clinician, Amy Gluck, is tapping on her years of top-level IRONMAN training and competition, and the life-altering accident that put her passion to the test, to share something soul-stirring in the form of blogging about her recovery, her training triumphs and challenges, and her personal mission to get back to IRONMAN. From her 6/15/17 installment:

Amy Gluck in wetsuit at a competition

“At the park, I SQUEEZED into my wetsuit. They’d made me gain 40 lbs. in the hospital – I was 120 lbs. upon admission and they discharged me at 160 lbs. – but they did not offer to replace my wetsuit!  With my wetsuit all zipped up, my lungs felt crushed.  As I started swimming across the lake, my goggles fogged up and I had to stop and tread water to clear them out.  By the time I figured out where I was going and put my face back in the water to swim, I was so out of breath after treading water and being suffocated in my wetsuit, that there was no way was I was going to swim back to the shore!  What was I going to do?  I was in the middle of the lake with no oxygen coming into my lungs.…”  READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.


Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride flier
JUNE 25: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE

Add it to your calendar, Hometownies! It’s an annual tradition for Hometown to lead off this pre-Tour teaser of one of our favorite events ever – the Tour de Livingston. Ride with us!!


Hometown Bicycles bicycle donation at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Charity Golf Classic Auction
A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT, SANS SHAUN

Sadly, Shaun missed out on putting the green at what turned out to be a wonderfully successful Charity Golf Classic for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. The keynote speaker, Greg Kelser, was warm and engaging, and the light showers cleared up in time for a beautiful day and evening. But Hometown was still proud to contribute with a bicycle donation for their silent auction, which was won by an architect with four children ranging from ages 7 – 14. So, the bike will get a lot of love, the Parks benefited, and that makes us happy.


KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

Brighton Optimist Club partnering with Hometown Bicycles on the Fourth of July Kids Bike Decorating ContestMore than just an upbeat group of community-minded people, the Brighton Optimist Club is 100% about “bringing out the best in children.”

We are absolutely geeked to be partnering with these big-hearted folks with an event that combines kids, bicycles, patriotism, and a community parade! Check out the flier at left and click HERE for further details.


Hometown Bicycles Thursday A.M. Social Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL A.M. ROAD RIDE  (6/15)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This friendly road ride takes the back entrance to Island Lake and explores park roads. The plan this week is to ride 1-1.5 hours at a 10 mph average pace. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride (a support rider will be the last person back). Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (6/16)
9:00PM (meet at 8:45) from Janowski Field Trailhead (301 Peters Rd. in Milford)
Join us for an INTERMEDIATE pace forward/backward loop night adventure at the Milford Trail. We roll from the Janowski Field Trailhead (301 Peters Rd – between GM Rd & Commerce Rd). Charged lights are required for this ride. We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Check back for ride confirmation/changes. Don’t forget your bug/tick spray!

NO SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER THIS WEEKEND 
In observance of Father’s Day… but be sure to check out our Dad’s Day ride below!

SUNDAY TAKE YOUR DAD MOUNTAIN BIKING RIDE (6/18)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
As a tribute to Father’s Day, the Beginner Friendly Mountain Bike Ride leaders would like to encourage riders to bring their dad out for a 1.5 hr trail ride on Sunday. We’ll ride from Hometown Bicycles to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails, splitting into a couple of groups. All levels of riders are welcome at this 1.5 hr pace. This is a NO DROP RIDE – which means we will have a ride support person at the end of the last group. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (6/19)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll travel towards the back of Island Lake, then head through the park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to do more mileage to satisfy their cycling need!  Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels.  All level riders are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear.

Please make sure you have some experience riding the bike you bring to this ride and are comfortable with the way it handles, including basic shifting and braking, for the safety of all. Beyond that, our friendly ride support are delighted to share tips on how to make the hills easier and the flats faster – just ask!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (6/20)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This ride from Hometown Bicycles covers 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads between 12 – 13 mpg average. We’ll ride the back of Island Lake, enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!), pop onto some paved roads, and grab a dirt trail back into ILRA. Expect a few “puddles” of sand. Nothing our gravel, adventure/mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle! Standard road bikes (skinny tires) are not appropriate for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE (a support person will be the last rider).

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/21)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
SON OF HAMMERFEST (for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest):
NO Son of Hammerfest this week, but if you’re prepared to ride at warp speed…
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(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 fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

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

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays at 9:00AM (starting June 16)
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown BicyclesZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more


Mountain Biking at Island Lake in Brighton, MI

Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

– Bob Bitchin

Brighton Bike Care, Tri Training, and the Future of Cycling

Brighton Bulldogs Cycling Team at Hometown Bicycles for a Basic Bike Maintenance Clinic
(Top image of Brighton’s up-and-coming mountain bike racers, courtesy Cycling Coach TJ Tyrrell)

THE BEST OF CYCLING, DETERMINATION, AND HEART… ALL IN ONE ROOM!  
Earlier this week found our front lawn snowed in under a blanket of Brighton Bulldog bicycles… what a beautiful sight!

After a quick warm up through Island Lake, this local high school cycling team pit stopped at Hometown Bicycles for a lesson in the finer points of preventative bike care and emergency maintenance. Then it was off to the woods for another round of race prep.

Best of luck in your 2017 race season, Bulldogs! It was a privilege to be a part of your upcoming success.


Hometown Bicycles clinician Amy Gluck at IRONMAN

NEXT WEEK: “HOW TO TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON” CLINIC

Should I work with a coach? How do I get the most out of bricks? How do I train physically and mentally for a sport that involves swim, bike, AND run? What are “junk miles”, and how do I avoid them?  What should my taper look like?

If a triathlon is in your future, these pondering points are just the tip of the triathlon iceberg in terms of prepping for your next (or first!) race. Expert triathlete, IRONMAN Coach, 5-time Kona Qualifier, Registered Dietician, and Hometownie, Amy Gluck, will be covering everything from picking a triathlon to post-tri training analysis in Hometown’s “How to Train for a Triathlon” Clinic.

Held right here in our Community Room, there is NO CHARGE to attend. Choose from two dates: Tuesday (6/6) or Thursday (6/8) at 6pm!
REGISTER NOW FOR “HOW TO TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON”


Peggy Kerwan's bicycle art at Hometown Bicycles
(The latest artistic genius of cyclist and artist, Peggy Kerwan, here at Hometown Bicycles.)

MISS PEGGY’S BEAUTIFUL BIKE ART

She’s a die-hard cyclist, master of the monotype print, a painter of some renown, a vibrant personality, and her bicycle artwork is on display (and for sale!) here at the shop.

If you haven’t seen Peggy Kerwan’s pieces for yourself, than you’re in for a treat the next time you stop in! She’s introduced some cheery new additions to her already colorful collection, including a brand new original titled “Best Bike”.

Well, Peggy, we think you’re one of the “best bike” artists we’ve ever met. (Okay, okay… stop groaning at my corny wordsmithery, and come in to enjoy her artistry!)


THIS SATURDAY: MILFORD BIKE FESTIVAL

Milford Bike Festival flierHot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

This June 3rd event gives you a day of family-friendly trail/path riding, guided rides (new this year!), live music, food, raffles, and beer. It’s only $20 pre-registered or $25 day-of, with all proceeds benefitting the MCMBA, which VERY actively preserves, protects, and promotes our local parks and mountain bike trails. That’s a worthwhile cause we’re proud to support!

CLICK for details or to register now!


Huron-Clinton Metroparks Charity Golf Classic at Stony Creek Metropark header

COME SEE SHAUN SWING A GOLF CLUB

Hard to imagine your aproned, be-tooled bike guru in knickers and argyle, isn’t it? I’m just kidding… I couldn’t convince Shaun to dress in traditional golf attire, but he’s still going to be wielding clubs on the green at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Inaugural Charity Golf Classic on June 9th at Stony Creek Metropark.

We’re sponsoring this fundraising event, which will be hosted by Michigan State National Champions, Detroit Pistons Standout and Current Pistons Commentator, Greg Kelser.

Random? Perhaps, but a well-rounded bike guru is a more resourceful bike guru, and that ultimately benefits you, so let’s see what happens! Join us on the green!


SECURING THE FUTURE OF CYCLING

PotoMBA Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event adIt may seem like a rather bold statement – “securing the future of cycling” – but that’s exactly what you will be doing when you participate in this year’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event on Sunday, June 11th!

Run by the Poto Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, this local fun day partners adults with kids for a day of singletrack skill building and learning to love cycling! Hometown will be there with an on-site mechanic and cool swag, and will offer helmet checks and SAG support for all participants.

Do something healthy with your kids! Have an adventure! Share your love of the sport! This is the kind of event that builds memories and a legacy. Click HERE for more details.


Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown Bicycles

EMERGENCY REPAIR & FLAT TIRE FIX SUMMER CLINICS

For all of you cyclists who want to know WHAT TO DO when something goes haywire on your ride – your chain drops, your shifters stop working, your wheel “tacos”, your tire blows… – Hometown is throwing you a lifeline for avoiding that long walk home.

We’re breathing new life into some beloved classics – our “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic. Primed for your immediate benefit, the first addresses quick, on-the-go fixes that can get you safely back home, and the second touches on one of the most common issues cyclists face – the dreaded flat.

These clinics will run Tuesday 6/13 (Emergency Repair) and Thursday 6/15 (Flat Tire Fix), then swap days on Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix) and Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair). As always, there is NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.
Register for EMERGENCY BIKE REPAIR and/or FLAT TIRE FIX.


Hometown Bicycles Thursday Morning Social Ride leaving from the shop

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL RIDE (6/1)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (6/4)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases.  Expect to venture out past Island Lake throughout the season to Brighton’s Murray Lake, Milford, Maybury, and Waterloo’s DTE Trail. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season!  Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail with the Hometown crew. NO DROP RIDE.

MONDAY BEGINNER ROAD RIDE (6/5)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with the weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and end the season conquering 30 miles! 1 – 1.5 hours to start. Route will take us onto the park roads. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (6/6)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/7)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

THURSDAY MORNING SOCIAL RIDE  (6/8)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome.  Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


Team Hometown Bicycles riders relaxing after a ride at Kensington Metropark

When I was a kid, my social network was called “OUTSIDE”.

– Anonymous

Holiday Hours and Bicycling’s Big Kame

A Salute to Memorial Day

History Channel YouTube video clip on The History of Memorial DayWE TIP OUR HELMETS IN GRATITUDE TO AMERICA’S FALLEN SOLDIERS  
On a long weekend devoted to barbecue, beach time, and summer fun, it’s easy to lose sight of this national holiday’s significance. Memorial Day is as relevant now as it was in the Civil War era and, for the curious among you, this cool, little video clip explains why!

Hometown Bicycles will be closed early on Memorial Day:
SAT & SUN  —  9AM – 5PM (regular hours)MEMORIAL DAY (5/29)  —  7AM – 3PM


Team Hometown Bicycles at Arcadia Grit and Gravel Mountain Bike Race
(Team Hometown Bicycles photo at left, courtesy Mary Zaremba. Woods pics, clockwise from top left – Mike Dyer, John Wyatt, Olga Negrut, Jack Riddle – courtesy Rob Meendering Photography.)

HAVING A GRAND TIME IN GRAND TRAVERSE – ARCADIA

Last weekend found our well-traveled Team hitting the Grand Traverse Area Arcadia Dunes Trail System in the Arcadia Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race, which boasted “a peloton start and miles and miles of gravel”, according to Team racer Mike Dyer. “The weather turned out to be beautiful blue skies and mild, although a heavy east wind made for some tough head winds.” Our congrats to the Team for making it fun regardless!


Team Hometown Bicycles volunteer on the DTE Energy Foundation Trail Big Kame Loop
(Photos courtesy Scott Simpson)

TEAM NEWS: WE KAME, WE SAW, WE VOLUNTEERED

The much-anticipated, NEW DTE Big Kame Trail Loop is slated to open June 10th… with, of course, the dedicated efforts of scores of volunteers, spearheaded by the PotoMBA. We’re so proud that our Team members can be counted among them.

Scott Simpson, Brandon Bailey, and Greg Cook (pictured above), your hard work is appreciated, and will be especially appreciated when the rubber meets the dirt at next month’s grand trail opening! Join in the adventure!


Hometown Bicycles clinician Amy Gluck at IRONMAN

“HOW TO TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON” CLINIC – JUNE 6 & 8

Should I work with a coach? How do I get the most out of bricks? How do I train physically and mentally for a sport that involves swim, bike, AND run? What are “junk miles”, and how do I avoid them?  What should my taper look like?

If a triathlon is in your future, these pondering points are just the tip of the triathlon iceberg in terms of prepping for your next (or first!) race. Expert triathlete, IRONMAN Coach, 5-time Kona Qualifier, Registered Dietician, and Hometownie, Amy Gluck, will be covering everything from picking a triathlon to post-tri training analysis in Hometown’s “How to Train for a Triathlon” Clinic.

Held right here in our Community Room, there is NO CHARGE to attend. Choose from two dates: Tuesday (6/6) or Thursday (6/8) at 6pm!
REGISTER NOW FOR “HOW TO TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON”


HOMETOWN HOSTS BULLDOGS ON BICYCLES

Brighton BulldogsWe’re not talking 4-legged and furry here… we’re talking about the fiercely fast cyclists of Brighton High School’s super-skilled cycling team (of which Hometown Service Tech Joe is one – read about him below!)

On May 30th, we have the pleasure of providing our local Bulldogs with Bike Maintenance instruction prior to their standard on-the-bike training. Under Coach TJ Tyrrell, this group of mountain biking guys and gals are growing into responsible and well-rounded cyclists. Awesome.

If you bleed black and orange, come high five your hometown team as they prep for the 2017 race season!


Hometown Bicycles Service Tech and Brighton Bulldog Cycling Team Rider Joe Shafer
(Image at left courtesy Joe Shafer)

MEET THE CREW: JOE SHAFER

Service Tech Joe’s Hometown history began with visits to the shop with his dad. Later, his “man on a mission” approach to working at the local grocery caught Shaun’s eye, and we offered him a position here. Today, Joe still comes in and wrenches with purpose – this Tech’s got drive, and we’re thrilled to have him on our Crew. Joe says:

I have been mountain biking since I was in 8th grade. My dad biked a lot so I started to go with him. Now I am a sophomore at Brighton High School and I am on their mountain biking team. This is my second year on the team. Along with biking, I also snowboard in the winter. I really enjoy working at Hometown because I love the environment and the people I work with. Also, working there allows me to understand the sport better and all the mechanics involved.


MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

Milford Bike Festival flierHot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

This June 3rd event gives you a day of family-friendly trail/path riding, guided rides (new this year!), live music, food, raffles, and beer. It’s only $20 pre-registered or $25 day-of, with all proceeds benefitting the MCMBA, which VERY actively preserves, protects, and promotes our local parks and mountain bike trails. That’s a worthwhile cause we’re proud to support!

CLICK for details or to register now!


Hometown Bicycles' famous Hammerfest and Son of Hammerfest shop ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL RIDE (5/25)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (5/26)
8:45PM (meet at 8:30) from Maltby Intermediate School (4740 Bauer Rd. in Brighton) 
It’s time to explore! We’ll ride to the Brighton Recreation trails, accessing them from the gravel roads. This will be an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are charged for this ride in the dark! We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Check back for ride confirmation/changes.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (5/28)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases.  Expect to venture out past Island Lake throughout the season to Brighton’s Murray Lake, Milford, Maybury, and Waterloo’s DTE Trail. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season!  Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail with the Hometown crew. NO DROP RIDE.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (5/30)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (5/31)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

THURSDAY MORNING SOCIAL RIDE  (6/1)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome.  Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(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 fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

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

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays at 9:00AM (starting June 16)
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown BicyclesZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more


Mountain biking at Island Lake Recreation Area

Not all classrooms
have four walls.

– Anonymous

MI’s Best, Thule, and Triathlons 101

One of MI’s Best Bike Shops!

Hometown Bicycles received Best Bike Shop in MI Top 10 placing in Best Things MI

TURNS OUT WE’RE “A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK”!  
Guess which local bike shop made the list of The 10 BEST BIKE SHOPS IN MICHIGAN?!

We’re snapping our bib shorts suspenders with pride at seeing Hometown Bicycles rocking another Best Bike Shop list. This particular accolade can be found on the Best Things MI website.

Our favorite review from the site: “Stop in if you want to be treated like family. This place is a needle in a hay stack of bike shops. Truly an awesome experience. Great selection too!”  ~ James R.

Thank you, James! Thank you, Best Things MI! And thank-you-thank-you-thank-you, loyal Hometownies!!


Team Hometown Bicycles at Yankee Springs Time Trial
(Bottom 2 images – beer on the podium and Doug Queener catching air – © Jack Kunnen Photography.)

TEAM TIME TRIAL AT YANKEE SPRINGS

In the continuing saga of Team Hometown’s awesome adventures, last weekend found a fantastic five Hometownies racing the Yankee Springs Time Trial. Congratulations to Team member Scott Simpson for his 3rd place finish in Elite Expert single speed class! There were a couple other near-podium-experiences at this event – especially impressive as it’s “one of the largest and longest running time trial races in the Midwest”!


Triathlons 101 Clinic with Amy Gluck at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton, Michigan

“TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

Let’s be real, here… a good majority of cyclists flirt with the idea of triathlons. They may or may not admit it to anyone, but there is something inherently intriguing about spanning the sports in one, body-and-mind-challenging event.

Hometown’s Amy Gluck has a history in IRONMAN competition, and is back in triathlon training following a life-altering accident. With her background in health and nutrition, an IRONMAN Coaching Certification, and a head-over-heels passion for tri’s, Amy is the perfect person to kick off this newest Hometown clinic.

If you’re on the fence about whether to try a tri, are new to the tri community, or are simply eager to pick up tips from a pro, this info-gathering clinic is for you! NO CHARGE and two days to choose from!
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TRIATHLON 101 WITH AMY GLUCK
Tuesday, May 9th at 6pm  – OR –  Thursday, May 11th at 6pm
(in the Hometown Bicycles Community Room)


Hometown Bicycles is now an Authorized Thule Dealer

WE’RE NOW YOUR AUTHORIZED THULE DEALER

You’ve been asking, and we’re answering – all of you Thule-lovin’ Hometownies can now get your Thule racks right here at YOUR bike shop.


Brighton Bulldogs 9U Travel Baseball Team ScheduleBASEBALL AND BICYCLES

Sounds like the title to an insanely cool new sport, doesn’t it? Anyone up to the challenge?
Actually, this is about the Brighton Bulldogs Baseball Travel Team that we are proudly sponsoring this year. In newsletters past, we promised a game schedule… a promise I can now deliver on! Shaun and I are looking forward to catching a game (and maybe a wayward ball?) at one of their local ballgames. We’d love to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO PICK A DAY TO CHEER ON THESE TALENTED KIDS


Howell Rotary's Tour de Livingston Save the Date

TOUR DE LIVINGSTON SAVE-THE-DATE

It’s almost like a countdown to Christmas! This scenic, local ride is a gift in so many ways – to the riders, to the Community, and to cycling at large. Be sure to mark it down now in your calendars as a 2017 must-ride! Visit their new website for details.


Body Within team

COMING THIS SUMMER TO A FRONT LAWN NEAR YOU…

Hometown’s lawn will soon be playing host to a fast-paced, Fresh Air Fitness class from our long-standing Team Sponsor Body Within. This mid-June class will be specifically designed to get your ride muscles in top form!

Interested? Good! Stay tuned for dates and details, or call Chris at (517) 304-2282 if you’re too excited to wait and need to learn more NOW!


Last weekend's Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Shop Ride at Hometown Bicycles
(Last Sunday’s Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride was a hit, with gorgeous weather and new faces – welcome! This Sunday is the last time we’ll be “exploring” Island Lake singletrack, before we move on to new trails and new adventures. Don’t miss out on riding a classic… join us!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL ROAD RIDE (4/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
If the rain holds off, come check out the popular Thursday morning Social Road ride as we hit the back entrance to Island Lake and explore the park roads. The plan this week is to ride 1-1.5 hours at a 10 mph average pace. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (4/28)
8:30PM (meet at 8:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us for an evening expedition onto Island Lake’s Blue/Yellow loops at an INTERMEDIATE pace. Make sure your lights are charged, as darkness may catch up to us on our 1.5-hour ride. We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

SATURDAY BEGINNER ROAD RIDE (4/29)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start out aiming for 10 – 15 miles and expand as the weeks roll by.  Route will be on the park roads.  Road bikes are preferred for this ride.  All level riders are welcome. Weather could go either way, so be sure to check on Facebook for a pre-ride update!

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER (4/30)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Twp Hall
This week’s gravel ride along beautiful, rolling, country roads, will ease you in with a shorter, flatter route than normal, and ~ 3 miles of pavement (large shoulder on about half). Expect to venture across 29 miles with a 13-15 mph, NO-DROP pace. All bikes are welcome. Meet in lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive): 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (4/30)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. We’ll ride to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of singletrack. Save 1.5 hours of your day to ride with the Hometown crew. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. **Location will rotate in future – check on start locations weekly**

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/1)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a NO DROP Beginner Friendly road ride. We’ll be traveling the Island Lakes park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back. ~ 12 – 15 miles. Sound like too much for you? No worries – there will be an early turn-back option for a little less mileage. Bring a light if you have one, though we’re not expecting to need them. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (5/2) – THIS IS A DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


SPRING SNOWMAN 5K11th Annual Spring Snowman 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run

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??


Hometown Bicycles' Gravel Grinder Shop Ride

In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.

– Henry Rollins

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