This exciting segue between the ending of our weekly Women’s Road Ride, and the beginning of our weekly Women’s Fitness (details coming soon!) is open to ALL WOMEN ages 21 and older. Here’s the scoop:

Ladies Night Out at Hometown  |  TUES., SEPTEMBER 19, 6-9PM

Your evening will start by easing away the stresses of your day with a 30-minute, beginner yoga session, courtesy of Jenny of Body Within Personal Training. Stretched and centered, you’ll move on to wine and hors d’oeuvre tasting, with gal-centric beverages and delicious treats. Next, you’ll enjoy the incredibly unique opportunity to preview and order – with phenomenal discounts, of course! – from the 2018 Spring product trunk show of Shebeest, a fashion-forward cycling wear brand, developed by and for women, that we are CRAZY-EXCITED to introduce to our shop! You’ll wrap up the evening with ladies-night-only dealson women-specific cycling shoes, helmets, gear, and bikes.

A $40 pre-registration is required and, for that, you receive:

•   30-minute, beginner Yoga Class with Body Within
•   Wine and hors d’oeuvres tasting with a certified professional ($20 value)
•   $20 Hometown Bicycles Gift Certificate
•   Goodie Bag (valued at $35)
•   Ladies-Night-Out discounts on women-specific bike, apparel, and accessories
•   Unique Trunk Show + discounted pre-ordering of Shebeest’s 2018 Spring cycling wear line!

Ladies, know that this Night Out was designed by your Hometown gals specifically for YOU. (Fellas, don’t be jealous – there’s a “Guys’ Night Out at Hometown” a-brewin’!) Are you as geeked about this as we are?? Call for details (810-225-2441) or come join us!

NOTE:

  HOMETOWN HOURS SHIFT-BACK 

With many of our crew headed back to their collegiate and pre-collegiate studies, it’s time to make our annual weekday hours shift-back. Nothing dramatic, but beginning Monday, August 28th, our Spring/Summer 7am-9pm weekDAY hours will change to:

MONDAY – FRIDAY  9AM-9PM

SATURDAY & SUNDAY  9AM-5PM

MAKING MEMORIES AT THE MELON FESTIVAL 

This past Saturday brought cyclists’ DREAM weather for the annual Doc May Memorial Melon Ride, and the riders loved every minute of it! From the route (which Hometown created and marked), to the ride (which Team Hometown led), to the bike support and valet (which Hometown manned), to the melons and melon ice cream (which Hometown… um… ate in copious quantities), we had an absolute ball giving the wonderful folks of Livingston County a morning to remember!

THANK YOU to Howell Area Parks & Recreation for the continuing opportunity to run this true gem of a ride. THANK YOU to the Team volunteers and staff for your stellar and sunshine-y assistance. And THANK YOU to all of you wonderful Hometownies who joined us for THE BEST Melon Ride to date!

SINGLES RIDE: OH MY GOSH!! THEY PROPOSED… !!! 

… that we should definitely do our Hometown Bicycles singles group ride again! (Couldn’t help myself!) But, even without a love-at-first-sight story, our inaugural Singles Ride was a smashing success, with riders of all ages ♥ing the camaraderie, casual conversation, and bicycle-based connection time. The after-ride mingle went late into the evening – we’d say reluctance to leave equates to a good time! Stay tuned for more singles opportunities…

(Photo courtesy Team Hometownie, DJ Joe Ostervik)

TEAM NEWS: THE ASSENMACHER 100 

One of the most popular century rides in Michigan, the Assenmacher 100 is a social fun ride through the rolling hills and farmland of Swartz Creek, MI. But when you pair speedster Team riders Jim Cleer, Joe Ostervik, and Joe Van Gordon, “social” tends to translate to peloton pacing. They powered up a swift 20+ mph pace with a group of 15 riders, but our warmest wishes for a speedy recovery to Jim, who took a sharp spill. Hope your recovery is as swift as your pacing, Jim!

AMY’S BLOG: Take 2 (it’s there, I promise…)

After revving up your interest last week for another intriguing Amy’s Blog, I biffed it with a memory fail. Sorry folks! But it’s posted on her blog page now, so you can finally appease your curiosity… I promise!

Every week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. In the latter half of this week’s blog, Amy gets real with an inside look into the mind of a top-tier, to-the-core athlete… and it’s not what you’d expect!:

… people ask me “what do you think about while you’re doing your long, solo runs and rides?” That’s a tough question to answer.  I’ve honestly had so much trouble concentrating on the bike in an Ironman, I’ve actually started singing the alphabet to distract my mind! Usually, the best thing to do is… READ ON 

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

STAINLESS STEEL SASS: MEET COOL HEDGE CREATIONS 

Melissa Fournier-Rudberg is a feisty-spirited, creative type with talent in spades! She’s enlivened our shop with a playful collection of bicycle-themed Purpose Bracelets, that are cheeky and fun. Come check them out in our gift department! Her Facebook page is also a treasure trove of clever, customized pieces crafted by this lively lady. According to the artist:

Cool Hedge Creations is a love project from local artisan, Melissa Rudberg. What started out as a project to help out a friend, has quickly turned into a growing business. Specializing in “Purpose” bracelets created by hand stamping stainless steel washers with purpose words to remind the wearer that we all have a purpose in our lives, she has expanded into other stamped jewelry and accessories. Melissa lives in Howell with her husband, 2 dogs, and 4 hedgehogs, which were the inspiration for the business name.

(Images courtesy Cool Hedge Creations)

BICYCLE-THEMED SIGN PAINTING PARTY

Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations (the one you just met above!) is offering a class in our Community Room on Tuesday, September 12th from 6-9pm. She says:

Join me for a night of painting! You will create your very own personalized wooden sign.  Your creation can be a selection of one of 4 and will take 2-3 hours to create. You choose your image and the color of stain for your 20″ x 24″ sign, and I will prepare it for you to transfer your image. Then, complete it by painting the image the colors of your choice.  No creative skill necessary to create your masterpiece! (Registration and $50 prepayment required, please – see link below.) 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS SIGN PAINTING PARTY NOW

(Images courtesy Mason Verbison)

MEET YOUR CREW: MASON VERBISON 

Mason is one of those crew members who just “got it” from the get-go. His work ethic as a Service Tech is outstanding, and he’s as friendly as can be – true Hometown material, this one. Mason says:

In June of 2016, I went to buy a mountain bike, thinking it would only be for riding pavement, but after I bought it, i heard about the Brighton Cycling Club and of course I had to try it. I joined the cycling club and was hooked from there on out. I have competed in 5 races and done very well. I went to Hometown to look at a new bike, and Shaun was there to happily help me find a bike that would fit me perfectly. I ended up buying a beautiful Jamis bike, and have had many great adventures, and hopefully many more to come.

THE-LOCATION-FORMERLY-KNOWN-AS-HOMETOWN 

Does this place look familiar? The colors maybe ring a bell. Possibly the painted floor. Something about it just seems a little… déjà vu.

Oh, wow!! That’s where the former Hometown Bicycles’ service shop was located, next door to where we are today!

I’m personally elated to welcome Pennylane to the neighborhood – owner, Duwayne Jessop, was the founder of one of my favorite salt-and-pepper shaker hunting grounds of all times – Paddywacks of South Lyon. After selling his business, he couldn’t shake the knick-knack bug, and has started up this cozily cluttered store, filled with video games, music, movies, home decor, art, toys, jewelry, tools, collectibles, and the list goes on, and on, and on… Duwayne affectionately refers to them as his chachkies, thingamajigs, whatchamacallits, and doodads.

All I have to say is that you’ll have to arm wrestle me for the salt-and-pepper shakers! (You think I’m joking.)

Pennylane Resale is open Monday-Saturday 11-7, and Sundays “optional”, at 10603 E. Grand River in Brighton. Call them at (810) 522-5254 or visit their Facebook page.

Please help us welcome our new neighbor by stopping in and saying “hello!” The transformation from bearing grease and chain lube to fun and eclectic treasures is AWESOME to experience first hand!

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: NOW LOOKING FOR SPONSORS!

Ashley notified us that a few Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this Saturday, September 30th, yoga-bike-beer event. If your company is interested, please contact her for details: ashley@toccamassage.com.

Based out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of event coordinator Tocca Massage & Yoga, follows up with a scenic and recreational bike ride with Hometown Bicycles (new route!), and ends with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker.

Registration is limited to 50, so sign up NOW!

REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (8/26)
*** ONLY 3 LEFT! ***
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (8/27)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb (which, for MI, is a TON of climb!) on beautiful and EXTREMELY hilly country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! This is an intermediate/advanced ride (check out Tuesday’s Gravel Grinding 101 for a less grueling option.) Expect several long, tough climbs at a MINIMUM 14-15 MPH pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353.Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (8/27)
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. This week, we’ll be exploring 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. 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 to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE  (8/28)
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 ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage!  Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels.  All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Stay tuned to Facebook for ride updates!

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 WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE  (8/29)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, women-only road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake – about 14 miles of road – at a conversational, 11+mph pace. Road bikes recommended, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate at a behind-the-shop, BYOB bonfire with your new cycling buddies! Stay tuned to our Facebook events page for ride/weather updates.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (8/29)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  **It’s time to start bringing lights!!**  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 for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (8/30)
This is a DROP RIDE! 
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

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 Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Check Facebook for ride updates.

SON OF HAMMERFEST – ** NOW WEEKLY **:
**For those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest** Also rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles, this ride includes 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE  (8/31)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This conversational morning ride will find us exploring Island Lake’s beautiful 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. Check Facebook for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

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

(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 | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Coming Soon!
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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

I opened two gifts this morning. They were my eyes.

– Anonymous