5 years ago TODAY, Daniel J. Horal’s life changed forever, and now his legacy is changing yours…
When Dan set out for his bike ride on Wednesday April 24th, 2019, he was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Island Lake State Park.
Dan’s tragic accident was and still is devastating to his family. However, they didn’t let this tragedy become just a memory – it became a STORM OF CHANGE. His loss rallied the Horal family to say “ No More”. They created the Horal Family Foundation, with Dan’s wife, Jane, at the forefront of massive safety improvements here in Livingston County, the State of Michigan, and even on a national level, speaking directly to the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.
2023 marks the 5th anniversary of Dan’s passing and, in that time, the GO LIV CO / HORAL FAMILY FOUNDATION has raised and donated thousands of dollars to safety improvements at Island Lake State Park. The group has been working with the Transportation Coalition in Livingston County for creating sensible changes for safe mobility for all. They have worked closely with the Kiefer Foundation and Hands Free Michigan to help end distracted driving.
Want to help support the Mission? Click the button and logo below:
5 years ago TODAY, Daniel J. Horal’s life changed forever, and now his legacy is changing yours…
When Dan set out for his bike ride on Wednesday April 24th, 2019, he was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Island Lake State Park.
Dan’s tragic accident was and still is devastating to his family. However, they didn’t let this tragedy become just a memory – it became a STORM OF CHANGE. His loss rallied the Horal family to say “ No More”. They created the Horal Family Foundation, with Dan’s wife, Jane, at the forefront of massive safety improvements here in Livingston County, the State of Michigan, and even on a national level, speaking directly to the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.
2023 marks the 5th anniversary of Dan’s passing and, in that time, the GO LIV CO / HORAL FAMILY FOUNDATION has raised and donated thousands of dollars to safety improvements at Island Lake State Park. The group has been working with the Transportation Coalition in Livingston County for creating sensible changes for safe mobility for all. They have worked closely with the Kiefer Foundation and Hands Free Michigan to help end distracted driving.
Want to help support the Mission? Click the button and logo below:
We have two clinics coming up before the end of the month and you’re invited!
These are socially-distanced gatherings in our Community Room where each person in attendance has his/her own table. Masks are required. We’re keeping it safe while enjoying an hour or two out of the house on Saturday evenings after shop hours. Attendance is limited to SEVEN people, so grab your spots early!
Saturday 2/20 from 5-6 PM “TRY” Clinic The theme is TRY! For those new to the idea of completing a triathlon. Not for the well-versed competitors, but for the beginner who’s maybe still sitting on their couch, wanting to work toward this bucket list goal.
Saturday 2/27 from 5-6 PM Tech Talk: Q&A with our Master Mechanics This is YOUR opportunity to bring questions to our master mechanics, Tyler and Mason. For one hour, they will share their knowledge and provide answers to your most pressing mechanical questions. Target audience: Intermediate riders who have a decent working knowledge of their bike(s), and bicycle parts and components.
We hope our local restaurants are doing well since re-opening earlier this month. Help us help them.
For the month of February, we’ll be running the following promotion:
Go to a local family-owned restaurant. We’re talking about those places with owners that live in and support our local community!
Bring your restaurant receipt to the shop and pose for a photo.
Receive a $5 credit to your Hometown account.
It’s that simple!
**Limit of 4 credits for the month of February, one per week. Together we CAN make a difference.
Save the Date!
3rd Annual Do It For Dan Ride Island Lake Recreation Area Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 3 PM
For updates and to support the Daniel J. Horal Family Foundation, click HERE.
Fitness Classes are BACK!
Zumba with Leslie Barrett Mondays at 6 PM
$8 drop-in; 10-class punch cards are available. Pre-registration is required. Contact michiganzumbagirl@outlook.com for more info or visit her Facebook page.
Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf Wednesdays at 6 PM
$5 drop-in Bring your own equipment; there is no equipment rental at this time. Pre-registration is required. Visit PURE Fitness and Nutrition for more info.
Coming next week: Girl Scout Cookies!
Stay tuned for our special Girl Scout cookies deal for you, our Hometownies! Details in next week’s e-newsletter.
2019 Tour de Livingston in Review Epic in every way!
For Hometown Bicycles, the true mark of autumn is our favorite annual event, Tour de Livingston. While we can’t wait for it to come around each year, we are also saddened to see it go… it’s always such a memorable day.
This year was no different! On Sunday, October 6th, we had sun, we had fun, and we had an absolutely amazing time connecting with the cycling community for a great cause!
Pictured above: Team Hometown Bicycles member Neal Glazebrook raised $670 this year! Here is he ready to begin his 100-mile century ride. Go, Neal!
We can’t say enough about the Howell Rotary Club for their incredible efforts in organizing and running Tour de Livingston. They do a top-notch job. Our hats go off to them!
Since its inception in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the critical needs of those who are struggling to meet their most basic needs. The proceeds go to the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Program to benefit those right here in our community.
We’re incredibly proud to be an ongoing part of this amazing effort. And we’re incredibly proud of our amazing, community-minded Team, who came en masse to support, ride, and volunteer, and who demonstrated the best of the cycling community with their efforts before, during, and after the ride.
Team Hometown, you are amazing, and we salute you!!
Pictured above: Team Hometown Co-Captain and Mobile Rhythm Entertainment Team Sponsor Joe Ostervik, Matt Burke, Chris & Heather Harrison, and Quanta Inc. Team Sponsor Brad Allen
Dan Horal: We celebrate you
A friend and fellow Hometownie’s birthday would have been October 8th. Dan’s life was tragically cut short after being struck by a car mid-ride on April 25, 2019.
His memory lives on for all of us at Hometown, his family and friends, and a tight-knit cycling community who thinks of him often. Dan Horal, we send our prayers and birthday wishes to you.
“Today our dear friend and fellow cyclist Dan Horal would have celebrated his 63rd birthday. Happy birthday Dan, hope you are enjoying that ride in the sky.” — Shaun Bhajan
Show Your Hometown Spirit at the Velodrome October 19th!
SPORT THOSE HOMETOWN COLORS, AND JOIN SHAUN, DAWN AND YOUR FELLOW HOMETOWNIES on October 19th at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit, where the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) will recognize the outstanding contributions of cycling advocates from around the state with a night of exciting indoor cycling races.
The 64,000 square foot, $4 million Lexus Velodrome is the most talked-about venue in the U.S. cycling world – and it’s right here in Michigan!
HOMETOWN BICYCLES IS A FINALIST FOR LMB’S SHOP OF THE YEAR AWARD!
Winners will be announced during a pre-race reception at 5 PM (heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar), followed by the Velodrome’s Saturday Night Rumbles at 7:30 PM.
Fitness options at Hometown Stay active year-round with our multitude of class offerings! We believe in wellness all year, even (especially) during those frigid Michigan winters. It’s sometimes hard to find the motivation to stay fit and active when all we want to do is hibernate until spring. This is one reason Hometown loves to host our fabulous fitness instructors and have class offerings most days of the week.
You have likely seen the classes in full swing as they rock it out on the main floor. As the cold weather descends, head on up to the shop to get your sweat on!
A great way to work it out, get that heart pumping and torch some major calories in a fun atmosphere! Wednesdays 6 PM Saturdays 9:45 AM $10 drop in (includes equipment); $5 drop in if you bring your own equipment
Power 30 with Martha Soraruf 30 minutes of strength training immediately following cardio drumming. Wednesdays 7 PM $5 drop in
Zumba with Leslie Barrett This hour class flies by due to the infectious music and easy-to-follow Latin dance fitness routines. You will get a full body workout through mega cardio and toning! Mondays 6 PM Thursdays 9:30 AM $8 drop in; 10-class punch card for $60
Zumba Gold with Tresa O’Rourke Zumba Gold offers a lower intensity Latin dance fitness experience. Perfect for active older adults, anyone needing modifications and those just starting an exercise program. Mondays 9:30 AM Sundays 10:30 AM $8 drop in: 10-class punch card for $50
COMING SOON: Yoga (Sati Circle), HIIT, and Pound!
Did someone say chili?!
Get your recipes simmering for our 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off!
SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, November 9th, you can enter to win one very special (and kinda gaudy, but that’s what makes it fabulous) traveling trophy. Take home the bragging rights of being the 2019 Hometown Bicycles “Great Bowls of Fire” Chili Cook-Off WINNER!
Stir up your favorite recipe and drop it off at the shop by 4 PM. People’s Choice judging will begin at 5 PM, and the winner will be announced by 7 PM.
Sign up coming SOON!
We hosted the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Brighton/Howell Unit on Wednesday, October 9th. They sponsored a public forum to encourage the public to get to know their county officials and their role in local road maintenance. Road Commission Director Steve Wasylk presented, and WHMI reported!