Birthday Pics, Jamis’ CEO, and Upcoming Shop Rides

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Shaun

When Everything Goes Wonderfully Right

SHAUN AND I ARE IN AWE – LIKE, GIVES-US-GOOSEBUMPS AWE – of what Hometown Bicycles has come to mean to our customers and to our community, as evidenced by the INCREDIBLE turn-out for last weekend’s 7th Birthday Bash.

If I’m being entirely honest, there are moments when working ’round the clock daily (and I mean AROUND the clock), raising our family in a bike shop, and giving up any semblance of a “normal” life seems mildly insane to potentially certifiable. But this kind of outpouring of support – on the eve, no less, of a major holiday – VALIDATES why we do what we do.

And there’s a word for this: LOVE. I’ve been really thinking about this since the reality of 7 remarkable years struck home. We LOVE our Hometownies, we love what we do, we love being in the business of helping people have fun, achieve incredible goals, become the best version of themselves, and create memories to last a lifetime… I mean, really, how much more rewarding can you get?!

And you’ve made it clear that the love goes both ways. That’s a game-changer.

THANK YOU for celebrating with us. Thank you for letting us know that we’re doing it right. And thank you for making Shaun’s and my non-traditional lifestyle feel like a reward.

We also want to show some love for American Spirit Centre, which generously provided overflow parking across the street (it was needed!), Tour de Livingston for being there and being awesome, Shannon from Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp for hanging out with us and bringing the fun lawn games, Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply for always keeping us hydrated, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy for the cool door prize donation, the Team volunteers and Hometown crew for an incredible work ethic and for saving what’s left of my hair since having children, and Mother Nature for giving us possibly the nicest day yet in 2017.

If you want to catch pictures of our event, check out our Facebook album HERE. If you want to go to your happy place… well, you know where to find us!

(Me with a pink-clad Marley Simpson, winner of our Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Contest by popular vote!)

CONGRATS, MARLEY – WINNER OF OUR JR. T-SHIRT CONTEST!

Prior to our big birthday bash, we put a call out to the young’uns for a creative and colorful interpretation of our logo, which would grace a limited edition run of Jr. Hometownie t-shirts.

Votes were collected throughout last weekend’s event for the four, fantastic entries we received. There was a lotta love for all entrants, but Marley Simpson’s vibrant piece took home 1st prize!

Marley – age 8, 3rd grade – is the epitome of a Renaissance woman-in-miniature, with an absolute wealth of interests. She loves to bike (way to go, Marley!), is a gymnast, collects American Girl dolls, reads, plays with her guinea pig, jumps on the trampoline, hangs out with friends and, clearly, LOVES to draw (see her t-shirt design at left).

Marley wants to grow up to be an artist. We believe she’s already well on her way. Congratulations, Marley! (Keep an eye out for Marley’s winning design on t-shirts, coming soon!)

(Fantastic job, Jr. Hometownies! Here are the entries we received: Nicholas Baylerian [1, left], Abigail Dyer [2, top], Marley Simpson [3, bottom], and Abby Wheeler [4, right].)

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM JAMIS CEO, CARINE JOANNOU

We’ve introduced you in newsletters past to Carine Joannou, President and Owner of Jamis Bicycles. She’s been a supporter of, a believer in, and a role model to Hometown Bicycles since day one.

Here’s a chance to hear from the woman herself about Jamis’ core values – it’s in large part because of these values that we’re such die-hard fans of the brand. CLICK HERE to watch her video.

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER (4/23)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Twp Hall
Though still quite hilly, this week’s gravel ride will encompass a shorter, flatter route than normal through back roads, with ~ 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.

The goal is to extend the route to 36 miles by late May – so come on out now and grow with the route!

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (4/23)
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 to join this ride. **Location will rotate in future – check on weekly start locations**

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (4/24)
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 (4/26)
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! Carve out 2 hours of your evening for this ride.

THURSDAY SOCIAL ROAD RIDE (4/27)
10:00PM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
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. **Location will rotate in future – check on weekly start locations**

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

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

– 1 Corinthians 13:13

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Abby Wheeler, Abigail Dyer, American Spirit Centre, artist, Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, beginner friendly, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bike shop, bikes, birthday party, Carine Joannou, core values, creative, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Bhajan, draw, entries, fat bike, gravel grinder, group rides, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hammerfest, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown crew, Hometownies, Island Lakes, Jamis Bicycles, Jamis Bikes, Jr. Hometownie, love, Marley Simpson, Mother Nature, mountain bike, mountain bike ride, Nicholas Baylerian, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, road bike, road ride, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, social road ride, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tour de Livingston, tshirt contest, volunteers, winner | Leave a comment »

Cycling Countdown + the Best Biking in MI

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Shaun

LEFT UNTIL SPRING CYCLING SEASON!

Step aside, Winter! We’re just a week away from the glorious, cyclists’ paradise that is the Spring Cycling Season, starting March 1st!!

Pull those bikes out of storage, and bring them in now to beat the Spring tune-up rush – ‘cuz when the trees start blooming, you better believe you won’t want to wait even a second more to saddle up and pedal out. It’ll be adventure time!

(Image courtesy vidiani.com)

DATE CHANGED: “Where to Ride in MI” Potluck Clinic!

IT’S BEEN MOVED TO NEXT THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND FROM 6PM-8PM
We’ve been hard at work with our Team leaders on creating the BEST Shop Ride schedule we’ve ever had, and are taking an extra week to perfect it for its BIG DEBUT at our Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck Party!

At this event, you’ll also hear about Michigan’s top cycling paths and trails, meet Hometown’s ride leaders, connect with potential ride buddies, collect info about local cycling groups, and learn about the organizations that help keep our roads and trails cyclist friendly and how you can get involved.

It’s a potluck, so here’s your chance to show off some culinary skills (and we know you’ve got ’em, thanks to our Fall Extravaganza Chili Cook-Off!)

REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND OUR “WHERE TO RIDE” POTLUCK CLINIC!
Thursday, March 2nd, 6pm-8pm at Hometown Bicycles • Bring a dish to pass!

(Tom Trentanove from Jamis talks bikes and brands to a Community Room full of Hometownies.)

SO MUCH JAMIS LOVE AT LAST WEEK’S CLINIC

Last Thursday marked our second annual “Why Jamis?” Clinic & Pizza Party – dedicated to the bicycle brand we’ve carried from Day 1, and the story behind why we unhesitatingly trust Jamis to help us make your cycling experience incredible. We had a full house and fun times!!

A very warm and heartfelt THANK YOU to guest speaker Tom Trentanove, our Jamis super-rep, who gave us the insider’s scoop on Jamis Bikes.

Missed the clinic? Sadness!! Stop in, and get the “lite” version from our crew.

We have the coolest Team Sponsors! Look who showed up to our event (and ride Jamis!) – from left: Mike Kearns of Kearns Brothers Inc., Deb Godmer of Hamburg Fitness Center, and Matt Maximoff of Michigan Banner Factory.

THIS FRIDAY: LADIES SPIN CHALLENGE WITH DAWN

Yep, it’s MY turn to jersey up and spin at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp! This will be my first go-round since kids – I’m looking for all the moral support I can get! The Ladies Spin Challenge is (of course) women only, and runs FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH AT 9:30AM – $5 HOMETOWNIE SPECIAL. Child care is available, fellow mamas! (Call 810-231-4169 to pre-register your kiddies.)

REGISTER NOW FOR THE LADIES SPIN CLASS – CLICK HERE!

THIS SUNDAY: A 2ND SPIN-OFF WITH SHAUN…

Ready to clip in for another round of spinning with Shaun at Hamburg Fitness Center? SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH AT 10:15AM – $5 HOMETOWNIE SPECIAL

REGISTER FOR THE HOMETOWN SPIN-OFF WITH SHAUN

(Images at left courtesy Jean Steinberg)

MEET YOUR CREW: JEAN STEINBERG

Jean, a long-time Hometownie, became part of the Hometown crew a year ago, and has quickly made herself indispensable. Uber passionate about our sport, she’s a powerhouse Rides Coordinator who skillfully pairs the magic of Hometown with the magic of cycling. Loyal. Diligent. Creative. Plus, Jean is always game for a bike-based adventure!

This silly journey of cycling started in 2004 as my then teenage sons found the mountain bike trails in Island Lake and insisted on taking me mountain biking! Oh boy did things change after that little outing. I traded the Holiday Inn for a tent, learned we could pack 5 bikes and two people in a Honda Pilot, cactus actually reach out and grab you as you ride by, ignorance was awesome in the early days (talk about over-riding your skill level), my mentors were priceless, mountain bike trail advocacy is near my heart, I have owned too many bikes to count and experienced more awesome riding in the USA than I EVER imagined possible. My passion for the sport of mountain biking has only grown stronger over time. When a little mentoring and encouragement leads to someone achieving new skills to overcome a trail stopper, I still get so excited for them – it’s like your kid taking their first step! I absolutely love helping riders explore and learn more about cycling.

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – Saturday, 2/25 @ 1:00PM

MEET IN THE FRONT LOT CLOSEST TO MILFORD RD. (North End)

With the Trail Coordinator’s blessing, we will venture out on the trails of Milford/Proud Lake for a 2-PART RIDE. Fat Bikes only. If the weather shifts, we’ll adjust the ride location. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation and updates.

PART 1: NO DROP, beginner-friendly pace for Milford (6 miles). Return to trailhead.

PART 2: For extra miles at a swifter pace, we’ll venture through the more challenging Proud Lake Loops 1, 2 and maybe 4 (7-9 miles, moderate pace). Some dirt road and sidewalk required to get there.

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

PSA: DON’T BE THAT CYCLIST…

… you know, the eager beaver who just can’t wait for the trails to dry, and destroys them for everyone else. We know that early Spring days bring intense trail temptation, but listen to that little white-clad dude on your shoulder – the one with the halo! Or, if you’re more practical in nature, listen to the organizations that maintain the trails. Trust us, you’ll get a longer and more enjoyable cycling season when you sit tight for solid singletrack!

START SPRING CYCLING SEASON WITH A FREE BIKE!

Yep, it’s still up for grabs… check out this bikepacking contest that Jamis is running through the month of February, with a grand prize of something like $5,000 in bikes and adventure gear! How sweet would it be if a Hometownie won?! What are you waiting for…
ENTER NOW!!

(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 winter fitness programs running right here inside your favorite bike shop:

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

CARDIO DRUMMING FOR KIDS | Mondays at 11AM
Parents welcome! $5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | New series pending… stay tuned!
$10 drop in – Presented by Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$5 drop in – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: adventure time, Ashley Knuth, bicycle clinic, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bike clinic, bike paths, bike shop, bikepacking contest, Cardio Drumming, CRAMBA, cycling, cycling season, cyclists, Dawn Bhajan, Deb Godmer, Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride, fat bikes, group rides, hamburg fitness center, Hometown Bicycles, Jamis Bicycles, Jamis Bikes, Jean Steinberg, Kearns Brothers, ladies spin, Leslie Barrett, Martha Soraruf, Matt Maximoff, Michigan Banner Factory, Mike Kearns, potluck, PSA, ride buddies, Rides Coordinator, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, spin challenge, spin class, spin off, spring, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tom Trentanove, trails, tune up, where to ride in michigan, yoga, zumba | Leave a comment »

Shaun talks deals and dancing

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Shaun

Fat Bike Deal of the Century

(No joke!)

IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN A FAT BIKE, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!!
Last week, we challenged you to research fat bike availability in the area; it’s non-existent! This COULD be super-sad news, but Hometown is your Happy Place, and we’re determined to keep it that way!

We’ve negotiated an unheard of deal on carbon fat bikes that will be CUSTOM BUILT in a limited run for our shop. Shaun tells all in the video above ↑. Happy days are here again!

Shaun and Dawn Bhajan of Hometown Bicycles with Carine Joannou, CEO of Jamis and Nirve Bikes
(One of the highlights of our trip was connecting with Carine Joannou, CEO of Jamis and Nirve Bikes!)

GEEKING OUT OVER BIKE STUFF IN CHICAGO

We had three goals for last week’s trip to the CABDA bike expo in Chicago:

1) Survive (it was our first time road tripping with two babies)
2) Connect with the amazing people that are part of the amazing companies that help make Hometown totally amazing!
3) Scope out great deals for you and your fellow Hometownies!

How did we make out?

1) Well, I’m writing this, so let’s put a big, gold star next to Goal 1!
2) Check out the photos below. It was incredible!
3) We found them!! You’ll be seeing new products at great prices appearing in the store over the coming months.

Thanks, CABDA! Mission accomplished!

(Clockwise from top left: The whole fam meets up with one of our favorite human beings on the planet – Tom T, our Jamis rep and Liam’s best buddy. Mmm-MMMMMM… Xenith goodness! Us gals enjoy hanging out with Jamis “demo maniac”, Max. One gorgeous Jamis line-up! Shaun and Liam geek out over bike specs.)

(Clockwise from top left: *Squeal!* Bike expo! Our peeps, Matt & Eric from Framed Bikes which helped us put together the insane fat bike deal at the top of this email. My guys chillin’ with Saris super-rep, Kellen. Liam bonded with Park Tools’ legendary Director of Education, Calvin Jones. Some of the world’s nicest people work at Lexco, like Denise and Izzy here!)

SPEAKING OF JAMIS… HOW’D YOU LIKE TO WIN SOME?!

This is SO COOL… check out this bikepacking contest that Jamis is running, with a grand prize of something like $5,000 in bikes and adventure gear! How sweet would it be if a Hometownie won?! What are you waiting for… ENTER NOW!!

As if that weren’t awesome enough… they’re also running a Nirve Beach Cruiser Valentine’s Day Giveaway. There’s 10 different ways to win, and the more you choose, the better your odds for winning a PAIR of stylin’ cruisers for you and your sweetheart!

THIS WEEKEND! “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINE CRAFT CLASS

SATURDAY, FEB. 11, NOON-2PM IN THE HOMETOWN COMMUNITY ROOM, $7

Your kids will create their very own, unique, bike-y Valentine in this family-friendly, holiday craft class, run by Hometown artist, Lauren Patrell of LPbyLP.

For ages 6 and up, but don’t be shy about participating if you’re an adult. We bet you know a cyclist or two who would love to get one of these from you!

LIMITED CLASS SIZE! $7 per person payable at time of class.

REGISTER NOW FOR “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINE’S KID CRAFT CLASS

THIS WEEK: Flat Tire Fixes for Everyone (Hands On!)

We’re running our flat tire fix clinic 3 times this week with a limited class size, so that everyone – and we mean EVERYONE – gets individual attention, and an opportunity to practice with the expert (Shaun). Bring a wheel, or use one of ours!

EMERGENCY BIKE REPAIR PART 2 – REGISTER NOW!
Tues. 2/7 from 12:15-1pm -OR- Wed. 2/8 from 12:15-1pm -OR- FRIDAY 2/10 from 6-7pm
…………………………………………

WHY JAMIS? – REGISTER NOW!
Thursday, February 16 from 6-7pm
A favorite addition to our clinic series, “Why Jamis?” answers who Jamis is, what they offer YOU, and why we’ve loved ’em from Day One! Jamis rep and our “brother-from-a-different-mother”, Tom Trentanove, will guest speak and answer your individual questions.

WHERE TO RIDE IN MICHIGAN & POTLUCK PARTY! – REGISTER NOW!
Thursday, February 23 from 6-7pm
Bring your favorite dish to this munch-and-learn, wrap-up clinic party! Enjoy your fellow clinic-goers’ culinary skills, while we share some of the best parks and routes in Michigan for your cycling Adventures, plus groups you can ride with.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE OUR “WHY JAMIS?” CLINIC ON 2/16

When spring fever is setting in, and you’ve got bike on the brain, your research can bring up more questions than it answers:

• How do bike brands compare?
• Why would you choose one over the other?
• Why is Hometown head-over-heels for Jamis?
• What does Jamis offer YOU?

We introduced this clinic last year, and it wound up being our biggest clinic to date! We provide chews and brews, a chance to socialize with fellow bike peeps and ask questions of our “brother-from-a-different-mother” Jamis rep Tom Trentanove, plus the information you need to make a decision that’s right for YOU.

So, if you’re curious, seriously searching, or just feeling housebound…

REGISTER NOW FOR “WHY JAMIS?” CLINIC – THURS (2/16) AT 6PM

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND … NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE … JUST MIND-EXPANDING FUN!

(Top: Shaun and Jean feelin’ mighty proud to be a part of Tour de Livingston. Bottom [left to right]: Team Hometown’s Joe Ostervik being awarded Jersey Rider status – we’re proud of you, Joe! We helped raise $37,500 in 2016 for Livingston County United Way – woohoo!! And a shout out to our man, Josh Hendershot, who was the Tour’s TOP FUNDRAISING RIDER – he’s one special Hometownie!)

NO, NO… THANK YOU, TOUR DE LIVINGSTON!!

Oh, man, did we ever feel the love at last week’s Tour de Livingston Thank You Luncheon! But for however much they appreciate our involvement, we are just as appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of something that connects so match-made-in-heaven-ly to the very soul of Hometown. Bikes, cyclists, community, family, fun, and goodwill – it’s truly an honor to be a part of it all!

HANG WITH HOMETOWN AT THE SWEETHEART DANCES

THIS WEEK, Hometown’s super-proudly co-sponsoring one of the family-friendliest events we’ve EVER participated in – Howell Parks & Rec’s Sweetheart Dances!

This 3-day, bop-’til-you-drop event launched yesterday with a mother-son dance, and continues today (2/8) and tomorrow with daddy-daughter dances at Crystal Gardens. If you and your princess are going, be sure to drop by our table and say “hi!” to Shaun!

(Shout out to co-sponsors Brennan Investment Services and McCaskill Family Services!)

(Image at left courtesy Chris Buddingh – hey, Chris, you should enter Jamis’ Bikepacking Contest!)

MEET YOUR CREW: CHRIS “CRITTERBUD” BUDDINGH

Chris is wacky and wonderful – a man of many talents with a heart as big as they come. Chris helps keep our shop ship-shape, along with a million other tasks that – somehow – he always seems to be good at. He’s been with us since our early days:

Critterbud defined: Loves family, friends, fun, and God, bicycling… Bigfoot!!!… ‘cycle touring, camping, making music, singing and songwriting… the love of Country and Hometown!!! Stolen quote of the day: “If you’re living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space!!!”

SHAUN’S GOTTEN HOOKED ON SPIN CLASS!

Sunday’s “Spin-Off” with Shaun over at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp resulted in a full house of Hometownies (thanks for the support!)… and a new convert to spinning!

Instructor Nancy was top-notch, the atmosphere was friendly and encouraging, and the bikes were loaded with Hometownies. It was the kind of class that could encourage a 24/7 bike guru to sneak away from the shop for a weekly spin hit! Stay tuned on Facebook, if you would like to join him!

And, of course, keep a weather eye out in upcoming newsletters for even more opportunities to pick Shaun’s bike brain over at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp.

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – THIS SATURDAY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, LEAVES PROMPTLY AT 1PM

It’s 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. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation and updates.

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

SPRING: 42 Days & Counting

6 weeks ’til Spring… can you believe it?! Don’t panic… we’ll get you AND your bike there in top form!

Take advantage of our fat bikes and rentals, winter shop rides, fitness classes, and famous bicycle tune-ups and repairs!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: beach cruisers, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike classes, bike clinics, bike shop, bikes, CABDA, Carine Joannou, Chicago, chris buddingh, contest, craft class, custom built bikes, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Bhajan, deal, fat bike, flat tire fix, framed bikes, happy place, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Area Parks and Rec Authority, Jamis, joe ostervik, kids craft class, Lauren Patrell, Lexco, Livingston County United Way, LPbyLP, Nirve, Park Tools, Saris, Shaun Bhajan, sweetheart dance, Tour de Livingston, valentines day, Xenith | Leave a comment »

Melon Mania, Hometown’s New Trail, and Help Wanted

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Shaun

IT WAS PERFECT MELON MANIA AT LAST WEEKEND’S DOC MAY RIDE
Between the melon-colored t-shirts, our melon orange raffle bike, mouthwatering melon ice cream, locally-harvested melons, and the smiling melons sporting helmets on the Doc May Memorial Bike Ride, Hometown and our ever-so-cool community were in pure melon heaven this past Saturday!

At well over 70 riders, this was the Doc May Ride’s largest turn-out to date – and many of those were YOU, awesome Hometownies! Thanks for being there!! We loved hanging out with you!!!

ABOVE: Pre-ride prep included marking the route, setting up bike valet, and wheeling ’round the Melon Fest raffle bike donated by Hometown Bicycles (and won by Sue S. of Detroit – congrats, Sue!). Can we get a WHOOP!-WHOOP! for Team Hometown Bicycles Captain, Jim Cleer, who not only helped design a new route, but also marked it (from the back of the Hometown-mobile), and led off the ride. Thanks, Jim!

ABOVE: And here are just a few of the many melon riders who made this melon-y ride so seriously sweet. Can’t wait to ride with you again next year, melon-thusiasts and Hometownies!

………………………

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: CLEAR A TRAIL AT HOMETOWN!

You read that right, Hometownies… we’ve carved a small, family-friendly, single-track trail into the scenic back acreage of Hometown’s property, and now we need to get it rider-ready!

This Sunday, August 28th, between 9am and 2pm, we’re looking for volunteers to tackle trail clearing with Shaun and our Team. Bring your gloves and garden clippers. We’ll be cleaning, cutting, beautifying, and (of course) TESTING the new trail.Volunteers get first dibs on riding it!

CAN YOU HELP? PLEASE LET US KNOW!

CONTACT JEAN AT RIDE@MYHOMETOWNBICYCLES.COM

………………………

GOODNESS! LOOK WHAT YOU DID… !

Well, Hometownies, we see you’ve been up to your usual antics… sharing your Hometown love, making us feel like rockstars, and just generally being awesome!

Look what we just read in the 2016 Livingston County People’s Choice publication from Livingston County Daily (thanks, Peter, for bringing us the good news!)… a full page article expounding the virtues of Hometown Bicycles, WHICH YOU VOTED 2016 BEST BICYCLE SHOP OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY! WOW!!!

Well, guess what… WE LOVE YOU, TOO!! Thank you, Hometownies! And thank you Livingston County Daily for letting us know about all of the cool businesses and fun things to do that are right here in our own “backyard”!

………………………

TEAM NEWS: TRAVERSE CITY ULTIMATE MTB

Team Hometown Bicycles riders, Doug Q. and Olga N. trekked on up to Traverse City for the Ultimate X100 Mountain Bike Race. Olga (above) took first in her age division with a blazing 50-mile sweep in her first race following a broken collar bone. Now, that’s a comeback!

………………………

HELP WANTED: FULL & PART-TIME POSITONS

It’s that sad time of year when our scholastically-aged staff wing back to their studies, but an exciting time of year for welcoming aboard new members to our Hometown crew!

If you’re looking for a new career, and want to play a key role in the continuing evolution of Hometown Bicycles, drop by the shop for an application. Talk to Shaun or Dawn.

………………………

HOMETOWN BICYCLES’ SHOP RIDES

Here’s what’s coming up this week:

WEDNESDAY, 8:45AM – Rails-to-Trails Ride

WEDNESDAY, 6:30PM – Hammerfest Advanced Road Ride

SATURDAY, 9:00AM – Tour de Livingston Training Ride

SUNDAY, 9:00AM – Iceman Training Gravel Grinder

SUNDAY, 5:00PM – Beginner Mountain Bike Ride

TUESDAY, 9:00AM – Hometown Green Gals Mountain Bike Ride

CLICK HERE for details about these Hometown shop rides!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 2016, award, bicycle shop, bike raffle, bike shop, Brighton, broken bones, Dawn Bhajan, Doc May Memorial Ride, Doug Queener, group rides, help wanted, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown crew, Hometownies, Howell, Jim Cleer, livingston county, Livingston County Daily Press and Argus, Livingston County People's Choice, love, Melon Festival, melons, Michigan, Olga Negrut, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, single track, Team Hometown Bicycles, trail, trail building, Traverse City, Ultimate Mountain Bike Race, volunteers, winner, X100 | Leave a comment »

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Shaun talks deals and dancing

Fat Bike Deal of the Century

GEEKING OUT OVER BIKE STUFF IN CHICAGO

SPEAKING OF JAMIS… HOW’D YOU LIKE TO WIN SOME?!

THIS WEEKEND! “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINE CRAFT CLASS

THIS WEEK: Flat Tire Fixes for Everyone (Hands On!)

WHY YOU’LL LOVE OUR “WHY JAMIS?” CLINIC ON 2/16

NO, NO… THANK YOU, TOUR DE LIVINGSTON!!

HANG WITH HOMETOWN AT THE SWEETHEART DANCES

MEET YOUR CREW: CHRIS “CRITTERBUD” BUDDINGH

SHAUN’S GOTTEN HOOKED ON SPIN CLASS!

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – THIS SATURDAY

SPRING: 42 Days & Counting

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

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