We were POSITIVE that we could help the Brighton Optimist Club top last year’s participation numbers in their annual Fourth of July Bike Decorating Contest & Parade Ride, and boy did we ever!! Nearly 50 participants packed the roadway in this year’s parade, up from a little over 10 last year!
Brighton Optimist Club, by the way, has been dedicated to “Bringing out the best in children” since 1977. We are honored that they chose Hometown to help make this the best year ever – thank you, Brighton Optimists!! And thanks to ALL of you who came out in support of their worthy mission – Shaun and I loved riding with you, and can’t wait to do it again next year!!
(To point out a few highlights: You probably already recognize the fuzzy guy and his family in the upper left; directly below left is Brighton Optimist Club President Gary London, who’s had faith in Hometown since Day One!; in the middle is Kurt and his beautiful family, who had such a great time that they’re already planning for next year!; and bottom right is Hometown’s own Amy Gluck and Team rider Joe Van Gorden leading up the bicycles with the Brighton Optimist Club banner!
(A few of the fabulous folks at Lake Trust Credit Union who participated in their corporate Build-A-Bike charity program. Shaun and I are at bottom right, geeking out over sitting beside President & CEO David Snodgrass, who’s incidentally no stranger to cycling! Photo cred: © Lake Trust Credit Union)
A 42-KIDS-BIKE BUILD-A-THON WITH LAKE TRUST
When we find fellow businesses whose values align with our own, it’s a thrill and joy to forge partnerships that span industries and grow year by year. We’ve enjoyed that sort of relationship with Lake Trust Credit Union – a company founded on community-centeredness – first as customers, then as partners in charity.
Lake Trust recently tapped on Hometown for a commendable corporate Build-a-Bike program. With Hometown’s help, their team built up 42 Jamis kids bikes, which were then donated to 16 amazing organizations, including LACASA, Make A Wish Foundation of MI and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston. You can read the full account on their blog HERE.
If you would also like to involve Hometown Bicycles in your next Corporate project or wellness program, please contact me (Dawn) at office@myhometownbicycles.com. We love making new friends!
TEAM NEWS: In the thick of summer cycling…
Our Team has been busy, busy, busy with rides and races across the State! Above, you’re seeing Team rockstar, Ellen Geddie, who road 46 miles of Blue Water Ramble in the rain!!
Jim Cleer and John Wyatt got down to business at the MSU Gran Fondo, which is known as 80 miles of “rolling party”, with music, food, and brews along the way!
Team bike goddesses, Amy Daybird, Sarah Dudley-Short, and Deanna Swan made a powerhouse trio at the 10th Anniversary Tri Goddess Tri, the first ever all-women’s triathlon/duathlon.
And 12 Team riders hit the trails at the Island Lake Challenge Mountain Bike Race – a Yellow Loop fiesta of dirt track and determination. Shout out to Brad Allen, Leslie Cook, Cammie Coffey, Keith Cowger, Mike Dyer, Jay Mings, Kasandra Noel, Brien TerBush, Jim Thompson, Link Wehrly, Steve Wortley and Kevin Machuga. Brad killed it with a 1st in Open Sport Fat Bike, and Keith dominated with a 1st in his age division for Sport!
VISIT HOMETOWN AT A TASTE OF BRIGHTON!
SAVE THE DATE: HOMETOWN JULY JUBILEE (7/15)
Food & YUMMMMMMMMMM Cotton Candy!!Hydration courtesy Team Sponsor Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply!
Face PaintingArtistic talent provided by Alison Peasley!
Games & PrizesIncluding water balloon tournaments on the front lawn, tire toss, tricycle tug-of war, andcrazy cool lawn games, courtesy of Team Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp!
Family Classes & DemosIncluding Zumba-Cardio Drumming Fusion with Leslie Barrett and Martha Soraruf, Acro Yoga with Yoga Nature, Flow Yoga with Michelle Klinger, and Belly Dancing with One Spirit Dance & Fitness of Pinckney (all PG and kid-friendly!)
Tour de Livingston TentLearn about Hometown’s favorite local charity ride from creators, Howell Rotary andLivingston County United Way!*** MEGA SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE on accessories – from bags to bells to saddles to tools – to make way for new product lines that you’re going to LOVE!! ***
———— JULY JUBILEE RIDE – Sunday, July 15 at 3:30pm ————-
Join our Team and Crew on a MASSIVE, July Jubilee Ride, for riders of all types, ages, and skill levels. We leave from the shop at 3:30pm for a leisurely spin around Island Lake. Make friends, have fun, and be back just in time for our…
It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting a deeply meaningful cause.Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!
KIDS SELF DEFENSE CLASS AT HOMETOWN
JULY 26, 7-8PM: If someone wants to hurt our children, they won’t choose a time or a place with witnesses. The safety of our children will depend on their ability to recognize a threat and respond effectively.
Hometown is thrilled to welcome back Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy for a fun, interactive and age-appropriate workshop that teaches essential, lifesaving information about threats, strategies for prevention, and real world techniques.
Coed, for ages 6-12. Class fee is $25. REGISTER NOW!
PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES FOR HOMETOWN!
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** The Best Bike Shop section on Livingston Daily’s survey is question number 53!
** In Vote4theBest, you can go directly to Hometown’s voting page: CLICK HERE!
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
Come enjoy beautiful, HILLY country roads and wonderful ride company. Expect several TOUGH, LONG CLIMBS, at an average 14 – 15 MPH pace for all 28.2 miles. The group may split into 2, with the front pack averaging > 15 mph. (Check out Dan’s Gravel Grinding 101 ride for a less grueling option.) Cross/Gravel, Mountain and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) at 2655 Clark Rd. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
Join your Hometown Crew for our beginner-friendly mountain bike trail ride, which encourages riders to explore new trails as their skill level increases. This week, we’ll enjoy 9 – 15 miles of Island Lake single track over the course of 1.5 hours. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. Riders under 15 must remain with their guardian throughout the ride. Be mindful that the trail has several hills and some minimum level of fitness will be helpful to make for a positive experience. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
Monday Beginner-Friendly Road Ride
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
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TUESDAY, JULY 10 | 6:45PM (MEET BY 6:30PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake (~14 miles) at a conversational, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate with your new biking friends. BYOB!Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
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TUESDAY, JULY 10 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Want to learn to ride with a peloton? This ADVANCED, road warrior training is led by our Team racers! You’ll learn and practice: draft lines, hill repeats and intervals. Come ready to work hard. Bring a cadence sensor, speed sensor, and heart rate monitor. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 | 5:45PM (MEET BY 5:30PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ride with your Hometown bike guru, CycloDan Tribble! Front and rear light required, as we end at dusk. This ride weaves through and around Island Lake, covering 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads (a few hills just for fun!) at an average 12-13 mph. Expect a “puddle” or two of sand and a few face slappers on the trails this time of year. Nothing our gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle. Skinny tire bikes will NOT work for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
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THURSDAY, JULY 12 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN
This ride is all about making friends! 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. We might just stop for coffee and donuts along the way! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
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THURSDAY, JULY 12 | 6:15PM (MEET BY 6:00PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, come learn beginning mountain bike skills! We’ll tackle the trails in manageable bites, with the empowering support of skilled and supportive Hometown women. We’ll ride together to Island Lake Recreation Area, and focus on taking the fear and uncertainty out of riding the trails! NO DROP. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
Friday Night Lights
FRIDAY, JULY 13 | 9:00PM (MEET BY 8:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
It’s a different world out there when you’re riding by bike light! We’ll ride the Island Lake trails at an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are fully charged! Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. NOT a beginner ride. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!
FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn moreZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more
The best thing about memories is making them.
~ Love from Shaun, Dawn, and the family
Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Daybird, best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston, bike clinics, bike decorating contest, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Blue Water Ramble, Brad Allen, Brien Terbush, Brighton, Brighton Optimist Club, Build-a-Bike, Cammie Coffey, Cardio Drumming, charity concert, cycling, cyclists, Dan Tribble, David Snodgrass, Dawn Bhajan, Deanna Swan, Ellen Geddie, fitness classes, Fourth of July parade, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Island Lake Challenge MTB Race, Jamis Bikes, Jay Mings, Jim Cleer, Jim Thompson, John Wyatt, July Jubilee, Kasandra Noel, Keith Cowger, Kevin Machuga, LACASA, Lake Trust Credit Union, Leslie Barrett, Leslie Cook, Link Wehrly, livingston county, Livingston Daily People's Choice, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, mike dyer, mountain bike race, MSU Gran Fondo, PBR Band, Sarah Dudley-Short, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, Steve Wortley, Taste of Brighton, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tri Goddess Tri, Vote4theBest, zumba | Leave a comment »
