The Great Wind Storm of ’17

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Shaun

WHAT A WEEK! Like most of you, Hometown went “rustic” last week, courtesy of The Great Wind Storm of ’17. To all of our DTE Hometownies and your fellow crew, thanks for putting in all the long hours and hard labor to get us back up and running!Shout out to a few Hometownies who really stepped up when our shop powered down:

Brian Forhan, you are a prince. Your generator gave us enough oomph to keep our shop fish alive and the furnace running.
Joe Van Gordon, we appreciate you hanging out to ensure that the post-gale roof repair was done right, addressing some of the in-store hiccups, and for even thinking to bring food!
Jeff Ballen, if it weren’t for your quick eye, we may have missed the mid-outage delivery that contained a shipment of our customers’ bikes. Thanks for the call!

We hope everyone came out of this adventure with a cool story to tell. Now… back to another kind of rustic – you, your bike, and Ma Nature. Happy trails!

(Our dedicated Team peeps. We’d like to point out, once again, how awesome our Team Sponsors are – Sean Lowry of Lowry Solutions and Deb Godmer of Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp are two of the faces you see here!)

TEAM HOMETOWN TACKLED TRAILDAY

It will shock absolutely no one that our community bike trails took a beating from last week’s wind storm. But here’s what makes us smile – Team Hometown really stepped up to the plate with 16 of our members and their family and friends, rocking the rakes and saws to clear debris from Island Lake’s miles of much-loved single track. We’re proud of you!

The local Mountain Bike Chapters (MCMBA and PotoMBA) will be having more Traildays this Spring – plan to come out with us! Plus, a few trees bit the dust on Hometown’s shop trail – stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to help us clear it up.

SPRING SNOWMAN 5K – CROSS-TRAINING THAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL

We’re just a couple months away from an event that we’ve been thrilled to support since our earliest days – the Spring Snowman 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Eric Hartwell Foundation.

This remarkable organization was 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??

HERE’S AN EVENT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE…

You all know Ashley from Tocca Massage & Yoga, who held the massively popular yoga series at our shop (and will be running another – stay tuned!) Well, Ashley’s instigated an event that we know you’ll enjoy – Poses, Pedals & Pints on Saturday, May 13th.

It’s a triathlon of a different color – this one combines yoga, bikes, and beer with a laid back vibe in Downtown Brighton. Yoga commences at 11am at Brewery Becker. Hometown’s in charge of the leisurely 8-mile bike ride that follows, along with bike valet service. And it all concludes with a refreshing pint at the Brewery to cool your gullet.

Registration is limited to 50, so sign up NOW, to ensure your participation in this first annual event!

(Images at left courtesy Chris Mayer)

MEET YOUR CREW: CHRIS MAYER

Service tech Chris is one active dude in the competitive sports arena, so you may not have seen much of him yet at Hometown, but he’s already shown his Hometown worthiness by jumping in head first to catch us up on storm-delayed repairs. You’ll be seeing a lot more of this helpful Hometownie during summer break:

I just started working with the Hometown crew, and I love it so far! I currently go to Hartland High School and am a Senior. I’m not sure on future plans yet, but love sports. I am a Varsity cross country runner, swimmer, and track athlete. In the summer I compete in triathlons all over Michigan. This past summer, I even did a half marathon. When I’m not playing or training for sports, I love to play paintball and go backpacking with my friends. I have been road biking for years, but just recently got hooked on mountain biking.

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – NONE THIS WEEK

GOOD LUCK, WATERLOO G&G GRAVEL ROAD RACERS!
With many of our Team headed off to the Waterloo G&G Gravel Road Race this weekend, we’ll be postponing our uber-popular winter shop ride.

Hey, now! Put those hankies away! It’s coming back!! As always, follow us on Facebook for future ride confirmations and updates.

And the fat bike weather just keeps on coming! Want to try a fat bike? We rent! Call our shop: (810) 225-2441

(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

Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling.

– James E. Starrs

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Ashley Knuth, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike shop, bike trails, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, C.S. Mott's Children's Hospital, Cardio Drumming, Chris Mayer, cross-training, cycling, cyclists, Deb Godmer, Eric Hartwell Foundation, facebook, fat bike, Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride, fat bike rentals, fitness classes, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hartwell, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Island Lake Recreation Area, Leslie Barrett, Lowry Solutions, Martha Soraruf, MCMBA, Michigan, mountain bike trails, mountain biking, P3, Poses Pedals and Pints, PotoMBA, power outage, race, register, registration, Sean Lowry, service tech, shop rides, singletrack, Spring Snowman 5K, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Great Wind Storm of '17, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Trailday, trails, Waterloo G&G Gravel Road Race, yoga, zumba | Leave a comment »

🌷 Spring Cycling, Confessions, and a Potluck Bike Clinic 🚴

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Shaun

Welcome to Spring Cycling!

With the changing of Seasons – Winter Cycling to Spring Cycling, that is – we’re back to our outrageously convenient warm weather hours, beginning Wed., March 1st:

MONDAY – FRIDAY ……………. 7AM – 9PM

SATURDAY & SUNDAY …………….. 9AM – 5PM

(Image courtesy vidiani.com)

THIS THURSDAY!! “Where to Ride in MI” Potluck Clinic!

THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND FROM 6PM-8PM
This is the event where we debut the BEST Shop Ride schedule we’ve ever had, plus you’ll 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. You should see the goodies people have already signed up to bring – W-O-W!!! COME HUNGRY!!

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

THIS SATURDAY! CUT A RUG WITH HOMETOWN AT THE LARGEST DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE IN THE COUNTRY!

Our community is so cool! Every year, SELCRA packs the Brighton High School with something like 1,500 dancing daddies and daughters. This Saturday, March 4th, count 4 more (me, Shaun, and the kids) as Hometown proudly sponsors this famous event.

Dads, grandpas, uncles, brothers – here’s a chance to give your mini-princess a night of dancing and fun! Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $15. Dance. Dine. Bop ’til the balloons drop.

We’ll be parked next to our good friends from Brennan Investment Services in the cafeteria. Be sure to stop by our table and say “hi” – we’d love to meet your special little lady!

(LEFT: Hugs to Gail – in purple – one of several who came specifically to support this spin newbie! RIGHT: Motivational maven and Friday morning spin instructor extraordinaire… thanks for the workout, Tammy!)

CONFESSIONS (& REVELATIONS) OF A SPIN NOVICE

Confession #1: I was nervous about going. Once upon a time, I was fit… post-kids, not so much.

Confession #2: I feared judgement. Everyone assumes the skinny girl’s an athlete. How was it going to look when I tapped out at granny speeds on the easiest spin bike setting?

Confession #3: I thought I might get bored. I mean, you’re indoors and stationary – how entertaining can that be?

Revelation #1: I left spin class reinvigorated, hopeful, motivated. Getting my legs moving got my brain moving, as well. It reminded me how it felt to be fit, and made me eager to get back to that “happy place” in my physical well-being.

Revelation #2: No one was looking. If I sat out a couple sprints or elected not to ramp up my resistance, there were no sirens and flashing “slacker alert!” signs over my head. Lights were dim, eyes were forward. It was between me, my mind, and my spin bike.

Revelation #3: Um… not even remotely. Instructor Tammy had us powering up and down, sprinting intervals, and leaping in and out of our saddles in an hour-long variety-fest of spin combinations. There literally wasn’t time to get bored!

THANK YOU to those awesome lady Hometownies who had my back at this class – you were the wind beneath my pedals! And thanks, too, to Hamburg Fitness Center‘s Deb and Terry, who cooked up this challenge to get my butt back in the saddle – this is the kind of remarkable support you can only expect from a gym that truly cares.

I hope my experience encourages on-the-fencers to give it a go… you don’t have to be Lance Armstrong, and you don’t have to be a member. Call for class times: 810-231-4169

(Images at left courtesy Ozzy Aguilar)

MEET YOUR CREW: OZZY AGUILAR

Our to-the-point service tech, Ozzy, is easy-going but, man, can he rock out the tune-ups! You’ll spot him wrenching on bikes and riding the trails in between his school studies.

I ride because to me riding is a way to enjoy nature at its best. It’s a way to get away from people, the town, the city, and go into nature and enjoy the ride.

MANAGERS, SALES/SERVICE STAFF, ADMIN ASSISTANT

Forward your information to office@myhometownbicycles.com.

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – Saturday, 3/4 @ 1:00PM

MEET AT BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA TRAILHEAD

Join the Hometown crew on Saturday as they explore the mountain bike trails at Brighton Recreation Area (Murray Lake and Appleton). Meet at the trailhead (5700 Bishop Lake Rd) and be ready to roll by 1 p.m. Fat Bikes only (until the weather cooperates). This ride is for all level riders – NO DROP RIDE. Distance is estimated at 12 +/- miles in about a 2 hour timeframe. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation and updates.

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

REMINDER: 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!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle clinic, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinic, bike shop, bikes, biking, Brennan Investment Services, Brighton High School, Brighton Recreation Area, confessions, cycling, cycling season, cyclist, daddy daughter dance, Deb Godmer, fat bike, fat bike friendly ride, fat bike rentals, fat bike ride, hamburg fitness center, help wanted, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Michigan, mud, Oswaldo Aguilar, Ozzy Aguilar, potluck, riding, SELCRA, shop hours, shop rides, spin, spin class, spring, spring hours, Terry Mushong, trailhead, warm weather, where to ride in mi | Leave a comment »

Hometown does Chicago, bike Valentines, and Spin-Off with Shaun

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Shaun

♪♫ Chicago, Chicago,
That toddlin’ town… ♪

WE’RE HEADED TO THE LARGEST BICYCLE TRADE SHOW IN THE MIDWEST!
We may not have any blues to lose in the Windy City, but we definitely have some cruisin’ and schmoozin’ planned in our quest to find you amazing deals. Plus, we can’t wait to connect with Jamis, and check out what’s new and cool in the bike industry.

Incidentally, we’re making this a family affair – Liam and Aria (our toddlin’ tykes) will be with us, so let’s see if we can “cute” some good deals for you at the expo!

AN UNBEATABLE FAT BIKE DEAL IS IN THE MAKING…

Speaking of AMAZING DEALS…

It’s good to be a shop that’s liked in the bike biz, because we get insider info that no one else knows about. For example, we recently learned that the “big guys” are OUT of fat bikes! In the middle of fat bike season! In Michigan!

Knowing this, we are RIGHT NOW in the middle of putting our awesome reputation to work for you – ‘cuz that’s how we roll – to negotiate THE BEST FAT BIKE DEAL EVER for anyone interested in fatties. More details in our next email but, ’til then, here’s a little insider information for your very own – carbon wheels, carbon frame, and carbon fork for HALF of what you’d spend with the other guys. Yeah, you read that right!

So… you have a few days to do some research. Call around to find a fat bike – we double-dog dare you! When you’re ready to throw in the towel, swing by and talk to Shaun. We’ll show you what “the Hometown advantage” is all about!

(Vinnie Baylerian of Pro-Motion Physical Therapy packed the house at last week’s Bike Fitting clinic. Congrats to clinic-goer, Rick Sweet, who won the drawing for 50% off a bike fit, courtesy of Pro-Motion!)

THIS WEEK: Emergency On-the-Ride Repairs (Part 1)

Don’t get caught making a long trek home on foot! Shaun will teach you down-and-dirty, on-the-go, bike repairs that can get you back to civilization – and your nearest bike shop! – safely and swiftly. Hands-on learning!

EMERGENCY BIKE REPAIR PART 1 – REGISTER NOW!
Tues. 1/31 from 12:15-1pm -OR- FRIDAY 2/3 from 6-7pm
Part 1 of 2, this clinic is hands-on! We’ll cover quick, on-the-go bike fixes to help you avoid a long walk home.

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
Part 2 of 2, this clinic covers the perennial favorite – flat tire fixes! Bring along your wheel for some hands-on practice!

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.

KIDS, CREATE “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINES AT HOMETOWN!

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

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!

Only $7 materials fee per person per ornament (why stop at one!)

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

(Image at left courtesy Matt Persha)

MEET YOUR CREW: MATTHEW PERSHA

Hometown’s youngest crew member is the personable and enthusiastic Matt Persha. We expect to see great things from Matt. Here’s a brief bike bio from the man himself:

My cousin got me interested in mountain biking, and I currently bike for the Detroit Catholic Central Mountain Bike Team. Before mountain biking, I used to play travel ice hockey as a goalie.

THIS SUNDAY! “SPIN-OFF” WITH SHAUN AT HAMBURG FITNESS CENTER

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 10:15AM, AT HAMBURG FITNESS CENTER CYCLE STUDIO
Hometownies, represent!! Shaun’s taken up a challenge from Team Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp to put down the tools and “ride it like ya stole it” at a very special edition of this gym’s much-loved Spin Class. Now, he’s looking for company…

Let’s pack the room with Hometownies! Whether you’re a spin god/goddess or are secretly wondering what a spin bike looks like, this class offers the flexibility to customize your challenge level. It’s a high energy, Hometown-friendly chance to pedal among friends, and YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE.

Have a Hometown jersey? Wear it with pride! And be sure to hang out afterward for Shaun’s post-spin, “ask-the-expert”, fat bike and winter cycling demo in the lobby.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICING FOR HOMETOWNIES: $5 drop in for non-members. BIKES ARE LIMITED SO BE SURE TO SIGN UP EARLY!!

LET SHAUN KNOW YOU’LL BE RIDING WITH HIM – CLICK HERE!

Also coming up…

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 5:30PM & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 AT 10:30AM
Keep an eye out in upcoming newsletters for even more opportunities to pick Shaun’s bike brain over at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp!

FINAL WEEK FOR OMG! HOMETOWN KIT DISCOUNTS

Heads up, Hometownies… if you’re interested in joining our Team, and want to get in on the first kit order with it’s CRAZY discount level, your order must be submitted by this Saturday, February 4th.

Ride Coordinator Jean has already sent out “Welcome Team” emails. If you’re a Team member who didn’t receive yours, email her at ride@myhometownbicycles.com to confirm she has your correct email address.

(Photo creds CORRECTION: This stellar pic was the handiwork of Bill Hermann, not Tom. Sorry, guys!)

¡Ay CRAMBA It’s Cold Out! Fatbike / Snow Bike Festival

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH FROM NOON-5PM

With Superbowl running this weekend, our regularly scheduled Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride is being postponed. But if you’re still itching to saddle up, may we suggest the ¡Ay CRAMBA It’s Cold Out! Fatbike / Snow Bike Festival for some seriously spectacular fat tire time…

Please join CRAMBA for the annual ¡Ay CRAMBA It’s Cold Out! Fatbike / Snow Bike Festival onSaturday, February 4th, 2017 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm for a celebration of winter riding at Shelby Township’s River Bends Park.

Come on out and join us for group rides, fatbike demos, hot bonfires, chili, and tasty beverages with a hundred of your fellow fatbikers. Please feel free to bring food, snacks, and/or drinks to share.

More information here: http://www.cramba.org/events/ay-cramba-its-cold-out-fat-bikesnow-bike-festival/

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

SPRING: 49 Days & Counting

We’re just 7 short weeks away from the official arrival of Spring. Don’t panic… we can get you there in top form!

Be sure to check out our fat bikes and rentals, winter shop rides, and fitness classes to keep you in peak cycling condition. Plus, we’ll have your bike running like a dream with our famously phenomenal bicycle tune-ups and repairs!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: ask the expert, Ay CRAMBA It's Cold Out, bicycle clinics, bicycle repairs, bicycle shop, bicycle tune ups, bicycles, bike clinics, bike fitting, bike industry, bike love, bike shop, bikes, CABDA, carbon fork, carbon frame, carbon wheels, challenge, Chicago, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, deals, fat bike, fat bike rentals, fatties, fitness, framed bikes, group ride, hamburg fitness center, Hometown advantage, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown kit, Jamis, kids craft class, Lauren Patrell, LPbyLP, Matt Persha, Matthew Persha, Michigan, Midwest, mountain biking, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, Ride Coordinator, Shaun Bhajan, shop ride, spin class, spin off, spring, team jerseys, Team kit, trade show, Valentines, Vinnie Baylerian, Windy City | Leave a comment »

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Apply for Financing

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

The Great Wind Storm of ’17

TEAM HOMETOWN TACKLED TRAILDAY

SPRING SNOWMAN 5K – CROSS-TRAINING THAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL

HERE’S AN EVENT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE…

MEET YOUR CREW: CHRIS MAYER

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – NONE THIS WEEK

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling.

Like this:

🌷 Spring Cycling, Confessions, and a Potluck Bike Clinic 🚴

Welcome to Spring Cycling!

THIS THURSDAY!! “Where to Ride in MI” Potluck Clinic!

THIS SATURDAY! CUT A RUG WITH HOMETOWN AT THE LARGEST DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE IN THE COUNTRY!

CONFESSIONS (& REVELATIONS) OF A SPIN NOVICE

MEET YOUR CREW: OZZY AGUILAR

MANAGERS, SALES/SERVICE STAFF, ADMIN ASSISTANT

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – Saturday, 3/4 @ 1:00PM

REMINDER: DON’T BE THAT CYCLIST

Like this:

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Apply for Financing

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

The Great Wind Storm of ’17

TEAM HOMETOWN TACKLED TRAILDAY

SPRING SNOWMAN 5K – CROSS-TRAINING THAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL

HERE’S AN EVENT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE…

MEET YOUR CREW: CHRIS MAYER

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – NONE THIS WEEK

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling.

Share this:

Like this:

🌷 Spring Cycling, Confessions, and a Potluck Bike Clinic 🚴

Welcome to Spring Cycling!

THIS THURSDAY!! “Where to Ride in MI” Potluck Clinic!

THIS SATURDAY! CUT A RUG WITH HOMETOWN AT THE LARGEST DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE IN THE COUNTRY!

CONFESSIONS (& REVELATIONS) OF A SPIN NOVICE

MEET YOUR CREW: OZZY AGUILAR

MANAGERS, SALES/SERVICE STAFF, ADMIN ASSISTANT

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – Saturday, 3/4 @ 1:00PM

REMINDER: DON’T BE THAT CYCLIST

Share this:

Like this:

Hometown does Chicago, bike Valentines, and Spin-Off with Shaun

♪♫ Chicago, Chicago, That toddlin’ town… ♪

AN UNBEATABLE FAT BIKE DEAL IS IN THE MAKING…

THIS WEEK: Emergency On-the-Ride Repairs (Part 1)

KIDS, CREATE “BIKE LOVE” VALENTINES AT HOMETOWN!

MEET YOUR CREW: MATTHEW PERSHA

THIS SUNDAY! “SPIN-OFF” WITH SHAUN AT HAMBURG FITNESS CENTER

FINAL WEEK FOR *OMG!* HOMETOWN KIT DISCOUNTS

¡Ay CRAMBA It’s Cold Out! Fatbike / Snow Bike Festival

SPRING: 49 Days & Counting

Share this:

Like this:

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!

♪♫ Chicago, Chicago,
That toddlin’ town… ♪

FINAL WEEK FOR OMG! HOMETOWN KIT DISCOUNTS