We’re excited to welcome our Hometownies back into the shop. It’s June, it’s gorgeous cycling weather, and we have missed you!
After winter – and what certainly feels like a “second winter” – we are pleased to announce that customers are now able to enter our retail and service shops, effective immediately. Yay for some good news!
Here are some things to know as we move forward:
SHOP HOURS
For the remainder of 2020, our hours are Thursday – Monday from 10 AM – 5 PM. We are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
NEW BIKE SALES
For NEW bike sales, please call the shop at (810) 225-2441 to schedule an appointment. Inventory is getting low, all across the country, but we do have some bikes in stock. However, so as not to waste your time or get your hopes up, we prefer that you call in advance for us to assess your needs and ensure we have matching inventory to offer. Appointments allow us to best serve you, which is our main goal!
SERVICE
Our parking lot still has a queuing area. If you are a service customer, please use the middle entry door. If you are a retail customer for parts or accessories, come in the main front door. And if you prefer we come to you, follow the signage to park in the designated area and call the shop at (810) 225-2441 for assistance. We understand that some of our customers are in high risk groups.
UPDATED PHONE AND TEXTING SYSTEM
We’re in the process of updating our phone system. Our apologies for any delays you may experience.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Please practice social distancing while inside the shop by staying 6 feet apart.
Thank you for allowing us to be your hometown bicycle shop. We will be resuming our shop rides soon, so stay tuned for updates!
Resources continue to be limited. We still need your support. Thank you for your generosity.
“May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.” ~ The League of American Bicyclists
With the Michigan stay-at-home order changing to allow bicycle service, we’re happy that we can be there for you. Somehow, this National Bike Month feels a little more special, doesn’t it?
Do It for Dan
April 25, 2020 was the anniversary of the tragic cycling accident that took Dan Horal’s life. His memory lives on for all of us at Hometown, his family, and friends, and a tight-knit cycling community that thinks of him often. The Do It For Dan Memorial Ride that would have been scheduled for May 3, 2020 has been moved to September 27, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please like the Do It For Dan Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all of the happenings, to help us celebrate Dan, and to help honor his memory.
One Hoppin’ Service Shop
We’ve officially been open 2 days for service operations, and what a whirlwind! We’ve brought in over 200 bicycles, 130 of which are tune-ups. Every day, we’re making subtle changes to our procedures to be more efficient. Thanks for hanging with us while we figure this out.
To speed up the process, we do have a few requests:
1) FOLLOW THE SIGNS: When you come to the shop, you will see signs in the parking lot directing you where to go, depending on whether you’re here for service or retail.
2) SERVICE CUSTOMERS: Please fill out, then print THIS SERVICE REQUEST FORM prior to coming out to the shop, and bring it with you to drop-off.
3) RETAIL CUSTOMERS: Please park against the concrete wall – one of our sales crew will come out and greet you.
4) NEW BIKE CUSTOMERS: If you are interested in purchasing a bicycle, in addition to Step 3 (above), please call ahead and schedule an appointment with Andy: (810) 225-2441, Dial 1.
GoFundMe: We Still Need YOU
We’re not in the clear yet! Although the April 24th Executive Order update gives us an opportunity to generate income going forward, resources continue to be limited.
With this change, we are thankful to be able to lower our ask. But because of the ongoing uncertainty, we are still looking for your support:
We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.
It’s really simple:
STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-5pm on Monday, or Thursday through Sunday – (810) 225-2441.
STEP 2: Dial 1 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.
STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.
Still having to follow the social distancing and CDC guidelines, we’re going to do a soft reopening, experimenting with a few new procedures, so please bear with us as we figure this out.
We’ve been here for you in the past. We’re here for you now.
SERVICE SHOP Our service shop is fully operational beginning THIS MONDAY, April 27. We can handle all of your service needs, including tune-ups and repairs. BUSINESS AS NORMAL.
RETAIL SHOP Our retail shop is accessible via phone ordering, curbside pick-up, and delivery. Our mission is to keep you safe.
We’d like to thank the League of Michigan Bicyclists for their efforts and their advocacy on behalf of all bicycle shops and cyclists. Special thanks also goes to Jeff Buerman, our QBP rep, for keeping everyone in the loop; he definitely went above and beyond.
A little celebration: This was the song that popped into Shaun’s head when he heard the update…
Emergency Bike Repair UPDATE
In the past 3 weeks of offering free emergency bicycle repair, we worked on 105 bicycles that would otherwise have been unrideable. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to keep you rolling!
GoFundMe: We Still Need YOU
We’re not in the clear yet! Although the April 24th Executive Order update gives us an opportunity to generate income going forward, resources continue to be limited.
With this change, we are thankful to be able to lower our ask. But because of the ongoing uncertainty, we are still looking for your support:
We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.
It’s really simple:
STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-5pm on Monday, or Thursday through Sunday – (810) 225-2441.
STEP 2: Dial 2 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.
STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.
Somehow it seems fitting that aluminum is the metal of choice for a 10-year anniversary, since it’s one of the most popular materials for manufacturing bicycles.
Although we can’t celebrate like we had planned, we ask that on April 15th, you raise your glass in a “shelter-in-place” toast to YOUR bicycle shop.
#stayHTBstrong
While you celebrate with us from afar, here are 10 Fun Facts about Hometown Bicycles:
1.90+ In the 10 years we’ve been in business, we have hired over 90 people. In many cases, this was their first job, and we’re really proud to see how our young crew have matured and evolved over time. And we’re equally proud to know that they still feel like part of the Hometown family.
2.8 Years Our longest-standing crew member is Chris Buddingh, who started with us in 2012. Chris has been with us through a world of changes. We’re so grateful that he decided to share his retirement years with us – thank you, Chris!
3.2 Shops Did you know that, at one point, Hometown Bicycles had a second location? It was a cool, little cabin in Whitmore Lake – the ultimate, small town bike shop.
4.Tax Day Our decision to open on Tax Day 2010 was intentional! During construction, one of our earliest supporters jokingly mentioned that “all businesses are… are tax collectors for the government.” After a good laugh, we decided “hey – April 15th it is!” Thank you, Wheelin’ Willie.
5.23,002 This is the number of repairs Hometown Bicycles has completed to date. We’re insanely proud of this accomplishment because we have been service focused since Day 1 – a concept that is revolutionizing the bike business.
6.Steve Reed Customer #1, and the only customer who has his photo on our number plate wall. Steve was the first customer to come in and give us the opportunity to fix his bike, and the coolest part – it was a recumbent. We envisioned our first repair being an ultra-sleek, highly technical machine. Instead, it was a recumbent cruiser… and that was perfect.
7.20-Hour Days Initially, through the build process, and being super excited, Dawn and I worked 20-hour days – painting, fixing, getting everything set up and ready to go. After opening on April 15th, we thought our 20-hour days were over. 10 years and 2 kids later, 20-hour days are still the norm!
8.3,212 This the number of bicycles we’ve sold since opening. Although bicycle retail isn’t our primary focus, we always believe in giving good advice and matching the customer’s needs to the right product. We’re happy that we have been able to help so many people find their new bike.
9.10595 This is the address of our current “bicycle adventure center”. In 2014, we had the opportunity to move to a new space, and help the shop grow. The new facility gave us the chance to hold better classes, better rides, better community events, concerts… and even create a business incubator! We’re really proud of this accomplishment.
10.100+ … is how long we’re planning on sticking around! We know that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. It’s a weird way to celebrate – together, separately. However, let’s get over this hump, and we’ll look forward to another 100+ years of birthday celebrations.
Free Emergency Bike Repair UPDATE
Our free emergency bike repairs have definitely been a value add to our community. There have been a tidal wave of repairs coming in that we’ve been able to address immediately to keep people riding.
With Governor Whitmer’s most recent Order update, and with stricter rules in place, we are going to have to slightly modify how we are able to help.
1. Please REMAIN IN YOUR CAR. We will take your bike off and put your bike back on your car. We don’t want anyone congregating at our front door – any lingerers will be asked to leave!
2. Absolutely NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE STORE. We’ve had a few people sneak in. We get it – you love us. We love you, too, but please – even if our front door is unlocked, we’re trying our best to comply with the Governor’s mandate, and follow the CDC guidelines. Hang tight in your cars – we promise we’ll come out and help you.
3. Service is limited to EMERGENCY REPAIRS ONLY. We’ve had a few tune-up requests, and as much as we’d love to help, we are not able to perform “regular spring tune-ups” until after the mandate is lifted. Our goal is to simply make sure your bike is safe, and you are safe.
4. We’re limiting repairs to ONE BIKE PER CUSTOMER. We’ve had multiple people come down with a truckload of bikes. We love your enthusiasm, but our goal right now is to help as many customers as possible. Please help us do that by respecting this rule. (Note: If you have multiple emergency repairs, we will try our best to help you, but will only work on one at a time. In other words, 2 bikes = 2 visits.)
WHAT WE DEFINE AS EMERGENCY REPAIRS
Flat tires
Broken cables
Broken spokes
Brakes not functioning
Gears not functioning
There is NO CHARGE for labor – this is a volunteer effort. You will be charged for parts, if needed. We’d rather see you cycling safe than attempt a repair yourself that could have catastrophic results.
We are still offering online ordering – please see details below.
We’ve got your back, Hometownies
Hometown-to-You Ordering is Still LIVE!
We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.
It’s really simple:
STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-3pm every day – (810) 225-2441.
STEP 2: Dial 1 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.
STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.
