Love for Your Bike, Your Fellow Cyclists, and Your Bike Shop

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Shaun

Choose Your Own Adventure… er, Products!

LET US KNOW WHAT REVS YOUR RIDE
We like to call Hometown Bicycles the shop that was built BY the people, FOR the people. Your loyalty and patronage is what got us to where we are today, and helps drive our decision making for Hometown’s ongoing evolution!

Along the way, you’ve been giving us feedback on product you’d like to see in our shop. Awesome! We’ve been connecting with new vendors who can help us meet your needs.

Over the coming months, we’ll be inviting new vendors to demo their products at our shop, so that you can meet the reps and scope out the products you’ve been asking for. Pay attention to our newsletters for these opportunities, and keep a weather eye out for the occasional survey to help us understand what you like best.

We’ve always been YOUR bike shop. Let’s take that to the next level!

TEAM NEWS: CRUSHING IT AT TREE FARM!

Team Hometown Bicycles returned home from last weekend’s Novi Tree Farm Relay in a blaze of glory! Not just four, but FIVE teams of four sported the Hometown jersey (when they weren’t in costume) – the sea of Hometown participation was, in and of itself, glory-worthy. But there were also 3 Team podiums to celebrate – first places, all!

FIRST PLACE – COSTUME DIVISION (above, top)
Congrats, Cobra Kai (who moonlight as Hometown Bicycles crew), Tim Bart, Colin Woods, Rocco Mularoni, and Andrew Jackson!

FIRST PLACE – CO-ED DIVISION (above, bottom right)
Helmets off to the lightspeed pedal power of Olga “The Romanian Rocket” Negrut, Doug Queener, Justin Hamm, and John Wyatt!

FIRST PLACE – MEN’S SPORT CLASS (above, bottom left)
Kudos on some pretty slick speed work from Matt Maximoff (a Team Sponsor), Scott Simpson, Brandon Bailey, and Aaron Smith!

We were also proud to be represented by the great sportsmanship of Paul Andres, Bryan Beach, Leslie Cook, Michael Dyer, Roger Pelkey, Steve Steinberg, Jim Thompson, and Linc Wehrly. Trail conditions started off sloppy, and progressively dried, so an additional shout out to the trailblazers who took one for their teams in the form of mud-encrusted bikes and gear. We happen to know a great place for getting your bikes cleaned and back to fighting fit… just sayin’!

PLEASE VOTE HOURLY THROUGH AUGUST 13TH!

SINGLES RIDE: WHO’S IN??

Matchmaker, matchmaker, pedal me a match… it’s said that one of the best ways to meet a special someone is by sharing a common interest. Call me a romantic, but I think that the combination of pedal-powered locomotion, fresh air, good company, and mutual helmet hair creates prime conditions for the warm fuzzies. My husband and I met over bikes!

Matchmakers, we are not, but we can at least set the stage for possibility! Please help us gauge interest in a Singles Ride* by completing an easy-peasy, 5-question, Singles Ride survey HERE. Thanks for your input, single Hometownies!

*This ride would be for single men and women, ages 18 and older.

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION: IT’S A GO!!

Good news… no, FANTASTIC news!! The uber-successful yoga-bike-beer event that we supported this past Spring has been resurrected for a round 2 on Saturday, September 30th.

Based out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of event coordinator Tocca Massage & Yoga, follows up with a scenic and recreational bike ride with Hometown Bicycles (new route!), and ends with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker.

Registration is limited to 50, so if you missed out last time, be sure to hit the link below, like, IMMEDIATELY!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION

21 DAYS OF ACTIVE PLAY FAMILY CHALLENGE

Fitness… Family time… Fun… Now, that’s a program we can throw some rpm behind! Here’s the scoop:

More than $2,000 in prizes are up for grabs, and all you have to do is PLAY!

Sky Zone Brighton, Hometown Bicycles, and Body Within Personal Training have teamed up to bring you the FREE 21 Days of Active Play Challenge. We are challenging Livingston County families to commit to 21 Days of Active Play this August. From going on walks together, to riding bikes, to jumping around on trampolines, families will pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per day being active.

Registration is open NOW through August 3rd. The Challenge begins August 4th.

Be sure to read up on the amazing prizes, mid-challenge incentives, and final wrap up party. You’ll find details and a registration link HERE.

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 27, 2017

Here’s your latest race update from Hometown’s Amy Gluck, an IRONMAN competitor who nearly lost her life after getting hit by a gravel truck, and is now intensely and personally driven to overcome her new physical challenges, and the naysayers who say she can’t, all the way back to IRONMAN:

I pushed hard on my road bike during the race. Between not setting up my Garmin correctly and a non-functioning speedometer (I’d switched up wheels a number of times), I had to wait until after the race to find out that I had biked 3:16 faster at the Pterodactyl triathlon than I had at the Triceratops triathlon. Yeah, road bike!… READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

MEET YOUR CREW: COLIN WOOD

Colin makes an art of being helpful. He’s studious, he’s polite, he’s intelligent, he’s friendly, and he’s scary fast on a bike! Many a customer have commented on Colin’s charisma on the sales floor. He’s carried on the tradition of equating the name “Wood” to overall awesomeness, as started in Hometown’s early years by his brother Austin. We’ll sure miss him when he heads off to college! Here’s Colin’s story:

I was 8 years old the first time my father took me mountain biking. Since then, I have gone from closing my eyes every time I get near a tree, to competing at the highest level within Michigan. My sophomore year of high school, I joined the Brighton Cycling Club. That year I finished as the 2nd place overall JV racer in the State. I was hooked. This past season I finished 3rd place in the Varsity Points series, as well as claiming victory at my home course, Island Lake. This fall I will be attending Colorado School of Mines to study Mechanical Engineering. While at Mines, I plan on racing for their cycling team. Working at Hometown has provided me with the ability to be around my favorite type of people, cyclists, and has given me the knowledge of everything bike related.

WISHING YOU SPEEDY RECOVERIES, BRIAN AND MEL!

Team Hometown’s Mel Robinson and his trusty recumbent are regulars at shop rides and events. This kind soul and avid cyclist is currently on the mend from open heart surgery. Mel, we just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery – can’t wait to see you back on your bike!

Another heal-quickly shout out goes to a man who has religiously gone above and beyond in service of Team Hometown Bicycles and the shop. This one’s for Team Captain, Brian Forhan, whose pending back surgery puts him out of outdoor cycling for the remainder of the season. Brian, if you get itchy legs, know that you’re welcome at the shop any time for bike talk, beer, and other cycling geekery!

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Our Team and Crew marks off the route, leads off and mans the ride, provides on-site SAG support, and also offers bike valet service until 2pm, so you can enjoy the Festival without worrying about your two-wheeled babies!

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (7/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come check out the Thursday Social A.M. 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. Check HERE for ride details.

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/29)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/30)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/30)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 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 for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/31)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

Please make sure you have some experience riding the bike you bring to this ride and are comfortable with the way it handles, including basic shifting and braking, for the safety of all. Beyond that, our friendly ride support are delighted to share tips on how to make the hills easier and the flats faster – just ask!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (8/1)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (no Son of Hammerfest this week) (8/2)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

HAMMERFEST:
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 Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Check Facebook for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL WITH HOMETOWN (8/2)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
It’s time to dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

THURSDAY BAKERY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (8/3)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Wal-Mart in New Hudson – **Special start location!**
It was fun, so we’re going to do it again! Bring along your wallet for a tasty treat or coffee as we pedal to a Bakery via the rails-to-trails system. It will be a 5-mile, ~10 mph pace, relatively hill-free ride. Does include a busy road crossing. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level for this NO DROP ride. Follow along on Facebook for ride updates.

Meet in the Wal-Mart parking lot – take the entrance right off Lyon Center Drive between the Wal-Mart/Lowe’s, turn right, and stay closest to the Lyon Center Drive end of the parking lot.

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

(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 fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

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

DYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays – August 4, 11 & 18
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.

– Winnie the Pooh

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 21 Days of Active Play, Amy Gluck, amy's blog, Ashley Knuth, beginner rides, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike race, bike rides, bike shop, bikes, Body Within Personal Training, Brewery Becker, Brian Forhan, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, challenge, Cobra Kai, Colin Wood, cycling, cyclists, Doc May Melon Ride, family, financing, fitness classes, fun, gravel grinder, group rides, Hammerfest, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownie, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, matchmaker, Mel Robinson, Michigan, mountain biking, Novi Tree Farm Relay, Poses Pedals and Pints, shop rides, singles ride, Sky Zone Brighton, synchrony, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Vote 4 the best, yoga, zumba | Leave a comment »

Inspiration of All Kinds

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Shaun

GIVE YOUR BIKE GURUS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE…
You’re about to read a newsletter brimming over with inspirational content that, in the grand scheme of life, makes the following “ask” seem rather unimportant. But know that your faith in our shop and your – dare-we-say-it? – fanaticism for “the Hometown experience” inspires the *heck* out of US, and that’s no small thing!

So please, take a moment to share your loyalty via a vote or, better still, a stream of votes (you can now VOTE EVERY HOUR!) – in this year’s Vote 4 the Best competition (CLICK HERE).

Voting closes August 13th. Your support means the world to us!

TEAM NEWS: JERSEY TAKEOVER AT TREE FARM

The Novi Tree Farm Relay is a perennial hit with our Team, crew, and customers and, this year, we’re sending four teams of four Team Hometownies on this whirlwind, beginner mountain bike endurance race.

That’s a lotta Hometown jerseys ripping it up on this 10-mile, hill-encrusted, fast course!

Cheer us on this Saturday, July 22nd at Lakeshore Park in Novi, or gather up 3 of your cycling buddies and throw your own helmets into the ring!

(Photo credits: Paula Zimmer)

PAULA’S JOURNEY

Can you remember a profound moment in your life – made more profound for it coming unexpectedly?

Yesterday, I met “profound” at the register in the form of a remarkable customer who was prepping for a cycling journey that had nothing to do with mileage. In our chance conversation, I learned that Paula Zimmer, while successfully battling cancer, lost her husband to the same disease just a year ago. She finds solace in writing and cycling, and is taking her touring bike – a handsome, midnight blue, Jamis Aurora named “Auriel” – East to deliver her husband’s final ashes.

Paula has created a grief blog – a “Glog” – to journal about her metaphorical and cycling journey, and has generously allowed me to share it with you. I suspect it will resonate with many.

I’m particularly honored to have been included in her recent post (yep, I caught that, Paula!) All of us at Hometown wish you the adventure of a lifetime, and success pinning down that elusive “simplicity”.

You can follow Paula’s story HERE and, believe me, it will move you.

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 20, 2017

On the topic of inspirational blogs, here’s the latest from a woman who regularly competed in top-tier IRONMAN races, nearly lost her life after getting hit by a gravel truck, and just nailed a 10 mile run on a “fake knee and femur” because she’s intensely and personally driven to return to IRONMAN:

While training for my October ½ marathon, I need to get in some long runs. So, on Friday, July 14 – a pleasant, sunny, cool-ish (70 degree) day – I decided it was time to re-attempt my 10 mile run, which had been rained out the day before… Earlier, I had received a fabulous secret from one of my Ultra runner friends. (Ultra runners are people who run races longer than a marathon.) This is a great secret for anybody coming back from an injury, or trying to ramp up their mileage (or, in my case, both)! The secret is… READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

HEATHER’S STORY

We meet the most amazing people at Hometown! Heather Pierson of Body Within Personal Training recently ran a free Fresh Air Fitness class just for Hometownies on our shop’s front lawn, with great results. Her participants finished up stoked and inspired. And we can understand why!

Heather herself has a highly motivating story – clinically obese and unhealthy, Heather not only successfully shed over 70 lbs with the help of the Body Within team, she ultimately became a part of it, so that she could help others make THEIR goals come true!

Watch Heather’s story HERE!

LEARN ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HOMETOWNIE

For you long-time Hometownies out there, the name Jill Gautherat may ring a bell. Jill and her husband Steve took on a 500 mile cycling challenge from Hometown back in 2011… and succeeded!

Jill is now offering classes in Young Living Essential Oils, and is bringing her seminar to Hometown’s Community Room this Sunday, July 23rd from 2pm-3:30pm.

No registration required – everyone is welcome.

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/22)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/23)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re bumping up the mileage! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/23)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 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 for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/24)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (7/25)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (no Son of Hammerfest this week) (7/26)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

HAMMERFEST:
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! Details can be found here.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL WITH HOMETOWN (7/26)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
It’s time to dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

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

(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 fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Coming soon!
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

– Mariah-Danu

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, Ashley Knuth, Aurora, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike guru, bike rides, bike shop, bike valet, bikes, blog, Body Within Personal Training, cancer, Cardio Drumming, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride, Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride, Fresh Air Fitness, glog, gravel grinder, group rides, Hammerfest, Heather Pierson, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Melon Festival, inspiration, inspirational, Ironman, Jamis, Jill Gautherat, journey, Leslie Barrett, Martha Soraruf, motivating, motivation, Novi Tree Farm, Paula Zimmer, registration, road ride, shop rides, Slow Roll, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tour de Livingston Prep Ride, touring bike, Tree Farm Relay, Vote 4 the best, yoga, Young Living Essential Oils class, zumba | Leave a comment »

Brighton Bike Care, Tri Training, and the Future of Cycling

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Shaun

(Top image of Brighton’s up-and-coming mountain bike racers, courtesy Cycling Coach TJ Tyrrell)

THE BEST OF CYCLING, DETERMINATION, AND HEART… ALL IN ONE ROOM!
Earlier this week found our front lawn snowed in under a blanket of Brighton Bulldog bicycles… what a beautiful sight!

After a quick warm up through Island Lake, this local high school cycling team pit stopped at Hometown Bicycles for a lesson in the finer points of preventative bike care and emergency maintenance. Then it was off to the woods for another round of race prep.

Best of luck in your 2017 race season, Bulldogs! It was a privilege to be a part of your upcoming success.

NEXT WEEK: “HOW TO TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON” CLINIC

Should I work with a coach? How do I get the most out of bricks? How do I train physically and mentally for a sport that involves swim, bike, AND run? What are “junk miles”, and how do I avoid them? What should my taper look like?

If a triathlon is in your future, these pondering points are just the tip of the triathlon iceberg in terms of prepping for your next (or first!) race. Expert triathlete, IRONMAN Coach, 5-time Kona Qualifier, Registered Dietician, and Hometownie, Amy Gluck, will be covering everything from picking a triathlon to post-tri training analysis in Hometown’s “How to Train for a Triathlon” Clinic.

Held right here in our Community Room, there is NO CHARGE to attend. Choose from two dates: Tuesday (6/6) or Thursday (6/8) at 6pm!
REGISTER NOW FOR “HOW TO TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON”

(The latest artistic genius of cyclist and artist, Peggy Kerwan, here at Hometown Bicycles.)

MISS PEGGY’S BEAUTIFUL BIKE ART

She’s a die-hard cyclist, master of the monotype print, a painter of some renown, a vibrant personality, and her bicycle artwork is on display (and for sale!) here at the shop.

If you haven’t seen Peggy Kerwan’s pieces for yourself, than you’re in for a treat the next time you stop in! She’s introduced some cheery new additions to her already colorful collection, including a brand new original titled “Best Bike”.

Well, Peggy, we think you’re one of the “best bike” artists we’ve ever met. (Okay, okay… stop groaning at my corny wordsmithery, and come in to enjoy her artistry!)

THIS SATURDAY: MILFORD BIKE FESTIVAL

Hot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

This June 3rd event gives you a day of family-friendly trail/path riding, guided rides (new this year!), live music, food, raffles, and beer. It’s only $20 pre-registered or $25 day-of, with all proceeds benefitting the MCMBA, which VERY actively preserves, protects, and promotes our local parks and mountain bike trails. That’s a worthwhile cause we’re proud to support!

CLICK for details or to register now!

COME SEE SHAUN SWING A GOLF CLUB

Hard to imagine your aproned, be-tooled bike guru in knickers and argyle, isn’t it? I’m just kidding… I couldn’t convince Shaun to dress in traditional golf attire, but he’s still going to be wielding clubs on the green at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Inaugural Charity Golf Classic on June 9th at Stony Creek Metropark.

We’re sponsoring this fundraising event, which will be hosted by Michigan State National Champions, Detroit Pistons Standout and Current Pistons Commentator, Greg Kelser.

Random? Perhaps, but a well-rounded bike guru is a more resourceful bike guru, and that ultimately benefits you, so let’s see what happens! Join us on the green!

SECURING THE FUTURE OF CYCLING

It may seem like a rather bold statement – “securing the future of cycling” – but that’s exactly what you will be doing when you participate in this year’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event on Sunday, June 11th!

Run by the Poto Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, this local fun day partners adults with kids for a day of singletrack skill building and learning to love cycling! Hometown will be there with an on-site mechanic and cool swag, and will offer helmet checks and SAG support for all participants.

Do something healthy with your kids! Have an adventure! Share your love of the sport! This is the kind of event that builds memories and a legacy. Click HERE for more details.

EMERGENCY REPAIR & FLAT TIRE FIX SUMMER CLINICS

For all of you cyclists who want to know WHAT TO DO when something goes haywire on your ride – your chain drops, your shifters stop working, your wheel “tacos”, your tire blows… – Hometown is throwing you a lifeline for avoiding that long walk home.

We’re breathing new life into some beloved classics – our “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic. Primed for your immediate benefit, the first addresses quick, on-the-go fixes that can get you safely back home, and the second touches on one of the most common issues cyclists face – the dreaded flat.

These clinics will run Tuesday 6/13 (Emergency Repair) and Thursday 6/15 (Flat Tire Fix), then swap days on Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix) and Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair). As always, there is NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.
Register for EMERGENCY BIKE REPAIR and/or FLAT TIRE FIX.

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL RIDE (6/1)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (6/4)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. Expect to venture out past Island Lake throughout the season to Brighton’s Murray Lake, Milford, Maybury, and Waterloo’s DTE Trail. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season! Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail with the Hometown crew. NO DROP RIDE.

MONDAY BEGINNER ROAD RIDE (6/5)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with the weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and end the season conquering 30 miles! 1 – 1.5 hours to start. Route will take us onto the park roads. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (6/6)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/7)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
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!

THURSDAY MORNING SOCIAL RIDE (6/8)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

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

When I was a kid, my social network was called “OUTSIDE”.

– Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, beautiful bike art, best bike, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike care, bike clinic, bike guru, bike maintenance, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, brighton bulldogs, Brighton High School, charity golf classic, cycling, cycling team, cyclists, Dan Tribble, emergency bike repair, flat tire fix, golfing, gravel grinder, Greg Kelser, group rides, Hammerfest, Hometown Bicycles, how to train for a triathlon, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, IMBA, Island Lake, kids, MCMBA, Michigan, Michigan Mountain Biking Association, Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge, Miss Peggy, mountain biking, no drop ride, Peggy Kerwan, PotoMBA, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, Son of Hammerfest, Stony Creek Metropark, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, Team Hometown Bicycles, triathlon clinic | Leave a comment »

Mom’s Day Giveaways, Stampedes, and Bikes and Brews in Brighton

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Shaun

THIS SUNDAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU…
Moms are multi-tasking, multi-faceted, multi-dimensional, and multi-talented rockstars. Am I tooting my own horn? Probably, but the point is that the mom in your life deserves royal treatment this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14th), and we’re going to help!

This Sunday, moms will enjoy flowers and refreshments, compliments of your Hometown crew. There’ll be t-shirt give-aways. AND, the first 20 bikes purchased by or for a mom come with a COMPLIMENTARY Hometown Bicycles Mother’s Day package, which includes a cycle computer, safety light, bottle cage, water bottle, and seat bag at NO ADDITIONAL COST.

You have done and continue to do so much for us, moms – this is just our way of saying we love you, we appreciate you, and we want you to have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

TODAY: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

If you’re on the fence about whether to try a tri, are new to the tri community, or are simply eager to pick up tips from a pro, this info-gathering clinic is for you! NO CHARGE!

CLICK TO ATTEND TRIATHLON 101 WITH AMY GLUCK
Thursday, May 11th at 6pm in the Community Room

THE TEAM REPRESENTS AT MUD, SWEAT & BEERS

Mud, Sweat & Beers Fat Tire Fest and Mountain Bike Race. As their website notes: “The name of our race says it all: get ready to be sweaty.”

Team Hometown’s Paul Andres, Scooter Gates, Mike Dyer, and Scott Simpson all expended some serious electrolytes in the pursuit of personal goals and podium time. Congrats to Scott Simpson, for a well-earned 3rd in his division! And thanks to all for taking our Team up to beautiful Traverse City!

A TEAM TRIUMPHANT AT FORT CUSTER STAMPEDE

“Stampede” in the Fort Custer Stampede Mountain Bike Race would seem to reference Team Hometown’s en masse charge to the podium last weekend! Olga “The Romanian Rocket” Negrut placed 2nd in her division, Doug Queener took a sweet 3rd in his, and Roger Pelkey nabbed 2nd place with his swift ride! Shout out, too, to Justin Ham who made solid headway in a super challenging Expert class.

LOOK FOR US THIS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN BRIGHTON!

Do you remember, from earlier newsletters, a little something called Poses, Pedals & Pints? It’s a dream triathlon of yoga, cycling, and beer, and it’s happening this Saturday morning (5/13) in Downtown Brighton. Look for these fun, “smurf” blue event t-shirts (see above) stretching, cycling, and sipping at Brewery Becker!

Hometown’s running the cycling portion, and manning the event with Team volunteers. If you’re at the Farmer’s Market, stop by our tent and say “hello!” Helmet tip to event founder, Tocca Massage & Yoga, and co-sponsors Brewery Becker, Ceo Wilson Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Financial Architects, Inc., Lake Trust Credit Union (a personal fave of ours), and Kensington Valley Varsity.

Missed registration? Don’t despair! Plans are underway for future remixes – stay tuned!

DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A FIRST CLASS BIKE DEMO??

We sure did this past Saturday, at the MCMBA’s 12th Annual Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day! With a powerhouse combo of Crew and Team (thanks, volunteers!), we made all sorts of new friends and reconnected with old ones. Our Jamis and Framed demo bikes were put through their paces, and got a lotta love from happy cyclists.

Our top kudos to Team Hometown Bicycles’ Steve Steinberg, who chaired this whopper of an MCMBA event. Well ran, Steve… well ran.

MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

Hot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

CLICK for details or to register now!

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY COMPETITION WINNER

This week, Hometown was a super-geeked Sponsor of Howell Parks & Rec’s Bike to School Day competition, in which Howell elementary schools competed to see who could rally the largest number of students to bike into school Wednesday morning.

Our congrats to Northwest Elementary, which took home the gold with 160 student cyclists. Doesn’t that just make your heart sing?! The future of cycling is looking good, indeed!

Spencer Elementary of Brighton Annual Live Auction and Carnival Fundraiser
(Images courtesy Lisa Sanzica)

SUPERHERO SUCCESS STORY AT SPENCER

Last week, I talked about Hometown’s support of my own elementary alma mater at their “Calling All Superheroes” 29th Annual Live Auction & Spring Carnival.

Since Hometown was running full bore at Demo Day, our Spencer insider, Lisa Sanzica, kindly shared the photos above (thanks, Lisa!), and informed us that the event was an unmitigated success, with a flood of dollars and support for “cultural enrichment programs, field trips, monthly assemblies and updating our playground area.”

Congratulations, Spencer Elementary of Brighton, on a fantastic event, and thanks for allowing us to be a part of your success!

(This is everyone, sans CycloDan – I promise to Photoshop you in as soon as I get the chance, Dan!)

YOUR HOMETOWN CREW HAS GROWN…

Our Crew is blooming right along with the Spring greenery! Get ready to meet new additions and spot familiar faces over the coming newsletters. Let’s start with a Hometown legend…

MEET THE CREW: TIM BART

Tim became part of the Hometown family a-WAYYYYYYYYYY back in early 2013. Even back then, he was one of our customers’ favorites – a fact that hasn’t changed in the passing years. Despite his intense scholastic career as a full time engineering student, Tim has found his way back home to Hometown for the summer. You’ll spot him on the floor, being just as much of a stellar resource to our customers as he ever was. Tim says:

Cycling started for me as a mountain biking hobby that sounded like a fun thing to do with my brother. He took me into Hometown to get my first mountain bike and I left that trip with an awesome new bike, and an awesome new job! This led to an obsession to all things bikes and a lifestyle to include cycling as a major part. Through the group rides, the training grind, and the races, Hometown has been by my side and I am proud to call myself part of the Hometown crew and community!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (5/12)
8:45PM (meet at 8:30) from Hometown Bicycles
Bring your lights for this mountain bike ride, as we’ll be dashing through the dark at times. This lively crew will be night cycling Island Lake from Hometown Bicycles and complete the 16 miles in 1.5 hours. They like to change up the scenery, so watch the Hometown Bicycles Newsletter and Facebook for future weekly start location.

NO SATURDAY RIDE – We’ll be at Poses, Pedals & Pints!

NO SUNDAY RIDES – Mother’s Day, but our shop is still open!

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/15)
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.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (5/16)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (5/17)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
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!

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

THIS WEEKEND! SPRING SNOWMAN 5K

Spring Snowman 5K Run/Walk is hosted by the Eric Hartwell Foundation, a remarkable organization 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??

(Image courtesy Tocca Massage & Yoga. Shout-out to loyal Hometownies Fred & Kelly [middle and right]!)

COMING SOON! YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Good news for your overworked, under appreciated cycling muscles – Ashley of Tocca Massage & Yoga is bringing her insanely popular Vinyasa Yoga class back to Hometown!

Held in our Community Room, this 3-week, Friday morning fun class starts June 16th at 9am. It’s all about dynamic movement and stretching, not perfection and freaky, double-jointed pretzeling. Whether it’s your first or 500th class, you’ll gain immeasurable benefit from this ancient art made user-friendly. $10 per class.

CLICK HERE to register or email ashley@toccamassage.com.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

– Susan Sontag

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, beer, bicycle repair, bicycle sales, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, Bike Demo, bike shop, Bike to School Day, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, carnival, Ceo Wilson Agency, CS Motts Childrens Hospital, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan, Demo day, Doug Queener, Downtown Brighton, family friendly, Farm Bureau Insurance, fat tire, Financial Architects Inc, Fort Custer Stampede, framed bikes, Fred Purol, Friday Night Lights, Gravel Grinding 101, group rides, guided rides, Hammerfest, Happy Mother's Day, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown crew, Hometownies, Howell, Howell Area Parks and Rec Authority, Island Lake, Jamis, Justin Ham, Kelly Popa, Kensington Valley Varsity, Lake Trust Credit Union, Lisa Sanzica, live auction, livingston county, love, MCMBA, Michigan, mike dyer, Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge, mountain bike race, mountain bike ride, mountain bikes, Mud Sweat and Beers, Northwest Elementary, Olga Negrut, Paul Andres, podium, Poses Pedals and Pints, registration, road bikes, road ride, Roger Pelkey, Scooter Gates, Scott Simpson, shop rides, smurf blue, Son of Hammerfest, Spencer Elementary, sponsors, sponsorship, Spring Snowman 5K, Steve Steinberg, success, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Romanian Rocket, Tim Bart, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Traverse City, triathletes, Triathlon 101 Clinic, triathlons, vinyasa yoga, yoga | Leave a comment »

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