You’re Invited to Hometown’s 8th Birthday Party!

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Shaun

YOU’RE INVITED TO HOMETOWN’S 8TH-YEAR CELEBRATION!
Shaun and I have always called Hometown our “first child.” We’ve raised it from infancy, helped it toddle into childhood, and watched it continue to blossom and mature over the past 8 years with YOUR love and support. A shop like Hometown is more than just a business. It’s family, and family deserves a birthday party!

As a part of our Hometown family, we’d love for you to join us on April 15th between noon and 6pm for a day of family-friendly birthday games and prizes, presents (for you!), and a 3pm birthday bike ride with food and cake to follow!

Click the invitation above for party details and updates on our Facebook page!

WELCOME TO OUR 2-MINUTE TIP VIDEO SERIES

For those of you who know – or have gotten to know – our new Service Manager, it won’t come as any sort of a surprise that Matt’s the “bees knees” when it comes to cyclist education and bike tech-ery. Beginning next week, you’ll enjoy the benefits of his expertise in a weekly bike care and maintenance video series, titled “2-Minute Tips,” that will help keep your bike ride-ready!

Click here or the image above to watch the introductory video!

WIN A GRANT FOR IMPROVING MI CYCLING

Put your creative caps on, Hometownies! League of Michigan Bicyclists is now accepting proposals for a cyclist-, State-, and industry-benefiting Micro-Grant Program through May 4th!

“The Micro-Grant Program will provide financial assistance to individuals and organizations who implement creative projects that promote bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on Michigan roadways.”

Grants range from $200 – $2,000 with a quick and simple application and reporting process. We love what this program means for our sport, and we’d love to hear that YOU won a grant! CLICK HERE for details.

WE’RE HIRING – STOP IN AND APPLY!
Creating the magic of Hometown is no small thing, and we don’t hire lightly, but we do offer positions that are meaningful and make a real difference in the lives of customers, our community, and the cycling industry. We currently have openings for:

Part-Time Social Media Specialist
Helps market and share the Hometown culture on social media. Must be social media savvy, highly organized, an excellent writer, and skilled in photography. Graphic design skills a plus.

Part-Time Events Coordinator
Coordinates and manages on- and off-premises shop events of all types. Must be highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, sociable, and enthusiastic.

Full- and Part-Time Service Techs
Provides reliably outstanding technical bike service. Some technical knowledge preferred. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and a quick learner.

Full- and Part-Time Sales Associates
Provides reliably outstanding customer service, including sales, cashiering, and shop organization and cleanliness. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, sociable, enthusiastic, and a quick study.

Drop by our shop, introduce yourself, and pick up an application. You’ll never know unless you try!

THIS WEEK’S SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, APR 7 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM BRIGHTON REC
This week, we’ll meet at Brighton Rec trailhead. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

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Hartland Gravel Grinder – Intermediate/Advanced
SUNDAY, APR 8 | 9:00AM (MEET BY 8:45AM) | FROM HARTLAND TWP HALL
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!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

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Beginner Road Ride
MONDAY, APR 9 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
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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Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, APR 10 | 7:00PM (MEET BY 6:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
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!

CLICK HERE for our daily 2018 Spring/Summer Shop Rides Schedule!

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!

CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

ZUMBA | 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

We cannot become who we want to be by remaining who we are.

~ Max DePree

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 2-minute tip video, anniversary, beginner road ride, bicycle care, bicycle maintenance, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike ride, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, birthday bash, birthday party, birthday presents, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Events Coordinator, fat bike friendly ride, fitness classes, games and prizes, gravel grinder, group rides, help wanted, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, ladies rides, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Leslie Barrett, LMB, Martha Soraruf, Matt Fitzhorn, Michigan, micro-grant, sales associates, service techs, shop rides, social media specialist, Team Hometown Bicycles, womens rides, zumba | Leave a comment »

10 Reasons You’ll be Glad You Shopped at Hometown

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Shaun

A Hometown Holiday Heart-to-Heart

Someone asked me a simple question the other day about whether we’ll do our Christmas shopping online or at the stores, and it got me thinking. We’ve all done our fair share of online shopping – Shaun and I included. We live in the digital age after all.

But does this mean that the whole “Be Loyal, Buy Local” thing is just about keeping mom-and-pop shops afloat? Not really, although we do enjoy being able to pay our bills as much as the next person. The truth is that there is a place – and will always be a place – for brick and mortar, and it has everything to do with relationships and service. And in that arena, Hometown shines.

So, as you’re puzzling over what to buy Dad, Aunt Betty, or little Timmy this Christmas – and where it should come from – I invite you to chew on this…

The Top 10 Reasons You’ll be Glad You Shopped at Hometown Bicycles

We’re all about relationships. That means we invest the time and energy in getting you what you need, not what we need to move.

We’re an anti-snob operation. Whatever kind of cyclist you are or bike you ride, we will always treat you with respect and gratitude, because we appreciate that you chose to shop with US. No belittling. No showboating. No snobbery. Period.

We are 100% about bicycles. That means we have nothing else to do except be your number one resource for all things bike.

We create opportunities for you to use what you buy. Between shop rides, Team memberships, classes, and events, we make sure you get your money’s worth out of your purchase.

We are a family-run, family bike shop. We think families are cool. Kids aren’t inconveniences – they’re future cycling advocates. And when you’re a customer, you become our family, too.

This is our livelihood. You make it possible for us to make a career out of something we love, so we’re highly motivated to make your experience awesome.

We live here. We’re as likely to run into you at the grocery store as at the shop, which means we’ll always treat you ethically and respectfully… so we don’t have to hide behind the fruit bin when we spot you.

We give back to the Community you live and work in. It supports us, so we proudly return the favor.

We advocate for the sport you love. The success of cycling benefits us all, so your support of Hometown translates to a direct, positive impact on our ability to sponsor, volunteer, educate, and spread the love for cycling.

Your fellow shoppers said to!
Hometown’s Google Reviews
Hometown’s Facebook Reviews

When it comes right down to it, the internet can’t take you for a ride to learn how to shift on your new bike. We can. The Internet won’t pick you up if you get a flat at Island Lake. We will. The Internet won’t celebrate with you when you conquer your first century. We will. And the Internet could care less if you use what you buy. WE DO.

So, do we feel secure and superior in our brick-and-mortarness? Never, and that is why we work every day to be the type of place you not only love to shop, but are proud… no, make that EAGER to share with friends and family.

Thanks for being Hometownies, and for giving us the opportunity to make your holiday shopping experience something truly special,

Dawn Bhajan
CEO | Hometown Bicycles

CHRISTMAS ORDERS & HOURS

The final day to place ANY order, so that it arrives by Christmas, is

December 18th

CHRISTMAS HOURS:

OPEN: Christmas Eve 9AM – 3PM
CLOSED: Christmas Day – January 1st

We’ll reopen January 2nd, normal hours!

THIS SATURDAY: FAT BIKE FRIENDLY RIDE

MEET AT HOMETOWN AT 9:45AM – WE ROLL AT 10AM Bring your Fat Bikes for a pedal through Island Lake with your Hometownies. This is an Intermediate (No Drop) Ride through hills, sand, and snow (exploring behind “the pond”). We estimate 12-16 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather! CLICK HERE for weather updates.

** Fat Bikes are available for rent at the shop, if you don’t yet have your own! **

HELP WANTED: PERSONAL ASSISTANT

HOMETOWN BICYCLES Part-time Personal Assistant needed. Must be highly organized, available week day mornings and afternoons, and excellent with children. Writing, design, and web skills a plus. If interested, pick up an application at the shop, and return it to Dawn.

Winter miles, summer smiles.

~ Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle ride, bicycle shop, bike ride, bike shop, Brighton, CEO, Christmas hours, Christmas shopping, Dawn Bhajan, digital age, Facebook reviews, fat bike friendly ride, fat bike ride, Google reviews, heart to heart, help wanted, holiday shopping, holidays, Hometown Bicycles, Island Lake, livingston county, no drop ride, online shopping, personal assistant, shop ride, top 10 list | Leave a comment »

Best Team Night Ever + Christmas Intell

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Shaun

BEST. TEAM. EVER! Over 100 Hometownies and Hometownies-in-the-making packed – and I mean PACKED – the bike shop floor for our 2018 Team Night informational meeting last Sunday. Cyclists “of all makes and models” came to renew their membership, or to learn more about a Team that’s made tsunami-sized waves in the cycling community for being devoted to the sport, to each other, and to Hometown… not to mention for being phenomenal, big-hearted human beings that give cyclists an AWESOME name!

We cheered over Team awards, got goosebumps from Team testimonials, loaded up on tacos and treats, ordered Team kits, and welcomed scores of Hometownies to the 2018 Team. On Team Night alone, our Team blew past its 2017 membership numbers, and the sign-ups are still pouring in. WOW!

Definitely gotta give a shout out to our Ride Coordinator, Laura Faunce, who took ownership of this event – and the Team – with outstanding results! Heartfelt thanks to a Team that gives us DAILY reason to be grateful and proud. Hats off to the foodies who added deliciousness to the program. Warm thanks to our Crew, who surprised Shaun and I with a gratitude speech (we feel so loved!) And always, always a special thank you to our spectacular Sponsors, who help support the Team year after year:

If you’re interested in ordering a Hometown kit (jerseys, shorts, etc.), there’s still time! Order goes out Monday, December 11th. Drop by the shop to figure out sizing. You don’t have to be on the Team to wear the kit! Plus, we’re hosting a massive, Kit Pick-Up Party early next year when the orders arrive (stay tuned for details!)

You can learn more about our Team, or sign up for the 2018 Team by filling out the following Team application and dropping it off at the shop:

2018 TEAM HOMETOWN BICYCLES APPLICATION

2018 is gonna be a great year, Team Hometownies. Can’t wait to ride it out with you!

CHRISTMAS ORDERS & HOURS

YOU want to look good and feel good this Christmas, and WE want to help! Here are a couple critical bytes of information that will make sure you look good for giving your gifts on time, and feel good for making your friends and family HAPPY!

The final day to place ANY order, so that it arrives by Christmas, is

December 18th

YES, WE ARE OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE!
After that, it’s family time for us and our Crew until the New Year…

OPEN: Christmas Eve 9AM – 3PM
CLOSED: Christmas Day – January 1st
We’ll reopen January 2nd, normal hours!

SHAUN TALKS TECH WITH PINCKNEY STUDENTS

Yesterday, Shaun brought along one of the finest examples of bicycle engineering we have at the shop, Pro Tour racer Alexander Kristoff‘s bike (on loan from Dean Gericke – thanks, Dean!), to Navigator Upper Elementary to demonstrate the science and engineering of bicycles. For the second year in a row, he was blown away by the quality of questions asked by the students and, this time, the mad art skillz! We love introducing young minds to the fascinating world of bike tech-ery; thanks for inviting us back, Pinckney Schools!

JAMIS BIKES FAMILY BIKEPACKING GIVEAWAY

Jamis is doing it again, Hometownies! Here’s a chance for you to win “a sweet bikepacking prize package worth an estimated $4000.” It includes everything from a pair of Renegades, to helmets, frame bags, packs, lights, and clothing. Everything you need for a really rockin’ adventure. Only 13 days left to enter. CLICK HERE or the video above for details!

HELP WANTED: PERSONAL ASSISTANT

The adventure isn’t out there, it’s inside you… aww, who are we kidding, it’s out there!

~ Cyclists everywhere

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, bicycle shop, Bicycle Team, bike shop, bike team, Body Within Personal Training, Christmas, crew, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, help wanted, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Horal DDS, hours, Jamis Bikepacking Giveaway, Jamis Bikes, Kearns Brothers, Laura Faunce, Lowry Solutions, membership, Michigan Banner Factory, Navigator Upper Elementary, personal assistant, Pinckney Schools, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, sponsors, tacos, team application, Team Hometown Bicycles, team kits, testimonials | Leave a comment »

Charlotte wins a bike & Jamis gives kisses

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Shaun

Who Says Winter at a Bike Shop has to be Boring??

Last Thursday marked the final clinic – “Where to Ride in MI” – in Hometown’s 2016/17 Winter Clinic Series. And you know what we like to do when we conclude yet another awesome Hometown adventure…

Celebrate!

This clinic combined the best of learning and dining with the debut of our best shop ride schedule to date, plus a plethora of potluck contributions made (or bought) by food-savvy Hometownies. If you missed the fun, there’s not much we can do about the lost opportunity for incredible eats, but you can still download our 2017 Spring Shop Ride Schedule HERE.

And, beautifully timed, the LMB Michigan Ride Calendars have arrived. Be sure to drop by the shop to pick up your copy. You’ve got adventures to plan, and we have the resources to help!

FAMILIAR FACES AT SELCRA DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCE

We really dig good, wholesome, family fun! Hot on the heels of Howell’s Sweetheart Dances, Hometown sponsored the country’s largest Daddy-Daughter Dance, hosted by SELCRA at Brighton High School, this past Saturday.

Alongside our friends and co-sponsors at Brennan Investment Services, we met a myriad of wonderful father-princess combos – many who are new to this newsletter… welcome! – and several who are Hometownies all the way (see pics above)!

Special congratulations to Charlotte Saven (at right), the lovely, little lady who won our dance-day drawing for a Jamis girl’s bike! We wish you many wonderful rides – and dances – to come!

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!

(Image at left courtesy Alex Mangani)

MEET YOUR CREW: ALEX MANGANI

Witty, likable, mild-mannered – and we’d swear this man has a Superman cape hidden in his closet. Alex raced dirt bikes and has tales to tell. These days, you can find him on the sales floor at Hometown Bicycles, participating in just about every Hometown event, and – as it turns out – scootering:

I love all things on two wheels. Here I am, proudly holding the Best Scooter award for my restored 1966 Vespa at the 2010 Viva Lake Geneva scooter rally at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I have participated in many rallies and shows, including Rockerbox in Milwaukee, Mods vs. Rockers in Chicago, and the Concors de Livingston here in Pinckney last summer. I promise to bring it to Hometown for display as soon as the weather allows.

JAMIS SQUARED: A NEW HOMETOWN MASCOT

We’ve given Jamis many compliments over the years, but “cute” and “fuzzy” were never apropos… until now! This handsome canine belongs to Team Hometown Bicycles Co-Captain, Jim Cleer, who named his four-legged friend “Jamis”.

With a name and a mug like that, OF COURSE he had to become our new store mascot.

Jamis hanging out with our Jamis bikes… welcome to the crew, Jamis.

Be sure to give Jamis a pat next time you spot him in the store. He might just give you a kiss (or 20!)

MANAGERS, SALES/SERVICE STAFF, ADMIN ASSISTANT

Forward your information to office@myhometownbicycles.com.

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – Saturday, 3/11 @ 10:15AM

MEET AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

We’ll be hitting the trails a little earlier this week (time may vary – be sure to check our Facebook later this week for confirmation). Be ready to roll from Hometown Bicycles at 10:30 a.m. as we travel into Island Lake for some mountain bike trail (or the Badlands if conditions dictate). This ride is for all level riders – NO DROP RIDE. Fat Bikes only. Plan to be out 2 hours. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation and updates.

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

(Photo cred: Yoga pic at left courtesy Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga)