On the eve of Hometown’s 13th anniversary, we’ve been reflecting on what has made Hometown the shop you love – most especially, its Crew. Hometown has employed nearly 120 people since its birth in 2010. Seriously, wow.
And with so many of you having adopted Hometown as an extension of your family, we’d like to bring you a weekly spotlight on the Crew that has made 13 years of being your bike shop possible!
Past, present, and up-and-coming – let’s start things off with the first ever Crewman of Hometown Bicycles…
SHAUN BHAJAN, Owner & Founder
Shaun is originally from Trinidad & Tobago, where his love for cycling first began. Off-bike, he loves cooking nostalgic flavors from the Caribbean, and is a passionate car enthusiast, Trekkie, amateur gardener, and enjoys working with his hands.
His shop, established in 2010 and with the tagline “Go to Your Happy Place”, is best known for catering to ALL cyclists, regardless of bike, style, and skill level.
The Hometown crew pride themselves on having worked on over 35,000 bicycles and counting and, in doing so, have won many awards, including League of Michigan Bicyclists “Bike Shop of the Year” and Channel 4’s Vote 4 the Best “Best Bike Shop in Southeast Michigan”.
Shaun is a highly-respected, master bicycle mechanic, tapped on by local organizations and governing authorities for his over 20 years experience in the cycling industry. He has been deeply involved in Go Liv Co since its inception, including co-founding its locally-renowned Do It For Dan Memorial Ride.
Additionally, he is a member of the Brighton Optimist Club, and belongs to SELCRA’s board in his advisory role of Community Member at Large.
Shaun is more recently the proud founder of The H.U.B. Incubator, a business mentoring and development space, located in the Hometown complex.
Shaun is happily married with two children, Liam and Aria, who are as curious and creative as himself!
SAVE THE DATE!!
Hometown Bicycles
13th Anniversary Open House
Saturday, April 15 • 4pm-7pm
5th Annual Do It For Dan Memorial Ride
Be sure to add this ride to your cycling calendar!. Sunday, May 7th • 3PM • Green Oak Village Place
Looking for your next pedal-powered steed? Check out this seriously cool article from Bike Radar that can help educate you on different types of bikes, for when you start that bike-buying process this Spring.
Need additional help? Swing by the shop and talk to Shaun about your dream cycle! We have tons of resources, both in store and online, and can help you get virtually any bike.
Get your Chili on! 7th annual HOMETOWN BICYCLES Chili cookoffWe’re excited to chow down with you at our 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off! Join us on Sunday 11/12 from 5-7 PM for food, fun, and good company.WANT TO ENTER? Want to enter your culinary talents, then register. Just use your name (Not your chili) after all we need to keep the voting ANONYMOUS (Shaun’s chili will be Number 7) Wink, Wink!WANT TO ENJOY? No need to sign up if you’re just coming to eat! Chili will be ready by 5 PM, with voting until 6:30 PM. Come choose your favorite! There is no cost to attend our event, but please consider bringing a donation for our Toys for Tots drive! Toys for Tots: Get Into the Giving Spirit REGISTER HERE
Date: 11/12/2022 (Sat.) Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm EDT
Listen to the cat.
Last spring we went from having 12 bikes to work on and, in the matter of one week, over 200. Now, I know that our crew is good but it was impossible to get you back on your bike in our normal repair window, OVERNIGHT, we went to over a month for repairs. To be fair, we have made some significant changes to the shop to reduce your wait time. We have added some new crew members, created more efficient service bays even upgrading our point of sale system to make communicating better. NOW IT IS IN YOUR HANDS.The Fall is the best time to get your bike in. Not only would you avoid the spring rush, but waiting longer can get your bike salt covered and can lead to further repair. We are also offering FREE STORAGE ($50 value) if you bring your bike in for a tune-up now.Like we said above……… LISTEN TO THE CAT.!Need room in your garage? We can store your bike for you.BIKE STORAGE If you need to make extra room this fall/winter, we can store your bike for $50.00 for the season.
FREE WINTER STORAGE with Tune-Up! Bring your bike in anytime between now and December 23rd for a tune-up and we will store it at the shop until spring! This means your bike will be all set to roll come those early days of cycling weather in March. No wait, no hassle… just freedom to get out there and ride.We have room to store up to 320 bikes, so take advantage of this opportunity while space permits. For $25, we can even deliver your bicycle to your door this spring!
Want to stay up to date on how we are making cycling safer in Livingston County…………………….. Like our page!Livingston County Non-Motorized Advisory Committee. Promoting and encouraging active mobility in Livingston County via the implementation of Complete Streets and Trails that allow people to safely walk, run, bike or wheel regardless of age or ability
SELCRA recently announced the appointment of Shaun Bhajan to its Board of Directors, as the Member-at-Large. The SELCRA Mission is to promote individual, community, and economic stewardship by providing outstanding recreation, sports and leisure programs for citizens of all ages.
“Shaun’s knowledge of the area and his experience as a business owner will be an asset to our mission of Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs!” stated SELCRA.
Congratulations, Shaun! We all know how much you love our community!
Tech Talk Clinic THIS Saturday! Our socially distanced clinics are filling up fast. Advance registration is required and masks are mandatory. Only 4 spots left for Tech Talk!
Saturday 2/27 from 5-6 PM Tech Talk: Q&A with our Master Mechanics This is YOUR opportunity to bring questions to our master mechanics, Tyler and Mason. For one hour, they will share their knowledge and provide answers to your most pressing mechanical questions. Target audience: Intermediate riders who have a decent working knowledge of their bike(s), and bicycle parts and components.
And coming up in March, everyone’s favorite clinic…
Saturday 3/13 from 5-6 PM Bike Fit Clinic with Vincent Baylerian, PT, DPT, Certified Level 2 Clinical BikeFit Pro Learn about how bike fitting can improve your cycling — become more efficient, gain power, and reduce discomfort. Vinnie will do a presentation, and there will be time for a Q&A session. You’ll also receive a coupon for a discounted Bike Fit at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy.
Stop by and take advantage of our BOGO Cookie Deal!
Buy a box of cookies, get a box on us! $5 per box. Cash only, please. Several varieties available, while supplies last!
A note from our Ride Coordinator…
Hi Folks,
Hope you are all staying safe and enjoying this actual winter we are having — well, “kind of” actual winter. That’s the reason for this note. Under normal circumstances, we would be hosting Fat Bike rides all winter, but this winter has been exceptionally challenging to have rides that are appropriate for everyone — which is what Hometown is all about — supporting rides that anyone can enjoy. The weather was too warm at the start of Fat Biking season, which resulted in ice on the trails. This is not a situation everyone is equipped for (studded tires needed), so we postponed having rides.
Then came our latest weather system which dumped a bunch of snow, but also brought super cold temps. The temps were too cold for group rides. Believe me, I tried myself and am still recovering almost 3 weeks later. Then the forecast looked like it would warm for a few days and then cool back off to safe temps and get us good packing snow, but alas it is all melting away and the trails are mush now.
The last aspect of anti-Fat Biking that occurred this winter is the lack of the Badlands, aka those big sandhills across from Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area. With the mining operation in full swing over there, we do not have the space to make it worthwhile to take a big group out for a ride. We will hang tight, watch the weather, and deploy for a ride if the universe decides to cooperate. Keep your eye on our newsletters and Facebook page for a pop-up Fat Bike ride if we think we can safely pull it off.
In the meantime, take a minute to complete our Ride Survey; your input helps shape the future Hometown ride offerings. And one lucky survey participant will win a $25 Hometown Gift Certificate! The winner will be chosen on March 15th so hurry up and get your survey responses in.
They invite you to join in a virtual Great Lake-to-Lake Trail Summit on Wednesday, March 24 from 1-2:30 PM. Learn about exciting advances on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail Route #1. See the route HERE.
From left to right, Lisa Nelson, Dr. Tianna Rooney, and Anna Oginsky
Lisa Nelson, Owner of Hush Intimate Apparel Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, a master’s in manufacturing engineering, and spent 15 years in the automotive industry. In 2007, as a new mom, Lisa felt driven to forge a new career path where she could be in control of her future and have a positive effect on others’ lives. A visit to a women’s boutique lit her entrepreneurial fire. She launched Hush Intimate Apparel in Brighton, Michigan – a boutique designed by women for women – to help women look good and feel comfortable in their everyday lives. A passionate community advocate, Lisa sits on the Downtown Development Authority Board, and served as vice chair of the Principal Shopping District Board, plus 3 years on the Chamber of Commerce Board.
Dr. Tianna Rooney, LMFT, Owner and Executive Director of Perspectives Therapy Services Dr. Rooney earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 2004 in the area of Marriage and Family Therapy. Her clinical training translated incredibly well to being an entrepreneur. Now, her focus has shifted from relationship health to organizational health. With a team of over 75 mental health providers, 10 administrative team members, and 5 clinic locations, Perspectives Therapy Services, LLC is one of the largest mental health practices in the state of Michigan. Dr. Rooney serves as the Executive Director with her primary role being to design an amazing experience for employees and clients alike.
Anna Oginsky, Author, Artist and Owner of Heart Connected and Founder of Brighton Light House Anna is an award-winning author, as well as a workshop and retreat facilitator through her small business, Heart Connected. Anna received her BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Michigan State University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Together with her husband, Dan, Anna recently opened Brighton Light House where she will serve as the director, focused on programming.
Thursday, March 11 from 6-7:30 PM Self Talk: Wiring Your Brain for Business Success A successful business begins and endsin your own head. What have you been saying to yourself lately?
If you miss the window and registration is closed, please DO STILL REACH OUT TO US: thehubwomen@gmail.com We’ll add you to our list, in case a spot opens up!
Save the Date!
3rd Annual Do It For Dan Ride Island Lake Recreation Area Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 3 PM
For updates and to support the Daniel J. Horal Family Foundation, click HERE.
Fitness Classes are BACK!
Zumba with Leslie Barrett Mondays at 6 PM
$10 drop-in; 10-class punch cards are available. Pre-registration is required. Contact michiganzumbagirl@outlook.com for more info or visit her Facebook page.
Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf Wednesdays at 6 PM
$5 drop-in Bring your own equipment; there is no equipment rental at this time. Pre-registration is required. Visit PURE Fitness and Nutrition for more info.
Hometown Bicycles 