Hometown Bicycles

Easter, Team Night, Bike Chandeliers & Tandem Tees

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Shaun

WE LOVE OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAYS, but Easter will always be especially near and dear to our hearts – it marks the beginning of beautiful cycling weather, leads into the launch of our Shop Rides, and Good Friday 2010 is when Shaun proposed, which was a catalyst for Hometown’s existence!

Easter is all about family – yours, ours, and our crew’s – so following Hometown tradition…

WE ARE CLOSED ON EASTER SUNDAY

We’ll be open regular hours the days before (3/26) and after (3/28). In the meantime, go make this Easter memorable!! Happy Easter, Hometownies!

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TEAM NIGHT SHINDIG

In our final Winter 2016 Clinic, we introduced over 50 people (still blown away by your enthusiasm, Hometownies!) to the new Shop Rides and Team Hometown Bicycles. There was TONS of interest and TONS of questions. We know how to handle that…

Team Night powwow!! We’ll provide the pizza, you BYOB, and we’ll give you the low-down on the official Shop Rides schedule, Team Hometown Bicycles, and our ride leaders and Team Captains.

If you already know you want to be part of Team Hometown Bicycles – AWESOME!! You can officially sign up at this event.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31ST, at 6:30PM

REGISTER HERE IF YOU’LL BE ATTENDING TEAM NIGHT
No obligations and no charge – just a chance to learn what all the excitement’s about!

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MEET THE ARTIST: JENNIFER VERMEERSCH

Free spirited and fantastically whimsical, artist Jennifer Vermeersch hails from Detroit, where she launched Jennifer Vermeersch Jewelry. Happily for us, she also has a thing for bikes, which is ever-so-evident in the industrial chic creativity of her bicycle wheel chandeliers.

We guarantee you won’t find anything like this in another bike shop. Jennifer’s decked out her rims in eclectic beading and everyday bike bits. We’re talking super playful here – you really need to see these for yourself!

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MEET THE ARTISTS: CASEY & MICHELLE BUCKLEITNER

Shaun and I are big tandem fans (ask us about our 100-mile tandem Tour de Livingston ride), and we also LOVE Michigan, so bringing in Casey and Michelle’s clever, peninsular tandem tees was a total no-brainer.They’re fun, they’re colorful, they’re unique and we know they’ll look great on you. You’ll see me wearing mine around the shop on a regular basis!

Just after putting these beauties out on the floor, one sold before the piles even had time to settle. Let that put a little pep in your step, if you’d like to get one of your own!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Alpenhaus Apparel, bicycle clinic, bicycle shop, bicycle t-shirts, bike clinic, bike shop, BYOB, Casey and Michelle Buckleitner, chandeliers, Easter, Good Friday, holiday hours, Hometown Bicycles, industrial chic, Jennifer Vermeersch, Jennifer Vermeersch Jewelry, Michigan, peninsulas, shindig, shop rides, tandem, Team Hometown Bicycles, Team Night, Tour de Livingston, whimsical | Leave a comment »

A NEW World’s Tiniest Hometownie

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Shaun

WHEN WE CALL OURSELVES A FAMILY-FRIENDLY BIKE SHOP, WE MEAN IT!

For the sake of my vanity, as much as out of sheer joy, Shaun and I would like to formally announce that… WE’RE EXPECTING ANOTHER BABY!!!

I’m done wearing bulky shirts and trying to suck in my gut… it wasn’t donuts that put this fat bike tire around my midsection, and we’re ready to celebrate our excitement with our Hometown family!

No info yet on whether Liam will have a brother or sister, but we do know that he or she will turn our three-person family into a wonderful FOUR this Fall.

What’s especially cool is that, as our little family is growing, so is our extended Hometown family. So many new faces! You’ve all been WONDERFUL when it comes to spreading the word about Hometown, and we love you for it. Thanks for helping us build a dream-home-away-from-home for our customers, our community, and for our pint-sized Hometownies!

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KEEPETH THY SINGLETRACKS INTACTETH

Although the early thaw has made many of our beloved trails already ride-ready, we believe it’s important to impart this gem of trail wisdom – a Sermon-ette on the Mount-ain Bike Trail, if you will – from Hometown’s very own, uproariously clever “CycloDan” Tribble:

“And so it is written, that every year during the sacred freeze-thaw cycle, thou shalt abstain from the hallowed singletrack until the worm that creepeth upon the face of the earth comes forth. But if it be in any man’s heart to ride let him go unto the land of the roadie, yea even unto Tar-Mac, and he shall be blessed with aerobic fitness in abundance. But in the day that thou partake of the forbidden singletrack you shall surely be cursed and your bearings and your bottom bracket shall seize and perish. There will be much grinding and gnashing of teeth that no chain lube can silence!”

– Rev. CycloDan

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MEET THE ARTIST: CINDY SELKE’S BIKE WREATHS

We met Cindy at our Last Chance Rescue pet adoption event, where she’d donated two exquisitely hand-crafted wreaths to raise money for a rescue dog’s surgery. So, in addition to talent, we can already tell you that Cindy has HEART.

Inspired by a one-hour Bordine’s class in wreath making, Green Oak Twp. residents Cynthia Selke & Terrie Hudnut got crafty, and launched Sutherland Creations as a business outlet for their wreath-making. Using a combination of materials – like burlap, ribbon, and metallic mesh – Cindy and Terrie found unlimited ways to personalize any wreath. They believe that “there truly is a wreath for every event and every season, including cycling!”

Cindy’s brought in two, gorgeous, bicycle, ribbon wreaths that are ready to grace the walls or doors of your home. You’ve got to see these in person!

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DID YOU KNOW… WE HAVE CRAZY-AWESOME STORE HOURS?

It always seems to astonish our customers that we’re open such long hours, but here’s the deal… our mission is to get you to your happy place. That’s hard to do if we’re not available when it’s convenient for YOU!

WE’RE OPEN 7AM-9PM ON WEEKDAYS, giving you a chance to drop your bike off before work so it’s ready to rock the roads and trails with you at day’s end… or so that you can pick up last minute need-to-gets on your way back from dropping off the kids… or whatever gets you cranking those pedals.

AND WE’RE OPEN 9AM-5PM BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, because cycling doesn’t happen just on Saturdays. Consider us your weekend support crew!

The long and short of it is that we’re here for you when YOU need us. And that’s how we roll at Hometown Bicycles!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: baby, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike shop, bikes, cycling, CycloDan, Cynthia Selke, expecting, family friendly, go to your happy place, Hometown Bicycles, mission, Shaun and Dawn, singletrack, store hours, Sutherland Creations, Terrie Hudnut, Tribble, wreaths | Leave a comment »

Jersey Trade-In Program + Compact Bike Art

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Shaun

Get $ for Your Old Jerseys!

MEET THE NEW HOMETOWN BICYCLES JERSEY TRADE-IN PROGRAM:

You’ve got a closet full of hardly-used jerseys from rides past, binge shopping, and you-don’t-even-remember-where. Happy news for you – bring ’em to Hometown and you’ll get $10 store credit for each jersey we take!

Of course, jerseys must be in good condition – CLEAN and free of rips and tears. And no bottoms – that would be unsanitary.

On the flip side of the coin, if you’re a bargain-lovin’ bike fan, you’ll soon be enjoying a selection of everything from new to vintage, svelte to fun jerseys at wallet-friendly prices. Be sure to drop in regularly to see what new treasure is hanging on the rack!

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A BABY, A BIKE SHOP – NOW ALL WE NEED IS A…

(Photos above and below left courtesy of Last Chance Rescue of Howell)

Shaun’s holding playful, little Kelsey… sadly, she is not ours, but someday we’ll be ready to adopt a dog, and when that day comes, we know just which organization to call.

Last Chance Rescue (LCR) of Howell brought a truck load of cuteness, kindness, and hope to our shop this past Saturday in the form of four very lovable, very adoptable puppies. (Sophie D. has a heart-to-heart with Clover, above left)

Turnout was fantastic, and we’re happy to report that forever homes are already in the works for two of them! Special thanks to the big-hearted gals of LCR – Nicky, Terry, and family – who made this adoption day at Hometown possible, and who so clearly care about the welfare of their adoptables.

You’ll be seeing many more pet adoption days at Hometown. In the meantime, if you’d like to donate to or volunteer with this wonderful group, connect with Last Chance Rescue on Facebook!

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ALL IN A DAY’S ADVENTURE

Kudos to the MI Adventure Club for running an incredible “Intro to Adventure Racing” clinic at Hometown this past Saturday. Attendance was high, and so was enthusiasm. But then, we always knew our customers had the souls of adventurers!

Want to use our Community Room for your class, clinic, or event? Contact Jennifer to get on the schedule! events@myhometownbicycles.com

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WINNIE KEEPS THE CREATIVITY FLOWING

These two gems of bicycle photography are the latest installments from local artist, Winnie Chrzanowski’s, whose adorable “Biker Babe” currently sasses up our wall. “Blue Bike” ($30) on the left is slick and vintage. At a little over 8″x8″, this print is perfect for any small space of yours that needs a dose of bike love! “Rest Stop” ($75) on the right has all the old-world attraction of bicycles, pubs, and a cozy rainy-day vibe. This wrapped-canvas print will charm the overseas socks off of you.

Got the perfect place in mind for these tiny treasures? Great! Stop by and check ’em out!

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THE YOUNG SHALL INHERIT THE ARTISTIC TALENT

Congrats, Sarah Becker of Brighton High School, whose fire engine red Schwinn, colored pencil drawing is now brightening the bedroom wall of one lucky little boy. Another piece of student bicycle art sold at Hometown Bicycles!!

And – how cool is this?! – Bastien B., at right, got inspired and created this AWESOME piece of art for the shop! It’s already hanging on the wall, Bastien – thank you for your creativity!!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Adventure Racing, art, bicycle art, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike art, bike shop, bikes, Brighton High School, clinic, colored pencil, Community Room, cyclists, donation, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bicycles Student Art Program, jersey, Last Chance Rescue, MI Adventure Club, pet adoption, pet rescue, puppies, Sarah Becker, Schwinn, student art, trade in, volunteer, Winnie Chrzanowski | Leave a comment »

Hometown Hosts Adventure, Girl Scouts & Puppies

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Shaun

Bikes, Boats & Brains

FIRST EVER ADVENTURE RACE CLINIC AT HOMETOWN THIS SATURDAY…

At Hometown Bicycles, we’re proud to support more than just cycling. We encourage you to live adventurously – every day starts and ends with potential!

That’s why we are SO EXCITED that Michigan Adventure Club selected our store to host their “Intro to Adventure Racing” clinic THIS Saturday, March 5th from 10-11am. You already love to ride – now expand those horizons!

Adventure races typically involve team pedaling, paddling, and orienteering – it’s the best of bikes, boats, and brains in scavenger hunt format. This clinic teaches you everything you need to know to… well… adventure successfully! Join us!

REGISTER NOW – FREE – “INTRO TO ADVENTURE RACING” CLINIC
Saturday, March 5th, 10-11am in our Hometown Community Room

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SPEAKING OF CLINICS… WHOA, NELLY!!!

THANKS FOR MAKING WEDNESDAY NIGHT THE BIGGEST & BEST CLINIC IN THE HISTORY OF HOMETOWN!

Covering everything from favorite bike paths, to shop rides, to joining Team Hometown Bicycles, the final clinic in our 2016 Winter Clinic Series blew the lid off our “OMG!” meter. It was literally standing room only with ideas and opportunities a-flyin’!

Missed out? Major bummer! But know that you can drop by any time for information and handouts, or you can contact Jennifer at events@myhometownbicycles.com for further details.

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GIRL SCOUT LUNCH-&-LEARN AT HOMETOWN

Shaun was kept hopping Thursday evening by the energetic and enthusiastic interest of Daisy Girl Scout Troop 40627 in bicycle care and safety. This kindergarten-aged crowd asked some really first rate questions, and absolutely brought the store to life with their budding love for cycling.

Want us to host a mini-clinic for YOUR Scout Troop? We LOVE sharing our bike know-how! Contact Jennifer to schedule your next Troop meeting at Hometown:events@myhometownbicycles.com.

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LAST CHANCE TO OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY!

Today, Friday afternoon, marks the close of the incredible Brighton High School bicycle art exhibit in our Community Room – the very first student art exhibit of our Hometown Bicycles Student Art Program.

Another piece sold yesterday (more on this in an upcoming email!) Today is your last chance to support the students who pioneered this program by buying their art. Remember, 100% of every sale goes directly to the student!

Thanks again, Maureen Ray, for having your BHS students help launch a piece of Hometown history. And thanks to the wonderful customers who already purchased art and made a student feel inspired!

Next up… Bartlett Elementary School in South Lyon, COMING SOON!

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CUTE ANIMALS AT HOMETOWN THIS SATURDAY

AND WE’RE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT OUR CREW… This Saturday, March 5th from 11:30am-3:30pm (immediately following the “Intro to Adventure Racing” clinic!), Last Chance Pet Rescue is bringing a handful of heart-melters who are looking for love and a forever home.

Donations are encouraged, and adoptions welcomed. But, if nothing else, stop by and give these tough-luck survivors some well-earned belly rubs – it’ll make you both feel great! Bring the kids!!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: adoption, Adventure Race, bicycle art, bicycle clinics, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Brighton High School, clinic, cute animals, Daisy, donation, Girl Scouts, Hometown Bicycles, kindergarten, Last Chance Pet Rescue, Last Chance Rescue, Maureen Ray, MI Adventure Club, Michigan, OMG, Student Art Program, students, Troop | Leave a comment »

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Fun Emails!

Easter, Team Night, Bike Chandeliers & Tandem Tees

A NEW World’s Tiniest Hometownie

Jersey Trade-In Program + Compact Bike Art

Hometown Hosts Adventure, Girl Scouts & Puppies

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Write a Review

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

Easter, Team Night, Bike Chandeliers & Tandem Tees

Share this:

A NEW World’s Tiniest Hometownie

Share this:

Jersey Trade-In Program + Compact Bike Art

Share this:

Hometown Hosts Adventure, Girl Scouts & Puppies

Share this:

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count