Jamis Demo 5/23 at Island Lake

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Shaun

BE ONE OF THE FIRST!

Test Ride Jamis’ New 3VO Suspension

JAMIS DEMO DAY: Thu, May 23rd, 2-6 PM @ Island Lake

Jamis Bikes and Hometown Bicycles are teaming up to co-host this AWESOME event at Island Lake State Recreation Area. Check out the latest Hardline® and Portal® 3VO Suspension bikes, as well as the Renegade, the suburb and versatile adventure bike, in both steel and carbon!

Be sure to bring the following:

Drivers license
Credit card
Helmet
Optional – your own pedals

Stop by the Hometown tent to chat with our knowledgeable Hometown crew and volunteers from Team Hometown Bicycles!

Island Lake Demo Day was an absolute blast!

What a fun and BEAUTIFUL spring day we had on Saturday, May 4th at Island Lake Demo Day! Over 400 bicycle enthusiasts attended the event.

We are incredibly proud of Team Hometown Bicycles for their volunteerism at the event; we literally plastered the park with the smiling faces of our Team. Amazing job, Steve Steinberg and everyone else who gave their time!

Hometown was able to gift $122 to the Motor City Mountain Biking Association (MCMBA)through visitor donations from our Hot Dog Lunch.

Looking forward to next year already!

Team Hometown representin’!
The 10th anniversary of Mud, Sweat and Beers took place on Saturday, May 4th in Traverse City. This Fat Tire Fest is an annual springtime fundraiser for Mt. Holiday, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing affordable winter and summer recreational opportunities for the youth – in particular the underprivileged.

Team Hometown was represented by (from left to right): Paul Andres, Jim Thompson, Scooter Gates, Mike Dyer, Andy Showerman, Erik Frazier, Brad Allen and Keith “Super Star” Cowgar. (Kevin Muchuga and Scott Simpson raced but are not pictured.) Keith Cowgar finished first in his age class and Scott Simpson won the SS/Fixie class. Please note that the group is proudly displaying #doitfordan armbands in honor of Dan Horal.

In other Team news… Hometownie John Harrington (left) took 3rd at the Fort Custer Stampede on Sunday, May 5th in Augusta, Michigan. Excellent job, John!

Advocacy Day!
Wednesday, May 22 at 8 AM at the State Capitol in Lansing

Advocacy Day is a unique opportunity for road cyclists and trail users of all abilities – casual riders and die-hards alike – to speak with one voice to help make Michigan bicycling better. Hosted by the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) in partnership with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, Michigan Mountain Biking Association and PEAC, this collaborative effort brings supporters of all four organizations together to educate legislators on key policy issues that facilitate a more bicycle-friendly Michigan.

This year’s priorities:

1) Reduce distracted driving and make cyclists safer by winning passage of a hands-free law, which would put significant penalties in place for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

2) Protect funding for non-motorized transportation by pushing back against House Bill 4410 – legislation aimed at eliminating the long-standing requirement for Michigan road agencies to spend one percent of their annual transportation funds on non-motorized safety projects.

Register HERE and make a difference!

Hometown is hoppin’ with involvement in community events!

Check out these fun, family-friendly events coming up SOON. We love being part of them and hope to see YOU there.

Milford Bike Fest– Saturday, June 1 (registration begins at 7 AM)

MCMBA brings you this exciting day exploring the trails of Milford and enjoying live music at Main Street Grill & Tavern! Hometown will be on site for bike support, as well as leading a guided ride at 9 AM with Hometownie Tom Hermann. Back by popular demand, the Milford to Commerce Grand Tour traverses 30 miles of dirt roads, singletrack, two-track, and paved bike paths. We will split it into two groups; a spirited pace of 15 mph and a no-drop group ride at a pace of 10 mph.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Da y – Sunday, June 2 from 10-2, Brighton Recreation Area, Sandhill Pavilion

This FREE event is brought to you by the Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association (POTO)to encourage communities to join together and get kids excited about riding! Bike the 2 mile beginner Appleton Lake Loop trail with a guide or try out the bike skills course. Hometown Bicycles will be assisting with free bicycle and helmet checks.

Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby – Saturday, June 8 from 8:30-11:30 AM

FREE catch and release fishing derby sponsored by the Brighton Optimist Club, for ages 16 and under. Be one of the first 150 to register to get a complimentary t-shirt. Hometown will be there to talk up how you and your kids can ride with us in the 4th of July Parade!

Family Day at Settlers Park – Saturday, June 8 from 10-2

In partnership with our amazing Team Hometown Bicycles sponsor, Kevin Brennan with Michigan Financial Planning, this FREE event will include guided paved and mountain bike rides for all ages, food and refreshments, and demonstration bikes. Come out and see what Settlers Park has to offer!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, Bicycle and Trail Advocacy Day, bicycle clinics, bicycle rentals, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike rentals, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Gaden, Family Day at Settlers Park, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, fitness classes, Fort Custer Stampede Mountain Bike Race, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, intenSati, Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day, Jamis Bikes, Jamis Demo Day, Kevin Brennan, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, LMB, Martha Soraruf, MCMBA, Michigan, Michigan Financial Planning, Milford Bike Fest, Mud Sweat and Beers, PotoMBA, Settlers Park, shop rides, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tresa O’Rourke, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

Dan’s Memorial Ride, Demo Day & Birthday Gratitude

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Shaun

REMINDER: Memorial Ride THIS SUNDAY

The cycling community is grieving the loss of fellow cyclist, Dan Horal, whose life was tragically cut short after being struck by a car mid-ride on April 25th.

To honor Dan and his family, Hometown Bicycles has organized the Do It for Dan Memorial Ride, to take place this Sunday, May 5th at 4:15 PM. Please arrive at 3:45 PM as we gather to finish Dan’s ride and promote awareness that bicyclists and cars share the road.

To honor Dan, a moment of silence was shared at Hometown Bicycles’ Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 27th. We extend our deepest sympathies to Dan’s family and to everyone who loved him.

Please note that we will close early at 3 PM on Sunday, May 5th for this event.

Island Lake Demo Day: Saturday, May 4, 10 AM – 4 PM

This weekend, be sure to visit the 14th annual Island Lake Spring Bike Demo, a family-friendly event!. It’s a great chance to talk with people who “live the life”: building, riding, and maintaining the bikes you want to own. Then, take a few out for a test spin on the road and trails at Island Lake, finding the bike that pulls at your heartstrings.This event is one of the largest demo events in the region. You can expect to see hundreds of mountain bikes, road bikes, cross bikes, fat tire bikes, and everything in between. Riders usually bring their own pedals, and these will be mounted to the bike for you as part of the setup process.

When entering the park, turn to the right just after the attendant booths and follow the park road for approximately 2 miles. Spring Mill Pond will be on the left side of the road.

Participation at the Spring Bike Demo is free, courtesy of the Motor City Mountain Biking Association. The MCMBA will be serving food midday to all participants and vendors. Hometown Bicycles is providing hot dogs; any and all donations will be contributed to MCMBA. Be sure to stop by our tent, say hello, and eat!

Many thanks to Team Hometown Bicycles member, Steve Steinberg, for his critical role in making this event a reality!

Our Birthday ROCKED Thanks to You!

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers, friends, family, volunteers, employees and Team, we had a birthday chock full of fun and special memories!

The temperatures were brisk, but that didn’t stop us from grilling 100 hot dogs on the front lawn! Team Co-Captain, Joe Ostervik, proved himself to be a wicked grillmaster. Free lunches were served up to the brave souls who ventured out in the 45 degree weather!

Multiple birthday rides left from the shop at 4 PM with cyclists of all skill levels.

We wrapped up the evening with a rousing fundraising concert to benefit the Brighton High School Cycling Club. The Progressive Blues & Rhythm Bandtreated us to some amazing talent — bluesy rock and roll with a funky twist! Because of everyone’s generosity, we raised over $600 to support our youth cycling community! Way to go, Hometownies!

Pictured below: The PBR Band sings Happy Birthday to Hometown! And Shaun, Dawn and Aria Bhajan celebrate with Coaches TJ and Shawn Tyrell of the BHS Cycling Club.

Dawn Farm Ride for Recovery

The Ride for Recovery is a family-oriented fitness event that helps provide critical support to Dawn Farm by raising funds to assist addicts and alcoholics in achieving long-term recovery. Now in its 10th year, this event was originally started by a volunteer seeking to make a difference. Over the years, nearly $150,000 have been raised to help those in need.

Team Hometown was represented by Tom Hermann (right), and Joe Ostervik and Jacob Henriksen (above).
Team Hometown, thank you for being community-driven and supporting an important cause!

Who loves Spring? WE DO!

There’s no better way to enjoy Spring than a Hometown Shop Ride on a beautiful sunny day in Brighton.

We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced rides… all skill levels are welcome!

Don’t have a bike? We rent them! Inquire at the shop.

Make sure to print or pick up your Shop Ride schedule!

We sometimes get asked about the term NO DROP that you see on the Ride descriptions. People wonder if this means you have to register and can’t drop in… no… you can always drop in!

NO DROP simply means that no one is left behind. Each ride had a Lead and a Sweep; the Sweep will make sure that the group stays together and no one gets “dropped”!

Hometown Business Incubator
We have a major project going on in Hometown’s back room – a buildout that includes a new business incubator rental space!

What is a business incubator? Business incubators are organizations that offer startups shared operation space. In short, they offer fledgling young companies a warm, safe place to grow and prosper.

Our incubator will be ideal for:

Business meetings
Networking groups
Fitness classes
Startup churches
Kids programs
Arts/crafts programs and classes

Hometown’s business incubator will be available for hourly rentals. Incubator Sponsorships are now available. If you would like to learn about rental or Sponsorship, contact Dawn at office@myhometownbicycles.com.

Grand Opening coming SOON!

CURRENTLY SEEKING FULL-TIME SERVICE TECHS
Monday-Friday, 9-5

Stop by the shop for an application.

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Cardio Drumming | Wednesdays 6 PM
$5 drop-in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf |Click to learn more

Power 30 | Wednesdays 7 PM
$5 drop in – With Martha Soraruf | Click to learn more

Zumba | Mondays 6 PM & Thursdays 9:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $60” punch card – With Leslie Barrett | Click to learn more

Zumba GOLD | Fridays 9:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Tresa O’Rourke | Click to learn more

intenSati | Sundays 10 AM
$10 drop in – With Dawn Gaden | Click to learn more

Sati Yoga | Saturday 5/11 and Sundays 5/19 and 5/26 9 AM
$10 drop in – With Dawn Gaden | Click to learn more

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 9th birthday, best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle rentals, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike rentals, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Dan Horal, Daniel J. Horal, Dawn Farm Recovery Ride, Dawn Gaden, DJ Joe Ostervik, Do It for Dan Memorial Ride, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, fitness classes, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometown Business Incubator, Hometownies, intenSati, Island Lake Recreation Area, Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day, Jacob Henriksen, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, Memorial Ride, Michigan, PBR Band, Sati Yoga, share the road, Shawn Tyrell, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, TJ Tyrrell, Tom Hermann, Tresa O’Rourke, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

Mother’s Day, Demo Day, and Yoga-Bikes-Beer

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Shaun

(Possibly the world’s sweetest Mum’s Day card, available at cubecure.co.uk)

CELEBRATING THE WONDERFUL WOMEN WHO STARTED IT ALL
It takes a very special sort of someone to start you off on your journey to YOU, and in honor of the moms who set our wheels rolling, Hometown Bicycles is offering an additional 5% on your Mother’s Day Hometown Gift Certificate purchases. That makes your $500 Gift Certificate $525 and your $1,000 turns into $1,050! (Valid today 5/11 through this Sunday 5/13.)

DEMO DAY 2018 WITH HOMETOWN BICYCLES

This year’s Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day, put on by the wonderful folks of the MCMBA, attracted record crowds of over 400 riders and many, many more visitors. Gorgeous weather, eager cyclists, scads of bikes and gear – we’re talking FUN! Shaun and I always make a family affair of it, and what we saw made us extra proud to be Hometownies…

Above: Our Hometown jerseys and t-shirts were EVERYWHERE… and I’m not just talking about riders, either! Our Team stepped up with lightning speed to fill the majority of the MCMBA Demo Day volunteer spots, as well as our Team tent. Registration, food prep, bike corral – you name it, Hometown was there! Thank you, Team, for being so darn awesome!!

Above: Some Team Hometownies even managed to do crossover volunteering, like Leslie here, who represented both Team Hometown and IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol!

Above: Even our Team Sponsors did us proud! Sandy of Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply kept the Demo Day riders well hydrated from her table beside our tent. Yep, it was an event for building connections, strengthening ties, and advancing our sport!

Above: We want to give a special shout out to Team Hometown’s Steve Steinberg, who is not only on the board of the MCMBA, but also chairs this much-loved Demo Day event – clearly with no small measure of success. We’re proud to have such a devoted cycling advocate on our Team. Congrats on a stellar event, Steve!

At this year’s Demo Day, Hometown Bicycles grilled hot dogs and offered other complimentary refreshments to Demo-goers, while collecting donations to be funneled back into the MCMBA. Here, we’re proudly handing Steve that $188 donation to support the growth of Michigan Mountain Biking. It was a feel-good event, all the way around, and we can’t wait to do it again!

TEAM NEWS: HOMETOWN SPANS THE STATE

Boy, was our Team hopping this past weekend! They spanned the State – north, west, southwest, and southeast – with bike-bound adventures, advocacy, and races.

Eight Team members competed in Mud, Sweat & Beers Fat Tire Fest and Mountain Bike Race, with Scott Simpson nabbing a 2nd in single speed. Thanks for spreading the Hometown magic all the way up in Traverse City, Brad Allen, Paul Andres, Mike Dyer, Erik Frasier, Scooter Gates, Kevin Machuga, Jim Thompson, and Scott!

Jack Riddle and Matt Price raced 50 and 100 miles consecutively in West Michigan’s Hellkaat Hundie Gravel Road Race. Special shout out to Matt for taking 1st in the Fat Bike class and 15th overall!

Linc Wehrly represented in the Fort Custer Stampede Mountain Bike Race, known for its unique and exciting trails.

Bike Ypsi Spring Ride was 4 riders richer for the addition of Team Hometown’s Adam Baranski, Joe Ostervik, Jacob Henriksen, and Shannon McKay.

And like I mentioned above, not only was the State awash in the Hometown colors – so, too, was Spring Bike Demo Day 2018, where our Team rocked cycling advocacy with volunteer superstardom and participation!

Now, THAT’s the power of a 103-rider Team, Hometownies. Be proud!

REGISTER FOR MILFORD BIKE FEST: JUNE 2

Here’s an event you’ll want to add to your calendar – the MCMBA’s annual Milford Bike Fest & Trail Challenge!

This year, Hometown Bicycles is proud to be the primary bike shop Sponsor for this event. Our Milford connection, Hometown Service Manager Matt Fitzhorn, will be manning the Hometown tent and participating in the awards and announcements. Come hang out with him and the Hometown Team, while enjoying a beautiful blend of mountain biking, live music, delicious food, and beer!

REGISTER NOW FOR MILFORD BIKE FEST

REGISTER FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: JUNE 23

We know there will be some hats tossed and cartwheels attempted over this latest piece of local news…

Poses, Pedals & Pints: Summer 2018 registration is now open! If you hearken back to last year’s P3 series, the event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of Tocca Massage & Yoga, followed by a leisurely and scenic ride with Hometown, ending with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker. Remember, this event sells out insanely fast!

REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – JUNE 23, 2018

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!

UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

Friday Night Lights
FRIDAY, MAY 11 | 9:00PM (MEET BY 8:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
It’s a different world out there when you’re riding by bike light! We’ll ride the Island Lake trails at an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are fully charged! Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. NOT a beginner ride. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Beginner Friendly Road Ride

MONDAY, MAY 14 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
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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Advanced Skills & Drills

TUESDAY, MAY 15 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Want to learn to ride with a peloton? This ADVANCED, road warrior training is led by our Team racers! You’ll learn and practice: draft lines, hill repeats and intervals. Come ready to work hard. Bring a cadence sensor, speed sensor, and heart rate monitor. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, MAY 15 | 7:00PM (MEET BY 6:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
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!

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Gravel Grinding 101
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 | 6:30PM (MEET BY 6:15PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ride with your Hometown bike guru, CycloDan Tribble! Front and rear light required, as we end at dusk. This ride weaves through and around Island Lake, covering 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads (a few hills just for fun!) at an average 12-13 mph. Expect a “puddle” or two of sand and a few face slappers on the trails this time of year. Nothing our gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle. Skinny tire bikes will NOT work for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Ladies Only Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
THURSDAY, MAY 17 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, come learn beginning mountain bike skills! We’ll tackle the trails in manageable bites, with the empowering support of skilled and supportive Hometown women. We’ll ride together to Island Lake Recreation Area, and focus on taking the fear and uncertainty out of riding the trails! NO DROP. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

CLICK HERE for our 2018 Spring/Summer Daily 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 a high-energy pick-me-up, 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

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt.

~ John Muir

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, Bike Ypsi Spring Ride, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, donation, fitness classes, Fort Custer Stampede Mountain Bike Race, gravel road race, group rides, Happy Mother's Day, Hellkaat Hundie, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bicycles Gift Certificates, Hometownies, IMBA, Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day, Leslie Barrett, Leslie Cook, Martha Soraruf, MCMBA, Michigan, Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge, mountain bike race, mountain biking, Mud Sweat and Beers, National Mountain Bike Patrol, Poses Pedals and Pints, Sandy Rachwal, shop rides, Spring Bike Demo Day, Steve Steinberg, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, volunteers, zumba | Leave a comment »

T-Shirt Competition, Trail C.P.R., and Podiums at Barry

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Shaun

Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Competition

WITH HOMETOWN’S 7TH ANNIVERSARY JUST AROUND THE CORNER, we’ve got some coolness in the works… including a t-shirt art competition for our junior Hometownies! Here’s the scoop…

Have your preschool – 5th grader paint or sketch up a fun and colorful t-shirt design (no larger than 8″ x 8″), that includes the following:

A hand-drawn or hand-painted Hometown logo
The words: “I’m a Jr. Hometownie!” (Mom and Dad can help, if needed)
Any other bicycle-related art that your young Hometownie is inspired to create!

Bring in their entry by Monday, April 10th to proudly display in our Community Room for the rest of the month!

The winner will be announced at our 7th Anniversary event on April 15th (details coming soon!), and their winning design will grace a limited edition run of Jr. Hometownie t-shirts! How cool is that?!?

In addition to bragging rights, your school-age winner will also receive a complimentary Jr. Hometownie t-shirt, and will be featured in our weekly newsletter and website! ALL participants will receive an official Hometown sticker, and be acknowledged on our website. We can’t wait to see what your talented, pint-size Hometownies create!!

(Cute kiddie graphic above courtesy www.clipartfest.com)

JAMIS COUPON FOR CYCLISTS WHO ENTERED BIKEPACKING CONTEST

Okay, so, you didn’t win the pair of Dragonslayers in Jamis’ recent bikepacking contest. But you still get a perk for entering!

Check your email for a special offer from Jamis for 10% off MSRP on up to two new 2017 model Jamis bicycles! Special orders included. Just bring in the unique coupon code provided in your email. What a great opportunity to become part of the Jamis/Hometown family!

TEAM HOMETOWN BIKES THE BARRY

It was another Team Triumph over Ma Nature at last weekend’s Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race!

Placing 2nd overall, 14 Team Hometown riders squelched through muck and cold to a glorious podium finish – only a little over a minute shy of 1st place! Special kudos to riders Mark Lang and Jim Cleer (see above), who took 2nd and 5th consecutively in their age division. Plus a Hometown huzzah to Jack Riddle who, although too under the weather to ride, still made the drive to support his Team. WOW! Awesome job, Team!

HOMETOWN TRAIL C.P.R.

Following what we’ve dubbed The Great Wind Storm of ’17, our shop trails were littered with branches and debris. But with their usual good spirits and can-do attitude, our Team breathed new life into Hometown’s damaged single track.

Thanks, Jean Steinberg (Hometown’s Ride Coordinator), for getting this ball rolling. And Tom Hermann (who spearheaded the effort), you are a total rockstar! Plus a million thanks to the wonderful Team members who rallied to the cause. Come out and ride their handiwork!
(Ed got an early start on trail clean-up – thanks, Ed!)

SPRING SHOP RIDES – COMING SOON!

We’re just waiting for the weather to break to unleash the flood of fantastic shop ride opportunities that you’ll be enjoying this Spring!

Want to start selecting some “must-try”s for your “wanna-ride” list? Click the PDF at left for a printable preview of the awesomeness to come. Details may change – be sure to watch our newsletters and Facebook for ride updates and information. Pedal on, Hometownies, pedal on.

SHAUN EATS ELK

Shaun will be channeling his inner caveman at this weekend’s Brighton Nazarene Church Sportsman’s Banquet, hosted by their Men’s Ministry. Hometown is a proud supporter of this manly, April 1st event which, in turn, supports building projects “that promote community and family”. Two of our favorite things!

The event includes a wild game dinner, raffles, silent auction, and a world-renowned key note speaker. Gentlemen Hometownies, you can join Shaun by ordering tickets at www.thenaz.org or get further details on their Facebook events page.

(Image courtesy Bike Tour Vacations, LLC)

CRAZY HARE-BRAINED TOUR – APRIL 15TH

What a great name! Hometown is thrilled to also be supporting this Michigan cycling event. Hosted by Hometown Winter Clinic Series guest speaker, Bike Tour Vacations, LLC…

“The Crazy Hare-brained Tour is a fundraiser to help cover touring expenses for 3 Northern Michigan University students as they cycle 1,400 miles around Lake Superior in May.

Our event is up to 40 miles of 100% traffic-free trail riding for road bikes, and up to 30 miles of 100% traffic-free dirt riding for mountain bikes. All ages are welcome, 9 a.m. at Atchison Park in New Hudson.”

Winning raffle tickets will be drawn at event sponsor Draught Horse Brew Pub around 1 p.m. CLICK HERE to register for the Crazy Hare-Brained Tour!

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – REGISTRATION FULL!!!

It sure didn’t take long for registration to fill up on this “triathlon” of a different color!

Missed your chance? Don’t worry – it’s looking increasingly likely that this won’t be the last Poses, Pedals & Pints for you to participate in this season! Stay tuned…

SPRING SNOWMAN 5K – CROSS-TRAINING THAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL

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??

Hometown Bicycles Service Tech Jerry Cross

MEET YOUR CREW: JERRY CROSS

If you look up “nice guy” in the dictionary, you’ll spot a photo of skilled Service Tech Jerry. He’s frequently accompanied by his equally likable dog, who customers can’t help but love. Jerry says:

I have been riding bikes since I was five. I started working at a bike shop after I graduated. Bought my first Mountain bike and was instantly hooked. I have completed over 50 races, from 5 to 100 mile rides. Bikes have always been a big part of my life.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – ISLAND LAKE BIKE DEMO DAY

The MCMBA has put a call out for Demo Day volunteers for this wonderfully popular Spring cyclists’ event. (Hometown will be there!) Running May 6th at the ILRA Spring Mill Pond, you can volunteer for everything from setup and registration, to parking and grilling. They write:

The Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day is now in it’s 12th year. This is the second year the event is put on free of charge by the MCMBA. It’s a great chance to talk face to face with people who live the life: building, riding, and maintaining the bikes you want to own. Take a few out for a test ride on the roads and trails at Island Lake, finding the perfect bike or bikes for you.

CLICK HERE to throw your hat into the volunteer ring!

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – THIS SATURDAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST – MEET UP AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES @ 9:45 A.M.
No foolin’ around – this ride is a classic! Join us for an April Fool’s Day adventure through the Island Lakes Badlands on this relaxed pace, NO DROP shop ride. Be prepared to push your bike up a hill or two! This is a Plus/Fat Bike expedition. Not appropriate for “skinny” tires. As always, follow us on Facebook for ride confirmations and updates.

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

I just need to ride my bike.

– Emily Rooney

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 7th Anniversary, art competition, badlands, Barry Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bike repair, bike shop, bike tour, Bike Tour Vacations, bikepacking contest, bikes, bragging rights, Brighton, Brighton Nazaren Church, C.P.R., C.S. Mott's Children's Hospital, community, Community Room, contest, Crazy Hare-Brained Tour, cycling, cyclists, Draught Horse Brew Pub, Eric Hartwell Foundation, family, fat bike friendly ride, fatbike, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown shop rides, Hometownie, Island Lake Recreation Area, Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day, Jack Riddle, Jamis Bicycles, Jamis Bikes, Jean Steinberg, Jim Cleer, junior, kids art contest, manly, Mark Lang, MCMBA, Men's Ministry, Michigan, Northern Michigan University, podium, Poses Pedals and Pints, riders, shop rides, singletrack, Sportsman's Banquet, spring rides, Spring Snowman 5K, students, t-shirts, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Great Wind Storm of '17, the Naz, Tom Hermann, trail, triathlon, volunteers | Leave a comment »

Hometown Bicycles

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Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt.

Since We Opened

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Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

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Fun Emails!

Jamis Demo 5/23 at Island Lake

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Dan’s Memorial Ride, Demo Day & Birthday Gratitude

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Mother’s Day, Demo Day, and Yoga-Bikes-Beer

DEMO DAY 2018 WITH HOMETOWN BICYCLES

TEAM NEWS: HOMETOWN SPANS THE STATE

REGISTER FOR MILFORD BIKE FEST: JUNE 2

REGISTER FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: JUNE 23

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt.

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T-Shirt Competition, Trail C.P.R., and Podiums at Barry

Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Competition

JAMIS COUPON FOR CYCLISTS WHO ENTERED BIKEPACKING CONTEST

TEAM HOMETOWN BIKES THE BARRY

HOMETOWN TRAIL C.P.R.

SPRING SHOP RIDES – COMING SOON!

SHAUN EATS ELK

CRAZY HARE-BRAINED TOUR – APRIL 15TH

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – REGISTRATION FULL!!!

SPRING SNOWMAN 5K – CROSS-TRAINING THAT FEEDS YOUR SOUL

MEET YOUR CREW: JERRY CROSS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – ISLAND LAKE BIKE DEMO DAY

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – THIS SATURDAY

I just need to ride my bike.

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Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!