Countdown to Tour de Livingston: THREE DAYS!

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Shaun

It’s HERE! Our Favorite Event of the Year!

2019 Tour de Livingston

** NOTE: Because the Hometown crew will be at Tour, shop hours for Sunday 10/6 are Noon-5 PM **

October is here — a gorgeous month for cycling in Michigan! And what better way to enjoy a Sunday in October than to join us for the MOST AWESOME cycling event, Tour de Livingston!

Hometown loves, loves, loves this event, and has been its Major Bike Shop Sponsor since the beginning!

We will be there to provide bike support, to ride, and to man our much-loved bike corral, where riders can leave their bikes while they enjoy the food and festivities indoors. Be sure to stop by the Hometown Bicycles tent on Tour day for any/all of your cycling needs!

We have also donated the Jamis bike you see here! The bike giveaway will take place during announcements between 7:50-8:00 AM. You don’t want to miss this!

Tour de Livingston is a fully supported ride that includes hospitality tents, a full breakfast, snacks along the route, and a hearty meal prepared by the chef at Mt. Brighton.

All proceeds from this event help to: bridge the gap for local hardworking families struggling to meet their most basic needs via the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Programs. Since its start in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the community’s most critical needs. The Tour de Livingston is organized and run by the Howell Rotary Club.

Check out the schedule!

Registration Starts at 7:00 am

Course Opens at 8:00 am

Breakfast is Served 7:00 am – 9:00 am
* All riders must report to Mt. Brighton for packet pickup and breakfast

Announcements and Bike Giveaway (donated by Hometown!) at 7:50 am – 8:00 am

Group Start 8:00 am
* All riders must start by 9:00 am

Lunch is Served from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

GM Proving Grounds closes by 12:00 pm

Century Ride Celebration (100 Mile Riders) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

* Please Note that All Rider Services End at 5:00 pm

All Riders MUST wear a bicycling helmet

Location:
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, 4141 Bauer Road, Brighton

Check out the routes!

FAMILY FUN LOOP, ISLAND LAKE ROUTE & RECREATIONAL RIDES
An easy novice route consisting of paved bike paths, low to no traffic and neighborhoods. Some routes with ice cream shops near the halfway point. Estimated 5,10 or 20 miles.

ISLAND LAKE ROUTE
This is bike-friendly with paths and park roadways within Island Lake and Kensington. Great for families, beginners, or those that prefer to ride on roads less traveled. Routes will include 5, 10, and 20-mile options with hospitality stops every 6 miles. Island Lake route riders must register at Mt. Brighton, drive to Island Lake for ride and return to Mt. Brighton for lunch.

EXPERT ROAD BIKE ROUTES
Spend the day enjoying the countryside of Livingston County. Three different expert level loops begin and end at Mt. Brighton. Choose from 38-mile Parks Loop, 62-mile Metric Century, or combine to ride a Century Route. All distances are approximate!

NEW THIS YEAR
GRAVEL GRINDER ROUTES
New this year, our Gravel Grinder routes to “Hell and Back” will consist of 2 routes approximately 36 miles and 50 miles from Mt. Brighton to Hell, Michigan. These routes will take you on paved and unpaved gravel roads and will inspire the adventure seeker in you!

We look forward to seeing YOU there!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle ride, bicycles, bike ride, bikes, cycling, cyclists, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Rotary, Jamis Bikes, Livingston County United Way, Tour de Livingston | Leave a comment »

Milford Bike Fest & Take a Kid Mountain Biking THIS WEEKEND!

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Shaun

Milford Bike Fest THIS SATURDAY!
Registration begins at 7 AM!
MCMBA brings you the Milford Bike Fest and Trail Challenge, an exciting day exploring the trails of Milford and enjoying live music at Main Street Grill & Tavern. This event is not a race; all skill levels are welcome!

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. It will be split into two groups; a spirited pace of 15 mph and a no-drop group ride at a pace of 10 mph.

Event proceeds will benefit future trail maintenance by the MCMBA.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day!
THIS SUNDAY, June 2 from 10 AM – 2 PM
Brighton Recreation Area, Sandhill Pavilion (Trailhead at Bishop Lake Parking Lot)

Poto MBA Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day is held to encourage communities to join together and get kids excited about riding our amazing trails. Let’s build passion for mountain biking!

The event is FREE for all ages to come have fun and bike on the two-mile beginner Appleton Lake Loop trail. Guided trail rides and a bike skills course will be available. Parents should plan on riding with their children. Please bring your own bikes, helmets and appropriate footwear.

Hometown Bicycles will be assisting with free bicycle and helmet checks. We’re excited to have a fantastic day with you and your kids!

JAMIS DEMO DAY WAS BEYOND COOL!

Jamis Bikes and Hometown Bicycles are a formidable team!
On Thursday 5/23, Hometown teamed up with Jamis to co-host an awesomely fun Demo Day at Island Lake State Recreation Area. It was a gorgeous, sunny day for the latest 3VO Suspension bikes to be on site! We were nonstop with demos, totaling about 30 riders… and everyone was impressed with this new, exciting bike technology!

Family Day at Settlers Park
Saturday, June 8 from 10 AM – 2 PM
We’re enthusiastically teaming up with Team Hometown Bicycles Sponsor, Kevin Brennan with Michigan Financial Planning, to bring you this FREEfamily-friendly event! Stop by for hot dogs and guided bike rides, and see what Settlers Park is all about!

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.

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!

Brighton Optimist Club Bike Decorating Contest and Parade – Thurs., July 4 at 8 AM

Decorate your bike at home, or bring your bike and decorations to Hometown between Saturday 6/29 and Wednesday 7/3. You can bring your bike with you on the 4th of July, or decorate it and leave it at our shop to be delivered for you to the contest site on the 4th! Judging starts at 9:15 AM with awards immediately following. And then it’s Parade time at 10 AM!

Read all about it and SIGN UP HERE!

Did you know we have a Trade In/Trade Up Program for kids?

Kids grow FAST!
Trade in your child’s bike and receive 50% of your original purchase price toward the cost of a new bike, as your child grows into bigger bikes. Stop by the shop for details!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 3VO Suspension, 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, Brighton Fishing Derby, Brighton Optimist Club, Brighton Recreation Area, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Gaden, Family Day at Settlers Park, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, fitness classes, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, intenSati, Island Lake Recreation Area, Jamis Bikes, Jamis Demo Day, Kevin Brennan, kids bike trade in program, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, MCMBA, Michigan, Michigan Financial Planning, Milford Bike Fest and Trail Challenge, shop rides, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tresa O’Rourke, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

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

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 »

Bike Lights Clinic & Promo, 2019 Jamis are IN, and Shaun goes Golfing

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Shaun

Of course you do!! Be the first to drop by and put these hardtail beauties through their paces! Think “cutting edge trail tracking”… AND “coolest kid on the block!”
(Above: Jamis Highpoint in Teal Fo’ Real)

Bike Lights Clinic and Night Ride – 10/5 at 7pm!

YOU’RE INVITED to a special bike lights clinic, demo, promotion, and group night ride right here at Hometown on Friday, October 5th at 7:00pm!

Whether you’re new to night rides, or are interested in scoping out the latest advances in bike light technology, you’ll learn all sorts of fascinating tips and trivia, with the opportunity to put it all to the test at the accompanying ALL-Levels Night Ride!

Clinic starts at 7pm, covering the what, where, when, why and how of bike lights and night riding. Chances look good that we’ll also have a surprise guest speaker join in with some expert insights!

You’ll have some hands-on time with all of the light options, and can make this-night-only purchases at discount (including special orders)… and then you’re ALL invited to test out your new shiners on an 8:30pm Night Ride, leaving from the shop and heading into the beautiful world of Island Lake after dark. All levels welcome, no drop ride!

Let us know you’re coming!!

October 7th: Tour de Livingston 2018

We’re less than 2 weeks away from Hometown’s, hands-down-favorite, local ride – the scenic and sensational Tour de Livingston! With distances ranging from 5 to 100 miles, routes that cover the prettiest parts of Livingston County during peak fall color, and the opportunity to ride GM Proving Grounds, this Howell Rotary fundraiser for Livingston County United Way is an absolute must-ride!

REGISTER NOW, hang at the Hometown tent & ride with us!!

Team News: Teaming up and pushing limits

On September 15th, an impressive 14 Hometownies rode Triple Trail Challenge at Pinckney Rec. Kudos to Paul Andres, John Comella, Leslie Cook, Keith Cowger, Mike Dyer, Erik Frazier, Robin Fry, Scott Gates, Jacob Henriksen, Olga Negrut, Roger Pelky, Steve Steinberg, Jim Thompson and John Wyatt for a great showing. Our very own Trail Build Master, Tom Hermann, showed up to cheer them and Poto Chapter on!

Then in Cadillac, Michigan on September 22nd, Erik Frazier placed 5th in the Bear Claw Epic Mountain Bike Race. Way to rock the trails, Erik!

Team members Nancy and Mike Kessler (right) took Hometown on the Marquette trails…

… and had this to say: “The trails in Marquette are an ENTIRELY different kind of beast than what we have here. Hard, gnarly, even on ‘easier’ trails. It’s insane.” Good thing this couple loves a challenge!

Shaun of Hometown Bicycles golfing at Kensington Metro Park

And, ummm, Shaun goes golfing?!

You know it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood when our fearless leader dons his best Hometown golf attire and hits the course. On September 14th, Shaun and father-in-law, Fred, partnered with a third – avid golfer, Brian from Ann Arbor – for the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic at Kensington Metropark. Hometown was proud to sponsor this event, which supports the parks that our cyclists love to ride!

“You should have seen [Brian’s] face when he found out I had never golfed before,”Shaun said with his trademark devilish grin. (Poor Brian.)

This golf classic to benefit the Metroparks Foundation featured former Detroit Red Wings player, Darren McCarty, and Detroit Red Wings National Anthem singer,Karen Newman. And, yes, Shaun got to meet both!

Hometown Bicycles donated a Jamis Durango Sport bicycle for the live auction.

When asked how he felt about his first foray into the world of golf, Shaun said,
“I kinda sorta liked it!”

Kem Krest Wellness Fair welcomes Hometown!

Partnering with local businesses that put a high value on the health and wellness of their employees is HUGE for Hometown. We love a company that loves its staff.

On September 20th, Shaun headed off to Kem Krest to participate in their annual Wellness Fair. Over 200 employees stopped by the fair to check out the various vendors and classes taking place. Shaun wowed them with a fat tire bike demo and showed off some other awesome bikes.

Thank you, Kem Krest, for making Hometown Bicycles part of your team!

Your Invitation to Ladies Night Out

OCTOBER 16TH • 6-9PM • AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Changing of the seasons, kids back in school… who really needs an excuse anyway to get together with the girls for a night of pampering, empowerment, and fun??

Us gals at Hometown have cooked up another exciting Ladies Night Out on October 16th from 6-9pm, and this one’s themed around how to respect all of the hard work you put in over the summer to stay fit and healthy… by maintaining it with indoor AND outdoor winter cycling!

The Overview
We’ll be closing the shop early on October 16th at 6pm to start your evening off with a relaxing, 30-minute, Hatha yoga session, courtesy of licensed yogi, Stacy Mulka, plus stress-melting chair massages with Shannon Rau.

Shaun will follow up with a couple mini-clinics on bicycle trainers – what they are, how they work, and how to get the best workout on them – and the skinny on fat bikes – what they are, what they can do, and why women are falling in love with them!!

Enjoy wine and munchies, as we bring you inspiration and motivation in the form of personal stories shared by fantastic Hometownies… women just like you who have overcome obstacles, set goals, and made dreams come true.

Round out your evening with a complimentary goodie bag brimming with awesomeness, and browsing and shopping some of the fabulous vendors whose creations you have fallen in love with from our gifts & novelties area.

$30 pre-registration

REGISTER NOW or at our shop!

Another successful Poses, Pedals & Pints!

Poses, Pedals & Pints was held at downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker on September 16th. Beginner-friendly yoga kicked off the day, followed by a scenic, recreational bike ride with our wonderful team. Participants chose from either 4 or 8 miles. The day wrapped up with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker.

Amazing job, Team! We are so proud of you for representing Hometown and being all-around helpful! The weather was perfectly perfect and everyone had a wonderful time.

Thank you to Ashley Knuth with Tocca Massage & Yoga for her tireless efforts in coordinating P3. Over $500 was raised for the Knuth Family Foundation to support young athletes with scholarship awards.

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Our Shop Rides are open to the public, and span the cycling spectrum from beginner to advanced, road to trail, and everything in between. FOR ALL RIDES, please arrive 15 minutes early! Don’t miss one moment of fun!

(**Note: As the days shorten, our Summer rides are coming to a close. No tears!! We’ll be starting up our Iceman Training and Fat Bike shop rides shortly – stay tuned!! Always confirm rides in advance on our Facebook events page. Rides, times, and locations may sometimes vary!)

Ladies’ Road Ride | Level: Novice & Up
*** FINAL RIDE FOR THE 2018 SEASON ON 10/2 ***

TUESDAYS, 6:15PM | FROM HOMETOWN | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Advanced Skills & Drills Road Ride | Level: Intermediate/Advanced

*** FINAL RIDE FOR THE 2018 SEASON ON 10/2 ***
TUESDAYS, 6PM | FROM HOMETOWN | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Gravel Grinding 101 | Level: Novice & Up

WEDNESDAYS, 5:45PM | FROM HOMETOWN | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Ladies Only Mountain Bike Ride | Level: Novice & Up

*** FINAL RIDE FOR THE 2018 SEASON ON 10/4 ***

THURSDAYS, 6PM | FROM HOMETOWN | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Friday Night Lights Trail Ride | Level: Intermediate/Advanced

FRIDAYS, 8:30PM | FROM HOMETOWN | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Saturday Century Training Ride | Level: Novice & Up

*** FINAL RIDE FOR THE 2018 SEASON ON 9/29 ***

SATURDAYS, 11AM | FROM HOMETOWN | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Sunday Gravel Grinder | Level: Intermediate/Advanced

SUNDAYS, 9AM | VARIES | Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride | Level: Novice & Up

*** FINAL RIDE FOR THE 2018 SEASON ON 9/30 ***
SUNDAYS, 4:30PM | VARIES | Find ride details and updates HERE!

*** Fun fact: WE RENT BIKES! ***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Cardio Drumming | Wendesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop-in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf | Click to learn more

Hatha Yoga | Thursdays at 10:45AM
$8 drop in per class – With Stacy Mulka | 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

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

Life’s a climb, but the view is great.

(Especially when the view includes a certain photobomber…)

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinic, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinic, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, charity golf, cycling, cyclists, fitness classes, golfing, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Howell Rotary, Jamis Bikes, Jamis Highpoint, kem krest, Knuth Family Foundation, ladies night out, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Livingston County United Way, Marquette trails, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Mike and Nancy Kessler, night ride, Poses Pedals and Pints, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tour de Livingston, zumba | Leave a comment »

Hometown Bicycles

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Countdown to Tour de Livingston: THREE DAYS!

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Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Write a Review

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

Countdown to Tour de Livingston: THREE DAYS!

Share this:

Milford Bike Fest & Take a Kid Mountain Biking THIS WEEKEND!

Share this:

Jamis Demo 5/23 at Island Lake

Share this:

Bike Lights Clinic & Promo, 2019 Jamis are IN, and Shaun goes Golfing

Bike Lights Clinic and Night Ride – 10/5 at 7pm!

October 7th: Tour de Livingston 2018

Kem Krest Wellness Fair welcomes Hometown!

Your Invitation to Ladies Night Out

Share this:

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count