Inspiration of All Kinds

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Shaun

GIVE YOUR BIKE GURUS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE…
You’re about to read a newsletter brimming over with inspirational content that, in the grand scheme of life, makes the following “ask” seem rather unimportant. But know that your faith in our shop and your – dare-we-say-it? – fanaticism for “the Hometown experience” inspires the *heck* out of US, and that’s no small thing!

So please, take a moment to share your loyalty via a vote or, better still, a stream of votes (you can now VOTE EVERY HOUR!) – in this year’s Vote 4 the Best competition (CLICK HERE).

Voting closes August 13th. Your support means the world to us!

TEAM NEWS: JERSEY TAKEOVER AT TREE FARM

The Novi Tree Farm Relay is a perennial hit with our Team, crew, and customers and, this year, we’re sending four teams of four Team Hometownies on this whirlwind, beginner mountain bike endurance race.

That’s a lotta Hometown jerseys ripping it up on this 10-mile, hill-encrusted, fast course!

Cheer us on this Saturday, July 22nd at Lakeshore Park in Novi, or gather up 3 of your cycling buddies and throw your own helmets into the ring!

(Photo credits: Paula Zimmer)

PAULA’S JOURNEY

Can you remember a profound moment in your life – made more profound for it coming unexpectedly?

Yesterday, I met “profound” at the register in the form of a remarkable customer who was prepping for a cycling journey that had nothing to do with mileage. In our chance conversation, I learned that Paula Zimmer, while successfully battling cancer, lost her husband to the same disease just a year ago. She finds solace in writing and cycling, and is taking her touring bike – a handsome, midnight blue, Jamis Aurora named “Auriel” – East to deliver her husband’s final ashes.

Paula has created a grief blog – a “Glog” – to journal about her metaphorical and cycling journey, and has generously allowed me to share it with you. I suspect it will resonate with many.

I’m particularly honored to have been included in her recent post (yep, I caught that, Paula!) All of us at Hometown wish you the adventure of a lifetime, and success pinning down that elusive “simplicity”.

You can follow Paula’s story HERE and, believe me, it will move you.

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 20, 2017

On the topic of inspirational blogs, here’s the latest from a woman who regularly competed in top-tier IRONMAN races, nearly lost her life after getting hit by a gravel truck, and just nailed a 10 mile run on a “fake knee and femur” because she’s intensely and personally driven to return to IRONMAN:

While training for my October ½ marathon, I need to get in some long runs. So, on Friday, July 14 – a pleasant, sunny, cool-ish (70 degree) day – I decided it was time to re-attempt my 10 mile run, which had been rained out the day before… Earlier, I had received a fabulous secret from one of my Ultra runner friends. (Ultra runners are people who run races longer than a marathon.) This is a great secret for anybody coming back from an injury, or trying to ramp up their mileage (or, in my case, both)! The secret is… READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.

HEATHER’S STORY

We meet the most amazing people at Hometown! Heather Pierson of Body Within Personal Training recently ran a free Fresh Air Fitness class just for Hometownies on our shop’s front lawn, with great results. Her participants finished up stoked and inspired. And we can understand why!

Heather herself has a highly motivating story – clinically obese and unhealthy, Heather not only successfully shed over 70 lbs with the help of the Body Within team, she ultimately became a part of it, so that she could help others make THEIR goals come true!

Watch Heather’s story HERE!

LEARN ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HOMETOWNIE

For you long-time Hometownies out there, the name Jill Gautherat may ring a bell. Jill and her husband Steve took on a 500 mile cycling challenge from Hometown back in 2011… and succeeded!

Jill is now offering classes in Young Living Essential Oils, and is bringing her seminar to Hometown’s Community Room this Sunday, July 23rd from 2pm-3:30pm.

No registration required – everyone is welcome.

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Our Team and Crew marks off the route, leads off and mans the ride, provides on-site SAG support, and also offers bike valet service until 2pm, so you can enjoy the Festival without worrying about your two-wheeled babies!

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/22)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/23)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re bumping up the mileage! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/23)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 remain with their guardian throughout the ride. Be mindful that the trail has several hills and some minimum level of fitness will be helpful to make for a positive experience for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/24)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

Please make sure you have some experience riding the bike you bring to this ride and are comfortable with the way it handles, including basic shifting and braking, for the safety of all. Beyond that, our friendly ride support are delighted to share tips on how to make the hills easier and the flats faster – just ask!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (7/25)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (no Son of Hammerfest this week) (7/26)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Details can be found here.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL WITH HOMETOWN (7/26)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
It’s time to dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (7/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come check out the Thursday Social A.M. Road ride as we hit the back entrance to Island Lake and explore the park roads. The plan this week is to ride 1-1.5 hours at a 10 mph average pace. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

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

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Coming soon!
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

– Mariah-Danu

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, Ashley Knuth, Aurora, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike guru, bike rides, bike shop, bike valet, bikes, blog, Body Within Personal Training, cancer, Cardio Drumming, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride, Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride, Fresh Air Fitness, glog, gravel grinder, group rides, Hammerfest, Heather Pierson, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Melon Festival, inspiration, inspirational, Ironman, Jamis, Jill Gautherat, journey, Leslie Barrett, Martha Soraruf, motivating, motivation, Novi Tree Farm, Paula Zimmer, registration, road ride, shop rides, Slow Roll, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tour de Livingston Prep Ride, touring bike, Tree Farm Relay, Vote 4 the best, yoga, Young Living Essential Oils class, zumba | Leave a comment »

What’s a Yoga-Bike-Beer-athon?

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Shaun

(Hometown Bicycles ran the “Pedals” portion of the event, including bike valet, route design, and quite possibly the world’s best route marking job!)

LAST WEEKEND’S POSES, PEDALS & PINTS WAS A RAGING SUCCESS…
…with an invigorating Vinyasa yoga start courtesy of Tocca Massage & Yoga, a Hometownified fun roll through the subdivisions of Brighton, and a cool pint at Brewery Becker to bring it all home.

Our love and gratitude to the fantastic Team peeps that made this event possible, manning Hometown’s bike valet, keeping participants on course, greeting, registering, you-name-it-they-helped… you are a credit to your jersey!! Thanks, too, to Ride Coordinator Jean for orchestrating the volunteer participation!

(Team Hometown Bicycles raised the awesomeness bar – and a glass – for a job very well done!)

Shout out to Terry McNamara, who took fantastic photos of the event, and is offering them HERE for download, free of charge!

Hometown proudly donated its share of the event proceeds right back to the Yoga Strong Scholarship, founded by Ashley of Tocca, that annually supports the collegiate ambitions of highly driven female athletes from Brighton High School.

(Give this gal a hug! Ashley Knuth, owner of Tocca Massage & Yoga and founder of Poses, Pedals & Pints, kicked it all off with the yoga portion of the event.)

Missed out? You’ll be SO glad to know that we’re already planning a September 30th revisit for Poses, Pedals & Pints. Stay alert – when registration opens, spots will go fast!

(Team Hometownie Marilyn – left – greeted participants at the door of the gorgeous Brewery Becker of Downtown Brighton, owned by Brewmaster Matt Becker – right – and wife Christina. What a perfect location for this event!)

SPRING SNOWMAN PUTS A SPRING IN ADAM’S STEP

Adam, congratulations, you’ve won… (cue Bob Barker) A NEW BIKE!!!
For the past several emails, you’ve seen us promote the Spring Snowman Run/Walk. It’s hosted annually by the Eric Hartwell Foundation, a remarkable organization created by the much-loved 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.”

We’ve donated a bicycle to this deeply worthy event for years now. Our congrats this year goes to Walled Lake’s Adam Shinabarger, who is head-over-heels for his new ride! Welcome to the Hometown and Jamis families, Adam. We wish you many, many miles of adventures!

And congrats, too, to the Eric Hartwell Foundation for another phenomenal event! Your next chance to win a bike will be at next year’s race on May 12, 2018. Start training!

THIS SUNDAY: ISLAND LAKE CHALLENGE MTB RACE

If Island Lake is your mountain biking mothership, the Island Lake Challenge Mountain Bike Race on Sunday, May 21st is SO for you!! You’ll be lapping the locally-loved Yellow Loop for a chance to win home-turf bragging rights. Be sure to keep a weather eye out for the unmissable Team Hometown jerseys. We wouldn’t miss an opportunity to race in our own backyard!

MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

Hot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

This June 3rd event gives you a day of family-friendly trail/path riding, guided rides (new this year!), live music, food, raffles, and beer. It’s only $20 pre-registered or $25 day-of, with all proceeds benefitting the MCMBA, which VERY actively preserves, protects, and promotes our local parks and mountain bike trails. That’s a worthwhile cause we’re proud to support!

CLICK for details or to register now!

(Images at left courtesy Rocco Mularoni)

MEET THE CREW: ROCCO MULARONI

Rocco is another returning rockstar, who’s stepping up this summer to co-lead our Service Department to new and glorious heights. With a heart of gold and strong family values, Rocco is an extremely welcome addition to our Hometown Crew. Rocco says:

I’ve been riding bikes since kindergarten, when I used to spend weekends at Waterford Oaks racing BMX. My dad got me into mountain biking around that time as well and I always enjoyed riding with him. Sports began consuming most of my time, with football, hockey, and lacrosse so I had less time for riding. In high school I was playing football and lacrosse for Detroit Catholic Central. Senior year I decided to drop football and was looking for something else, so I picked up mountain biking again and have only gotten more passionate since. I am playing lacrosse at Hope College now, but still enjoy getting on my road or mountain bike as often as possible. Besides bikes I also enjoy working on cars, a skill that I learned from countless late nights in the garage with my dad. I love working at Hometown because it allows me to work on bikes which I’ve always loved, and it allows me to do it with some of my closest friends which is even better.

(This Friday Night Lights GoPro video came by way of Kevin Machuga – thanks, Kevin! No FNL this week, but we meet up again next Friday for a night loop of Brighton Rec – stay tuned!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL RIDE (5/18)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

NO FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Join our Brighton Rec night ride next week!

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (5/21)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
Scenic, very HILLY dirt roads with a few miles of pavement for connectors. Expect to venture across a changing route of 25 to 40 miles at a 13 – 15 mph pace. (Did I mention it was hilly?) All types of bikes are welcome on this NO DROP RIDE. Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (5/21)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. Expect to venture out past Island Lake throughout the season to Brighton’s Murray Lake, Milford, Maybury, and Waterloo’s DTE Trail. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season! Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail with the Hometown crew. NO DROP RIDE.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/22)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a NO DROP Beginner Friendly road ride. We’ll be traveling the Island Lakes park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back. ~ 12 – 15 miles. Sound like too much for you? No worries – there will be an early turn-back option for a little less mileage. Bring a light if you have one, though we’re not expecting to need them. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (5/23)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (5/24)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

THURSDAY MORNING SOCIAL RIDE (5/25)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

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

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays at 9:00AM (starting June 16)
$10 class fee – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles ZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

Not all those who wander are lost.

– J.R.R. Tolkien

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Adam Shinabarger, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike shop, bike valet, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, cycling, cyclists, Eric Hartwell Foundation, fitness classes, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Island Lake Challenge MTB Race, Jamis, Jean Steinberg, jersey, livingston county, Matt and Christina Becker, MCMBA, Michigan, Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge, Pedals and Pints, Poses, Ride Coordinator, Rocco Mularoni, shop rides, Spring Snowman 5K, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, vinyasa yoga, volunteers, yellow loop | Leave a comment »

Mom’s Day Giveaways, Stampedes, and Bikes and Brews in Brighton

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Shaun

THIS SUNDAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU…
Moms are multi-tasking, multi-faceted, multi-dimensional, and multi-talented rockstars. Am I tooting my own horn? Probably, but the point is that the mom in your life deserves royal treatment this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14th), and we’re going to help!

This Sunday, moms will enjoy flowers and refreshments, compliments of your Hometown crew. There’ll be t-shirt give-aways. AND, the first 20 bikes purchased by or for a mom come with a COMPLIMENTARY Hometown Bicycles Mother’s Day package, which includes a cycle computer, safety light, bottle cage, water bottle, and seat bag at NO ADDITIONAL COST.

You have done and continue to do so much for us, moms – this is just our way of saying we love you, we appreciate you, and we want you to have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

TODAY: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

If you’re on the fence about whether to try a tri, are new to the tri community, or are simply eager to pick up tips from a pro, this info-gathering clinic is for you! NO CHARGE!

CLICK TO ATTEND TRIATHLON 101 WITH AMY GLUCK
Thursday, May 11th at 6pm in the Community Room

THE TEAM REPRESENTS AT MUD, SWEAT & BEERS

Mud, Sweat & Beers Fat Tire Fest and Mountain Bike Race. As their website notes: “The name of our race says it all: get ready to be sweaty.”

Team Hometown’s Paul Andres, Scooter Gates, Mike Dyer, and Scott Simpson all expended some serious electrolytes in the pursuit of personal goals and podium time. Congrats to Scott Simpson, for a well-earned 3rd in his division! And thanks to all for taking our Team up to beautiful Traverse City!

A TEAM TRIUMPHANT AT FORT CUSTER STAMPEDE

“Stampede” in the Fort Custer Stampede Mountain Bike Race would seem to reference Team Hometown’s en masse charge to the podium last weekend! Olga “The Romanian Rocket” Negrut placed 2nd in her division, Doug Queener took a sweet 3rd in his, and Roger Pelkey nabbed 2nd place with his swift ride! Shout out, too, to Justin Ham who made solid headway in a super challenging Expert class.

LOOK FOR US THIS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN BRIGHTON!

Do you remember, from earlier newsletters, a little something called Poses, Pedals & Pints? It’s a dream triathlon of yoga, cycling, and beer, and it’s happening this Saturday morning (5/13) in Downtown Brighton. Look for these fun, “smurf” blue event t-shirts (see above) stretching, cycling, and sipping at Brewery Becker!

Hometown’s running the cycling portion, and manning the event with Team volunteers. If you’re at the Farmer’s Market, stop by our tent and say “hello!” Helmet tip to event founder, Tocca Massage & Yoga, and co-sponsors Brewery Becker, Ceo Wilson Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Financial Architects, Inc., Lake Trust Credit Union (a personal fave of ours), and Kensington Valley Varsity.

Missed registration? Don’t despair! Plans are underway for future remixes – stay tuned!

DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A FIRST CLASS BIKE DEMO??

We sure did this past Saturday, at the MCMBA’s 12th Annual Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day! With a powerhouse combo of Crew and Team (thanks, volunteers!), we made all sorts of new friends and reconnected with old ones. Our Jamis and Framed demo bikes were put through their paces, and got a lotta love from happy cyclists.

Our top kudos to Team Hometown Bicycles’ Steve Steinberg, who chaired this whopper of an MCMBA event. Well ran, Steve… well ran.

MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

Hot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

CLICK for details or to register now!

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY COMPETITION WINNER

This week, Hometown was a super-geeked Sponsor of Howell Parks & Rec’s Bike to School Day competition, in which Howell elementary schools competed to see who could rally the largest number of students to bike into school Wednesday morning.

Our congrats to Northwest Elementary, which took home the gold with 160 student cyclists. Doesn’t that just make your heart sing?! The future of cycling is looking good, indeed!

Spencer Elementary of Brighton Annual Live Auction and Carnival Fundraiser
(Images courtesy Lisa Sanzica)

SUPERHERO SUCCESS STORY AT SPENCER

Last week, I talked about Hometown’s support of my own elementary alma mater at their “Calling All Superheroes” 29th Annual Live Auction & Spring Carnival.

Since Hometown was running full bore at Demo Day, our Spencer insider, Lisa Sanzica, kindly shared the photos above (thanks, Lisa!), and informed us that the event was an unmitigated success, with a flood of dollars and support for “cultural enrichment programs, field trips, monthly assemblies and updating our playground area.”

Congratulations, Spencer Elementary of Brighton, on a fantastic event, and thanks for allowing us to be a part of your success!

(This is everyone, sans CycloDan – I promise to Photoshop you in as soon as I get the chance, Dan!)

YOUR HOMETOWN CREW HAS GROWN…

Our Crew is blooming right along with the Spring greenery! Get ready to meet new additions and spot familiar faces over the coming newsletters. Let’s start with a Hometown legend…

MEET THE CREW: TIM BART

Tim became part of the Hometown family a-WAYYYYYYYYYY back in early 2013. Even back then, he was one of our customers’ favorites – a fact that hasn’t changed in the passing years. Despite his intense scholastic career as a full time engineering student, Tim has found his way back home to Hometown for the summer. You’ll spot him on the floor, being just as much of a stellar resource to our customers as he ever was. Tim says:

Cycling started for me as a mountain biking hobby that sounded like a fun thing to do with my brother. He took me into Hometown to get my first mountain bike and I left that trip with an awesome new bike, and an awesome new job! This led to an obsession to all things bikes and a lifestyle to include cycling as a major part. Through the group rides, the training grind, and the races, Hometown has been by my side and I am proud to call myself part of the Hometown crew and community!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (5/12)
8:45PM (meet at 8:30) from Hometown Bicycles
Bring your lights for this mountain bike ride, as we’ll be dashing through the dark at times. This lively crew will be night cycling Island Lake from Hometown Bicycles and complete the 16 miles in 1.5 hours. They like to change up the scenery, so watch the Hometown Bicycles Newsletter and Facebook for future weekly start location.

NO SATURDAY RIDE – We’ll be at Poses, Pedals & Pints!

NO SUNDAY RIDES – Mother’s Day, but our shop is still open!

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/15)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a NO DROP Beginner Friendly road ride. We’ll be traveling the Island Lakes park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back. ~ 12 – 15 miles. Sound like too much for you? No worries – there will be an early turn-back option for a little less mileage. Bring a light if you have one, though we’re not expecting to need them. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (5/16)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (5/17)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

THIS WEEKEND! SPRING SNOWMAN 5K

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??

(Image courtesy Tocca Massage & Yoga. Shout-out to loyal Hometownies Fred & Kelly [middle and right]!)

COMING SOON! YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Good news for your overworked, under appreciated cycling muscles – Ashley of Tocca Massage & Yoga is bringing her insanely popular Vinyasa Yoga class back to Hometown!

Held in our Community Room, this 3-week, Friday morning fun class starts June 16th at 9am. It’s all about dynamic movement and stretching, not perfection and freaky, double-jointed pretzeling. Whether it’s your first or 500th class, you’ll gain immeasurable benefit from this ancient art made user-friendly. $10 per class.

CLICK HERE to register or email ashley@toccamassage.com.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

– Susan Sontag

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, beer, bicycle repair, bicycle sales, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, Bike Demo, bike shop, Bike to School Day, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, carnival, Ceo Wilson Agency, CS Motts Childrens Hospital, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan, Demo day, Doug Queener, Downtown Brighton, family friendly, Farm Bureau Insurance, fat tire, Financial Architects Inc, Fort Custer Stampede, framed bikes, Fred Purol, Friday Night Lights, Gravel Grinding 101, group rides, guided rides, Hammerfest, Happy Mother's Day, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown crew, Hometownies, Howell, Howell Area Parks and Rec Authority, Island Lake, Jamis, Justin Ham, Kelly Popa, Kensington Valley Varsity, Lake Trust Credit Union, Lisa Sanzica, live auction, livingston county, love, MCMBA, Michigan, mike dyer, Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge, mountain bike race, mountain bike ride, mountain bikes, Mud Sweat and Beers, Northwest Elementary, Olga Negrut, Paul Andres, podium, Poses Pedals and Pints, registration, road bikes, road ride, Roger Pelkey, Scooter Gates, Scott Simpson, shop rides, smurf blue, Son of Hammerfest, Spencer Elementary, sponsors, sponsorship, Spring Snowman 5K, Steve Steinberg, success, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Romanian Rocket, Tim Bart, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Traverse City, triathletes, Triathlon 101 Clinic, triathlons, vinyasa yoga, yoga | Leave a comment »

Huge Bike Demo This Weekend + Kids Self Defense

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Shaun

Visit Us at Island Lake Demo Day

IT’S A CYCLISTS’ PLAYGROUND – OF COURSE WE’LL BE THERE!!
Hometown’s headed to Island Lake this Saturday, May 6th from 10am-5pm, to participate in what has become “one of the largest demo events in the region” – the MCMBA’s Spring Bike Demo Day. From their site:

Started in 2006 by local industry veteran James Knight, the Island Lake Spring Bike Demo is now in its 12th year bringing the best bikes in the market to your trail. 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. 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.

There will be noise. There will be cycling enthusiasts. There will be a sea of bicycles. There will be demo-ing. And there will definitely be Hometown, with a fleet of Jamis and Framed demo bikes for you to test on the familiar trails of ILRA.

CLICK HERE for all the awesome Demo Day details. Can’t wait to see you there!

MAY 9 & 11: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINICS WITH AMY GLUCK

Let’s be real, here… a good majority of cyclists flirt with the idea of triathlons. They may or may not admit it to anyone, but there is something inherently intriguing about spanning the sports in one, body-and-mind-challenging event.

Hometown’s Amy Gluck has a history in IRONMAN competition, and is back in triathlon training following a life-altering accident. With her background in health and nutrition, an IRONMAN Coaching Certification, and a head-over-heels passion for tri’s, Amy is the perfect person to kick off this newest Hometown clinic.

If you’re on the fence about whether to try a tri, are new to the tri community, or are simply eager to pick up tips from a pro, this info-gathering clinic is for you! NO CHARGE and two days to choose from!

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TRIATHLON 101 WITH AMY GLUCK
Tuesday, May 9th at 6pm – OR – Thursday, May 11th at 6pm
(in the Hometown Bicycles Community Room)

(Images on left courtesy Meghan Terbush)

MEET THE CREW: MEGHAN TERBUSH

Meghan recently joined us, with her online expertise and mad photography ‘skillz’, as Hometown’s official Social Media Guru. Instantly likable and talented to the Nth degree, you’ll spot Meghan – also a gung-ho Team Hometownie – snapping pics for Hometown’s Facebook and NEW Instagram page at many of our rides and events! Meghan says…

I am proud to be a Hometownie! Biking is one of my favorite ways to be active and be engrossed in nature. The first time I learned to ride on two wheels was in my backyard when I was five, wearing a dress. It’s safe to say I’ve learned from my mistakes.

I am a road biker, gravel rider and mountain biker (just getting back into it). I enjoy doing different races and fun rides with my family and friends. One of the greatest things about biking to me is when I am flying down hills with the wind in my face or after completing challenging courses and doing better each time.

KIDS’ SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN

We’ve hosted some remarkable classes, clinics, and programs at our shop, but this easily qualifies as one of the most inherently rewarding.

Instructor Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy, is running a 4-week children’s self defense class in our Community Room for a group of local elementary students. His messages are skillfully adapted to his young audience, and we’ve been blown away by the practical and in-depth information and hands-on training he provides. Expect to see more of Ian at Hometown – his training spans all ages and genders and is relevant to every one of us.

SUPPORTING SUPERHEROES AT SPENCER

You know we love supporting local, family-friendly events, but here’s one that particularly pushes my nostalgia button, since I’m a long-ago graduate of this Brighton elementary school – “Calling All Superheroes” 29th Annual Spencer Elementary Auction and Spring Carnival.

“This event serves as our main fundraiser each year and benefits our children, teachers, and school community by providing funds for our cultural enrichment programs, field trips, monthly assemblies and updating our playground area.”

Join us in supporting this integral part of our local youth Community, or simply learn more about the event by clicking HERE.

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL ROAD RIDE (or coffee at the shop!) (5/4)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Weather pending, our Social Road ride will hit the back entrance to Island Lake to explore the park roads. (If it rains, join us for a steaming hot coffee and friendly conversation at the shop!) The plan this week is to ride 1-1.5 hours at a 10 mph average pace. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride.

SATURDAY BEGINNER ROAD RIDE (5/6)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start out aiming for 10 – 15 miles and expand as the weeks roll by. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. Weather could go either way, so be sure to check on Facebook for a pre-ride update!

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER (5/7)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Twp Hall
This week’s gravel ride along beautiful, rolling, country roads, will ease you in with a shorter, flatter route than normal, and ~ 3 miles of pavement (large shoulder on about half). Expect to venture across 29 miles with a 13-15 mph, NO-DROP pace. All bikes are welcome. Meet in lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive): 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (5/7)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. We’ll ride to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of singletrack. Save 1.5 hours of your day to ride with the Hometown crew. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. **Location will rotate in future – check on start locations weekly**

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/8)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a NO DROP Beginner Friendly road ride. We’ll be traveling the Island Lakes park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back. ~ 12 – 15 miles. Sound like too much for you? No worries – there will be an early turn-back option for a little less mileage. Bring a light if you have one, though we’re not expecting to need them. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (5/9)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (5/10)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
Rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!

Travel far enough,
you meet yourself.

– David Mitchell

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, beginner road ride, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bike rides, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Calling All Superheroes, clinic, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride, facebook, family friendly, Framed, gravel grinder, gravel grinding, group rides, Hammerfest, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownie, Ian Kinder, ILRA, Instagram, Ironman, Island Lake, Jamis, kids self defense, Live Safe Academy, livingston county, local, MCMBA, Meghan Terbush, Michigan, Roadrunners, shop rides, Social Media Guru, social road ride, Son of Hammerfest, Spencer Elementary, Spring Bike Demo Day, Team Hometown Bicycles, Triathlon 101 | Leave a comment »

Hometown Bicycles

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Fun Emails!

Since We Opened

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Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Apply for Financing

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

Inspiration of All Kinds

TEAM NEWS: JERSEY TAKEOVER AT TREE FARM

PAULA’S JOURNEY

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 20, 2017

HEATHER’S STORY

LEARN ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HOMETOWNIE

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

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MEET THE CREW: ROCCO MULARONI

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Not all those who wander are lost.

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Mom’s Day Giveaways, Stampedes, and Bikes and Brews in Brighton

TODAY: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

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DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A FIRST CLASS BIKE DEMO??

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BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY COMPETITION WINNER

SUPERHERO SUCCESS STORY AT SPENCER

YOUR HOMETOWN CREW HAS GROWN…

MEET THE CREW: TIM BART

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THIS WEEKEND! SPRING SNOWMAN 5K

COMING SOON! YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

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Huge Bike Demo This Weekend + Kids Self Defense

Visit Us at Island Lake Demo Day

MAY 9 & 11: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINICS WITH AMY GLUCK

MEET THE CREW: MEGHAN TERBUSH

KIDS’ SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN

SUPPORTING SUPERHEROES AT SPENCER

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

Travel far enough, you meet yourself.

Share this:

Like this:

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!

Travel far enough,
you meet yourself.