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    Brighton, MI 48116
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And the Taste of Brighton bicycle goes to…

Hometown Bicycles at the 2018 A Taste of Brighton in Downtown Brighton, Michigan
MEMORY-MAKING AT “A TASTE OF BRIGHTON” & JULY JUBILEE
Last weekend was a 3-day fun-a-thon, kicking off with our first-and-definitely-not-last participation in A Taste of Brighton street fest (photo above), and ending Sunday with Hometown’s annual July Jubilee & Concert (photos below). In fact, many of you readers are new friends we made over the weekend… welcome, and thank you for the chance to get to know you!

We’ve got photographic proof of the fun that was had – check out the highlights below! (And if you’re itching to know who won our Taste of Brighton bike drawing, scroll down a little further… )

Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee 2018
Our July Jubilee kicked off with Cardio Drumming-Zumba Fusion taught by Martha Soraruf (middle) andLeslie Barrett (left; who, incidentally, also coordinated the entire event – awesome job, Leslie!!). Jim and Sherryl of Yoga Nature took our event to new heights with jaw-dropping AcroYoga antics (right)!

Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee 2018
Inside, kids made an eager beeline for Alison Peasley’s face painting table (left). Dr. Kyle (middle) and Kassy (right) of Lifetime Family Chiropractic were a crowd favorite with their muscle-melting chair massages.

Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee 2018
Outside, CJ and Sarah of Brighton ATA Martial Arts wowed spectators with weapons, sparring, and board-breaking demos (left). Tour de Livingston/Howell Rotary made a welcome presence as they promoted this year’s ride – October 7th! – and the chance to win a Hometown-donated Jamis Renegade gravel bike (middle)! Visitors loved the lawn games provided courtesy Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp (right)!

Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee 2018
We were joined by a remarkable family – Thaddeus McGaffey (left), who runs A Taste of Brighton, found enough energy reserves on the heels of HIS big event, to come out and support ours! His entrepreneurial mermaid daughter, Phaedre, posed for pictures with adoring young visitors (right). Meanwhile, wife, Debra of One Spirit Dance & Fitness, showcased the exquisite, core-of-steel art form of belly dancing (middle)!

Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee 2018 - group ride with police escort
Despite the soaring heat index, families joined in on July Jubilee road and mountain bike rides. Helmets off to Officers Steve and Brittany of Green Oak Charter Township Police Department, who provided much-appreciated Grand River crossing assistance! Hungry riders returned to hot dogs, cotton candy, and hydration (water courtesy our rockstar Beauchamp Water Treatment peeps!) 

Hometown Bicycles July Jubilee Red, White and BLUES Concert with Cyclo Dan Tribble
The evening wrapped up soulfully with the melodic blues-rock of Hometown Service Tech Dan Tribble and his PBR Band. This concert raised $538 for Hometownie Dan Rosenhack, undergoing costly medical treatments for terminal brain cancer, and his wonderfully supportive family.

Special thanks to Thaddeus McGaffey for many of the photos you see above!

And thank you to everyone who was a part of our outstanding weekend – all of the amazing businesses, bands, organizations, volunteers, participants, and YOU! You’re the reason we do what we do… and you’re the reason it’s FUN!


Cameron Hauenstein with his new Jamis Trail X mountain bike that he won from Hometown Bicycles at A Taste of Brighton

AND THE WINNER OF OUR “TASTE OF BRIGHTON” BIKE DRAWING IS…

Cameron Hauenstein! Our congrats goes to this uber-excited winner of the bicycle drawing we ran from our Hometown tent at A Taste of Brighton. Cameron and his family can’t wait to start adventuring. Happy cycling, Hauenstein family!

Hatha Yoga with Stacy Mulka at Hometown Bicycles

INTRODUCING WEEKLY YOGA AT HOMETOWN

In addition to Zumba and Cardio Drumming, you can now bend and breathe your way to centered in Hometown Bicycles’ Community Room with yogi Stacy Mulka. Stacy’s Hatha Yoga classes run THURSDAYS AT NOON, and help humans of all flexibilities (and inflexibilities) loosen up, limber up, and lighten up! $10 per class. Details are here!

Team Hometown Bicycles Mike and Marybeth Newman and Jeff and Sarah Short

TEAM HOMETOWN NEWS: Couples’ Week!

This week, our Team couples took center stage. Mike (also your Hometown sales associate!) and wife Marybeth (left photo) enjoyed a 2-mile, after-hours tour of the Detroit Zoo on Bike Safari, a casual combo of “Bicycle, Beast, and Beer.”Next up is the racing duo of Jeff and Sarah Short (right photo), who competed in Holly’s 3 Disciplines Aquabike – Jeff sped through the Sprint and Sarah powered through the Olympic distance course. Way to go, guys!

Racing solo, but with enough energy for two, Jacob Henriksen put the hammer down at Mid Michigan College’s Sweat Shaker Mountain Bike Race. Go, Jacob, go!

Team Hometown Bicycles' Jean Steinberg teaching students at an MMBA Mountain Bike Skills Clinic near AlpenaAnd finally, a shout out goes to a couple of quality Hometownies, Jean Steinberg and Heather McNamara, for assisting the MMBA at a recent mountain bike skills clinics near Alpena. That’s the spirit, ladies! A more advanced clinic is coming up in August for any interested parties – “Roots, Rocks & Berms”
(Photo courtesy and © MMBA)


Learn to ride a bike with Hometown Bicycles and SELCRA

KIDS & ADULTS: LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE!

In SELCRA’s upcoming Biking Basics class, Shaun of Hometown Bicycles will help bike newbies of ANY age ditch the training aids and enter the world of two-wheeled adventures! Class takes place on July 25th from 9-11am at Meijer Park in Brighton. For registration information, call SELCRA: (810) 299-4140

KIDS SELF DEFENSE CLASS AT HOMETOWN

BullyJULY 26, 7-8PM:  Hometown is thrilled to welcome back Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy for a fun, interactive and age-appropriate workshop that teaches essential, lifesaving information about threats, strategies for prevention, and real world techniques.

Coed, for ages 6-12. Class fee is $25. 
REGISTER NOW!


Livingston Daily People's Choice award Click On Detroit Vote 4 the Best
LOVE US? TELL YOUR COMMUNITY!
*** The Best Bike Shop section on Livingston Daily’s survey is question number 53!  ***
*** In Vote4theBest, you can go directly to Hometown’s voting page: CLICK HERE! ***

Hometown Bicycles beginner road ride shop ride with Team Hometown Bicycles
HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Our Shop Rides are open to the public, run daily (sometimes twice a day!), 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: Always confirm rides in advance on our Facebook events page. Rides, times, and locations may sometimes vary!)

Beginner-Friendly Road Ride  |  Level: Novice & Up

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

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Ladies’ Road Ride  |  Level: Novice & Up

TUESDAYS, 6:30PM  |  FROM HOMETOWN  |  Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Advanced Skills & Drills Road Ride  |  Level: Advanced

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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Slow Roll Social Road Ride  |  Level: Novice & Up

THURSDAYS, 10AM  |  FROM HOMETOWN  |  Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Ladies Only Mountain Bike Ride  |  Level: Novice & Up

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

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Friday Night Lights Trail Ride  |  Level: Intermediate/Advanced

FRIDAYS, 9AM  |  FROM HOMETOWN  |  Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Saturday Road Ride  |  Level: Novice & Up

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

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Hartland Gravel Grinder  |  Level: Intermediate/Advanced

SUNDAYS, 9AM  |  FROM HARTLAND TWP HALL  |  Find ride details and updates HERE!

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Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride  |  Level: Novice & Up
SUNDAYS, 4:30PM  |  VARIES  |  Find ride details and updates HERE!
*** Fun fact: WE RENT BIKES! ***

Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles, including Cardio Drumming, Yoga, and Zumba
FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
Cardio Drumming | Wendesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop-in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf  |  Click to learn moreHatha Yoga | Thursdays at Noon (through 9/6)
$10 per person per class – With Stacy Mulka  |  Click to learn moreZumba | 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


Hometown Bicycles' Shaun Bhajan at Brighton Safety Town at Hilton Elementary School

We’ve seen the future of cycling, and it is glorious.

~ Hometown Bicycles

Countdown to the Tour

 

Tour de Livingston logoWe are just ONE MONTH AWAY from the incredibly fun, awesomely scenic, marvelously community focused Tour de Livingston, a ride we place so much value in that we’ve donated TEN bicycles this year to celebrate its 10 years of service to our Community!

If you haven’t registered yet, what are you waiting for?? In addition to enjoying one of our county’s most beautiful rides and supporting your Community in the process, you have 10 CHANCES TO WIN a brand, new Jamis!! The odds are in your favor – REGISTER NOW for Tour de Livingston!

On a side note, do you remember a few newsletters back, when we promised a special Hometown prize to the first person to report back with selfies with all 10 bikes which have been placed around town?… It’s go time! Shaun will be posting the first eight locations today on our Facebook page to get you started. On your marks, get set…

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SPECIAL REQUEST:  On Wednesday, September 13th, we will be hosting a special Tour de Livingston Sponsor/Jersey Rider event that will fill our Hometown parking lot from 5pm-7pm. We’ll still be available for your emergency needs, but encourage you to visit us before or after these hours for your non-urgent bike needs. Thank you, Hometownies!


Hometown Bicycles' Dawn Bhajan with Shebeest's 2018 Spring cycle wear line

3 REASONS TO SIGN UP FOR LADIES NIGHT OUT

  
Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles on Tuesday, September 19th from 6-9pmOk, ladies, by now you know the pampering and perks that will be going down at Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles on Tuesday, September 19th from 6-9pm (and if you don’t, you can CLICK HERE.) As a fellow gal – living an insanely busy life, but still wanting to stay active – I’ve put a lot of myself into this event, and so I can say with sincere confidence that there are THREE CORE REASONS why you should sign up now:

1)  Give yourself a “night off the clock”. You are a mom, a friend, a daughter, a boss, a wife, a girlfriend, a coworker, a role model, or some glorious combination thereof. All of these make you wonderfully and uniquely YOU. But they also come with responsibilities, and those demand energy. Set those duties down for a few hours. Rejuvenate. This event is 100% about YOU!

2)  Meet other active women. One of the world’s greatest motivators is finding like-minded people to enjoy activities with and share accountability. This is your group. These are your gals.

3)  Experience a new level of flattering and comfortable fashion. Comfort does NOT have to come at the expense of looking good. Our new women’s cycle wear line, Shebeest, puts a definitive end to “diaper butt”, boring styles, boxy silhouettes, see-through lycra, and generic fit, at the same time it eliminates bunching, chafing, and raw bums. You’ll LOVE the women-designed patterns and styles, the silky feel, and the EVERY-body-type fits that will make you WANT to ride your bicycle again and again. I know – I have the 2018 Spring line in my office!

Yoga, wine, chocolate, fashion, giveaways, and discounts – this is truly shaping up to be a perfect mid-week get-away. That’s why I am personally inviting you to…


Team Hometown Bicycles and Hometownies at the 2017 Milford Labor Day 30K

TEAM NEWS: LABOR DAY 30K & BREWERY APPRECIATION  

Milford’s Labor Day 30K was overflowing with Hometownies who captured podiums and placings galore! This annual event is known for its lively combination of running, walking, cycling, and kiddie events from the well-loved home base of Baker’s of Milford. Great attitudes… a great time… great job, Team Hometownies!

Team Hometown Bicycles represented by the Steve and Jean Steinberg at the MCMBA Sponsor Brewery Appreciation Ride
(Images courtesy Katherine Rose and MCMBA)

Team Hometown Bicycles also made its way to the MCMBA Sponsor Brewery Appreciation Ride, supporting the local breweries that support our local MMBA chapter which supports our local trails (whew!) Team representatives Jean and Steve Steinberg report:

43 participants pedaled from River’s Edge, through Kensington Park, Island Lake, and ended up at Draught Horse in New Hudson. After fellow riders grabbed food and beverages, we moved on through the railtrail all the way to Drafting Table in Wixom. Some of us enjoyed a quick couple games of Left, Right Center with our drinks – something new I learned was available at the brewery!  Once our hour was up, away we went, back through the railtrail, down Old Plank and back to River’s Edge for more food and fun.

BONUS NOTE: We definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to congratulate Team Captain, Brian Forhan, on coming out of back surgery like a champ AND becoming a grandpa for the second time on the exact same day! Happy healing and enjoy that new granddaughter, Brian!


Dick Janson's recumbent bicycle
(Images courtesy Dick Janson: Dick’s trusty steed at left, Dick’s “stick” shift at right!)

RIDING LITERALLY EVERY PAVED ROAD IN MICHIGAN 

… that a cyclist is allowed to be on. That’s the self-assigned challenge of one of the most fascinating customers I’ve ever chanced upon at the front counter – League of Michigan Bicyclists advocate, Dick Janson. He rides year-round, and has already pedaled SIX counties under his belt! His story will put your jaw squarely on the floor:

Yesterday, September 4, I completed the effort I started December 1, 2016, to ride all the paved roads in Livingston County that a bicyclist is allowed to be on.  This included dead ends, cul de sacs, mobile home parks in all their incarnations, state highways, and every other road that I determined had ever been paved, regardless of current condition. If a road was not continuous, I was on the full length of all sections within the county. What I didn’t ride were limited access highways and ramps, gated communities, and paved subdivisions surrounded by unpaved roads. It involved 74 rides and included 1864 miles of riding (or pushing, in the case of some hills).

January of 2015 I looked back on my my accomplishments and decided that I wanted to do something that nobody else had ever done to celebrate my upcoming birthday in July. I determined that nobody had done this in Ingham County. I enjoyed it so much that I moved on to other counties.

Livingston County is the sixth county for which I have done this, since the start of 2015. The other five are Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee and Saginaw, which took 23 months, covered 3,000 square miles, and required over 11,000 miles of riding.

I ride a Tour Easy recumbent I bought used 18 years ago. Since then, I have ridden it over 56,000 miles. I’ve been on self-supported tours that lasted up to 4 weeks, mostly riding alone. Two of them were 1100 miles and 19 days each, using DALMAC rides as an initial springboard. I spent a month in West Virginia, carrying 40 pounds of gear, and still logged 500 miles.

I have come to favor the County Challenges more than the extended tours for several reasons:

1. It forces me to ride roads that are challenging.
2. I can, to a certain extent, choose my geography and weather.
3. I’m not committed to riding the day after a tough day.
4. I get to stop and talk with so many interesting people, and with those that are not that way, I can “get on down the road” without feeling rude.
5. I get to sleep in my own bed.

Dick also keeps up a fun website, Necessary Options, with some of the most useful information I’ve ever seen for self-supported bicycle touring, and it’s entertaining as heck. We hope to invite Dick back over the winter to entertain and instruct us with his tales of touring daring-do… stay tuned!


AMY’S BLOG: 9/8/17

Hometown Bicycles' Amy Gluck at the final race in the Island Lake T-Rex Triathlon seriesEvery week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. Today, you’ll enjoy Amy’s overview of the much-loved T-Rex Triathlon race series:

… The unusual thing about the T-Rex series is that the races are on weekday evenings. Most people are used to getting up early and racing first thing in the morning, but this race series focuses on a different athlete. For example, when you are training for an Ironman, you can’t give up a whole weekend day of training for one short sprint race. So, this type of race actually works well for the serious athlete. It’s odd, though, because you have to keep your body “race ready” all day long. This is a pretty tricky challenge… READ ON 

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


CHEER ON BRIGHTON CYCLING THIS WEEKEND!  

Brighton Cycling's first logoJust wanted to remind all you supporters of youth cycling that this weekend, Sunday, September 10th from 8am-2pm, you’ll have the opportunity to cheer on your Hometown service crew and their fellow high school racers, as they compete in the second event of their mountain bike race series. The race will be held at Island Lake. Wear your Hometown gear, and get ready to raise the roof!


Bike path in Kensington Metropark

NEXT TUESDAY (9/12):  LIVINGSTON COUNTY BIKE WAYS FORUM 

Non motorized transportation in Livingston County flierHere’s your chance to speak up about cyclist safety and bike paths! This forum, presented by the Livingston County Transportation Coalition is centered around:

  • How would a county-wide network of non-motorized paths and lanes impact our communities and our residents?     
  • What non-motorized routes would be most desirable in our county or from our county to nearby destinations?

Runs Tuesday, September 12th from 3-4:15pm at 622 E. Grand River in Howell. CLICK HERE for more information.


Cool Hedge Creations Sign Painting Party options
(Images courtesy Cool Hedge Creations)

NEXT TUESDAY (9/12): BICYCLE SIGN PAINTING PARTY

Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations is offering a class in our Community Room on Tuesday, September 12th from 6-9pm. She says:

Join me for a night of painting! You will create your very own personalized wooden sign.  Your creation can be a selection of one of 4 and will take 2-3 hours to create. You choose your image and the color of stain for your 20″ x 24″ sign, and I will prepare it for you to transfer your image. Then, complete it by painting the image the colors of your choice.  No creative skill necessary to create your masterpiece! (Registration and $50 prepayment required, please – see link below.) 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS SIGN PAINTING PARTY NOW


Apples

HOMETOWN BICYCLES APPLE ORCHARD RIDE 

Cider, donuts, bikes, beer… this ride has got it GOING ON! Organized by Team Captain, Jim Cleer, this casual fun ride is a must-do for fellow cider mill junkies!

We’ll roll at 8am on September 23rd from the Block Brewing Company in Howell (1140 S. Michigan Ave.), and pedal scenic back roads to Parshallville Cider Mill. Then it’s on to Markillie Orchard for a cider-and-donut top-off before looping back ’round to the brewery. This no-drop ride is about 35 miles of predominantly dirt roads. We’ll be riding a brisk, conversational pace (think 12-16mph). Come with “WAM” (Walking Around Money!) to enjoy refreshments at each stop. Ride updates be found HERE. Cider fiends, let’s ride!


MCMBA's National Mountain Bike Patrol training at Hometown Bicycles

BE A HERO! BECOME A MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROLLER 

Earlier this year, the upstanding group of outstanding individuals pictured above met at Hometown Bicycles for an intense course in helping riders in distress. Hosted by the MCMBA, the National Mountain Bike Patrol training used our Community Room for classroom education, and our backyard trail for hands-on learning.

MCMBA’s Randy Kessler will be running a second Mountain Bike Patrol training at our shop on September 23rd from 10am-3pmClick HERE to learn more and to register for this gallant group!


HAMBURG FITNESS CENTER HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

Hamburg Fitness Center Health and Fitness ExpoFor all of you who will NOT be riding with us at Poses, Pedals & Pints (P3) on September 30th, here’s a free and family-friendly event that’s an absolute blast, run the same day by Team Sponsor, Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. We LOVE their annual Health & Fitness Expo, and are bummed to be missing out on the fun this year (since we’re the “Pedal” portion of P3).

You do NOT have to be a member to attend!!The public is welcome to enjoy everything from raffles, health and spinal screenings, to massage, laser therapy, kids activities, and special class demos for Cardio Drumming, Aikido Martial Arts, Piyo, PILOXING Barre, and IntenSati. It’s all about giving you the tools to live longer and stronger… and to have fun doing it! CLICK HERE for details.


POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: ONLY 6 SPOTS REMAINING!!

Poses, Pedals and Pints logoBased out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this Saturday, September 30th event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of event coordinator Tocca Massage & Yoga, follows up with a scenic and recreational bike ride with Hometown Bicycles (new route!), and ends with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery BeckerOnly 6 spot left… hurry!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION


Hometown Bicycles Women's Road Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS  (9/8)
8:30PM (meet at 8:15) from Maltby Intermediate School (4740 Bauer Rd. in Brighton)
*** NOTE THE NEW TIME & LOCATION! *** This week, we’ll ride to the Brighton Recreation trails, accessing them from the gravel roads. This will be an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are charged for this ride in the dark! We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Details are HERE.

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE  (9/9)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
*** ONLY 2 PREP RIDES REMAINING! TOUR DE LIVINGSTON IS OCTOBER 8TH! ***
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  (9/10)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
A holiday weekend can’t put a stopper on these gravel road warriors! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb (which, for MI, is a TON of climb!) on beautiful and EXTREMELY hilly country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! This is an intermediate/advanced ride (check out Tuesday’s Gravel Grinding 101 for a less grueling option.) Expect several long, tough climbs at a MINIMUM 14-15 MPH 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  (9/10)
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. This week, we’ll be exploring 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. 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 to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE  (9/11)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
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. Stay tuned to Facebook for ride updates!

TUESDAY WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE  (9/12)
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, women-only road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake – about 14 miles of road – at a conversational, 11+mph pace. Road bikes recommended, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate at a behind-the-shop, BYOB bonfire with your new cycling buddies! Stay tuned to our Facebook events page for ride/weather updates.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (9/12)
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  **It’s time to start bringing lights!!**  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 (9/13)
This is a DROP RIDE! 
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Island Lake  *** NEW START LOCATION THIS WEEK ONLY & EARLIER START TIME ***

HAMMERFEST:
This Wednesday, the Hometown lot will be packed to the gills for a Tour de Livingston event, so we’re moving our Hammerfest/Son of Hammerfest rides to Island Lake Recreation Area! Check on Facebook for meet up location details.  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 Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

SON OF HAMMERFEST:
**For those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest** Also rolling at 6:00 from Island Lake, this ride includes 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph. Check Facebook for ride updates.

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


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf
(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 BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Coming Soon!
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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


We offer financing at Hometown Bicycles through Synchrony Financial


Hometown Bicycles cyclist looking back at a beautiful Island Lake sunset

Only look back to see how far you’ve come.

– Anonymous

A Community of Awesome

Team Hometown Bicycles rider at the bridge on Island Lakes mountain bike trails

AND YOU’RE A KEY MEMBER…  
As our to-the-core Hometownie Team and Crew member, Meghan Terbush, wrote in a recent Facebook post:

The stories that flow through this place astonish us and touch us to the core. Hometown Bicycles is so much more than a bike shop, but a community full of wonderful people who enjoy having an active lifestyle. Let’s gain some recognition for why YOU all make this the Best Bike Shop! Vote your shop to be #1: https://www.clickondetroit.com/vote4thebest#/gallery/67648732/

In honor of this incredible Hometown community, we’ve packed this newsletter to the gills with stories about YOU – customers, Team, AND Crew.

And if you’d like to see some recognition for the bike shop that YOU helped create, please put your hearts-and-souls into it, and vote HOURLY through the final Vote 4 the Best tally this Sunday. Get others involved! Spread the word! You have the gratitude of an entire Hometown community behind you!!


AUGUST 27 LABOR EVENT: ADD IT TO YOUR CALENDAR!

Bike ToolsWith Labor Day just around the corner, it seems only fitting to pay tribute to the core of what we do – bicycle labor! Service is where we started, service is where we excel, and service is what our upcoming, Sunday, August 27thevent is all about!

Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual Pre-Labor Day Labor Event, running 1pm-5pm, will feature “labor stations” throughout the shop for ask-the-expert Q&Ademos, and cool tune-up tipslimited edition coupons; a treasure hunt, a chance to pit your wits and skills against our bike gurus’, and other opportunities to win prizes; and even a bike wash, with proceeds to benefit a local charity!

Look for further details in next week’s newsletter but, for heaven’s sake, get it on your calendar now!!


Team Hometown Bicycles' Mike Dyer, Jim Thompson, Keith Cowgar, and Paul Andres at Brown County Park, Indiana
(Image courtesy Mike Dyer)

HOMETOWN VISITS BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK, IN

Our first story comes from the breathtaking hillscape of Brown County State Park in Indiana, where Team members Mike Dyer, Paul Andres, Jim Thompson, Keith Cowgar, and friend Andrew set aside racing for a bike-based “guys weekend”. Mike writes:

All I can say is it was a hell of an adventure. We made it out in one piece. No major injuries just some cuts, scrapes and bruises. Paul wins the most wounds of the weekend, and I win the most spectacular crash with a big endo over a rock garden!


Amy Gluck
(Photo credit: © Copyright Tom Demerly)

AMY’S BLOG: AUGUST 11, 2017

Every week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. This one will give you goosebumps…

Getting running back has been my biggest struggle following my accident.  It’s so frustrating watching my pace crash when I check my results after races. I’m doing EVERYTHING I can to recuperate my running… but sometimes I wonder if it’s really worth it.  Do I really need to come back to Ironman racing, or was surviving this accident good enough?   But it’s all I knew before my accident.  It’s all I did.  What keeps me motivated is… READ ON 

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


Miles and Ann Janicki celebrating 32 years of marriage with a Hometown Bicycles style cycling adventure!
(Images courtesy Miles & Ann Janicki)

HAPPY 32 YEARS, MILES & ANN!

This next story hails from a wonderful couple who have been Hometownies to a remarkable degree. Miles and Ann Janicki recently took Hometown (and their trusty Jamis bikes!) with them on an especially meaningful adventure on the west side of our beautiful State:

We’re celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary in Hometown style!  We’ve enjoyed being part of the Hometown family for the last seven of those years, and were just noticing today how the jerseys show the growth of sponsorship and community outreach, from the time of the original until now.  Great work Hometown team!


Hometownies Dan and Donald Smith competing in mountain bike races
(Images courtesy Dan & Vanessa Smith)

A DYNAMIC DAD-SON DUO IN DAN & DONALD

Here’s another couple of exceptional Hometownies – a father-son duo – who embrace cycling for the joy it brings, the sportsmanship it inspires, and the bond it creates. Powered by the wonderful support of wife and mother, Vanessa, Dan and Donald Smith shared this awesome write-up on why they ride:

Riding bikes is second nature to [Dan and Donald].  For Dan, riding is more than just exercise.  He uses cycling as stress relief, a way to challenge himself, and also a way to travel to and explore new places with MMBA races. Most importantly, Dan rides to have fun with family and friends.  When Donald was asked why he rides, he did not know how to respond right away.  Riding is part of who he is as a person, he identifies himself as a biker rider.  When asked to dig deeper… he loves the feeling of going down a big hill, riding with his dad, using his Garmin to go faster each time he rides on the Blue and Yellow trails at Island Lake, and of course the cheering as he races by people… READ THEIR FULL STORY


Team Hometown Bicycles' Colin & Cynthia Chisholm's EFF Cancer Ride
(Images courtesy Colin & Cynthia Chisholm)

COLIN & CYNTHIA FLIP CANCER THE BIRD

We loved the cheek and defiant artistry of The “Eff Cancer!” Ride, organized by clever Team members Colin and Cynthia Chisholm. They used approximately 25 miles to “stick it” to a disease that has touched so many, and wrapped up the evening with a grill out at their home. As Hometown Ride Coordinator Jean put it, “It was intense to feel the pain of riding and think it was nothing to those we know, love, and may have lost going through cancer.” Kudos on your creativity, Colin and Cynthia!


Hometownies Jeff and Lisa Short at the Shermanator
(Images courtesy Sarah & Jeff Short)

THE SHORT-INATORS: SARAH & JEFF’S BIG DAY

We count Sarah and Jeff among our most loyal Hometown and Jamis ambassadors – with a passion for both that warms us down to our bike clips. We’re so proud of their recent adventure, made possible by a remarkable dedication to training, healthfulness, and support of each other. You guys are an inspiration!

Jeffrey Short and I competed in the Shermanator Aquabike in Battle Creek, MI this morning. 500 meter swim, 10 mile bike. Beautiful day and Jeff and I both finished in the Women’s and Men’s Aquabike as overall champs!!! So proud. I won first place overall too!!! What a day! Hard work pays off. Next up Tawas Aquabike!!! Woot woot!


YOUR HOMETOWN CREW’S GRAND ADVENTURES

We’d also love to give a shout out to the cycling fanaticism of your very own Hometown Crew – from Jean Steinberg, who’s about to race Ore-to-Shore with one particularly awesome sister; to Meghan Terbush, who’s mountain biking the U.P. with her impressively adventurous family; to Evan Nelson, who’s cycling amongst palm trees down in Florida; to Chris Buddingh, who’s been bikepacking the past couple weeks with his lovely wife; to Joel Rushlow, who’s about to embark on a multi-day solo bike expedition across MI (stay tuned for his story in our next email!); to Hometown’s high school crew members, who are training for their first MISCA mountain bike race of the season!

What can we say? WE LOVE CYCLING!!


Vote 4 the Best Bike Shop - Hometown Bicycles

PLEASE VOTE HOURLY THROUGH AUGUST 13TH!


Hometown Bicycles Events Associate Evan Nelson
(Image courtesy Evan Nelson)

MEET YOUR CREW: EVAN NELSON 

We thought we were well-versed in active people, but we seriously question whether Evan even sleeps – he’s involved in SO many things! He recently graduated from a high school career overflowing with DECA Club presidencies, school store management, crosswalk lobbying (ask him about this!), athletic endeavors, and even pie-making, just to name a few. We’ve been geeked to add “Hometown Events Associate” to his Renaissance-ian laundry list of skills and activities. Evan writes:

I strive to be active and started seriously riding bikes a few years ago. I love riding mountain bikes because of the challenges different terrain present.

I also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, running, and Scuba diving. Anything high energy and outdoors!


AUGUST 19: NEED FOR SPEED KID’S TIME TRIAL 

Racing on a tricycleParents, here’s a must-try for your mini-cyclists!

Think you have what it takes to be the fastest bike in town?SELCRA, in conjunction with Hometown Bicycles, is hosting the Inaugural “Need for Speed” Bike Challenge. Participants will compete in 3 time trials around the outdoor track. Prizes for top finishers in each age category. Other activities include, inflatables, Arts-n-Crafts, Food Trucks.

Held at Meijer Skate Park in Brighton, this bike race is for boys and girls, ages 5 and up. A short and sweet, looped course will take them over flat terrain, with great visibility for spectating families and friends!

REGISTER YOUR KID(S) NOW FOR THE “NEED FOR SPEED” BIKE CHALLENGE!


AUGUST 19: DOC MAY MEMORIAL MELON RIDE 

Doc May's Memorial Melon Ride 2017 flierHometown’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 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! T-shirts, melon and ice cream for participants!

Lock in your registration now – which puts you in the running to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!


Hometown Bicycles Saturday Singles Road Ride

AUGUST 19: SINGLES RIDE

I know!! August 19th is one happening day!! Whether you opt to dip your spoons into the post-ride deliciousness of Melon Fest ice cream, or cheer on the wheeled kiddies at SELCRA’s 1st Annual Need for Speed event, if you’re single and over 18, consider your evening booked!

On Saturday, August 19th, we’ll meet at 4:30pm at the shop for a conversation-friendly, recreational road ride over the well-loved roads of Island Lake. (Crummy weather? No problem! We’ll switch it to movie night at the shop!) We’re manning this “no drop” ride with (single!) Team members and Hometown crew. Be sure to pack a lawn chair and beverage for a post-ride, campfire, singles mingle behind the shop!

Details can be found HERE. You must be single and over 18 in order to participate. If you’d like to be kept in the loop about future Hometown singles rides and activities, send me an email: office@myhometownbicycles.com. And please be sure to share our Facebook eventwith all of your friends – the more cyclists we get, the better your odds!


Hometown Bicycles Women's Road Ride

THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL…

I want to take a moment here to congratulate a pioneering group of women, who made new friends and Hometown history as the fabulous first participants in Hometown’s new, women-specific rides and events. Ladies, you made this ride GREAT, and we can’t wait to get to know you better, and share more adventures with you, going forward!

Our Women’s Road Ride is open to all ladies, at nearly all levels of riding – CLICK HERE to learn more, and to find out how to join us next Tuesday evening!


POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION: IT’S A GO!!

Poses, Pedals and Pints logoGood news… no, FANTASTIC news!! The uber-successful yoga-bike-beer event that we supported this past Spring has been resurrected for a round 2 on Saturday, September 30th.

Based out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of event coordinator Tocca Massage & Yoga, follows up with a scenic and recreational bike ride with Hometown Bicycles (new route!), and ends with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker.

Registration is limited to 50, so if you missed out last time, be sure to hit the link below, like, IMMEDIATELY!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION


Hometown Bicycles Women's Road Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS  (8/11)
9:00PM (meet at 8:45) from Maltby Intermediate School (4740 Bauer Rd. in Brighton)
It’s time to explore! We’ll ride to the Brighton Recreation trails, accessing them from the gravel roads. This will be an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are charged for this ride in the dark! We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Details are HERE.

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (8/12)
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 (8/13)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb (which, for MI, is a TON of climb!) on beautiful and EXTREMELY hilly country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! This is an intermediate/advanced ride (check out Tuesday’s Gravel Grinding 101 for a less grueling option.) Expect several long, tough climbs at a MINIMUM 14-15 MPH 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 (8/13)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Brighton Rec Trailhead – **NEW LOCATION!**
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. We’ll meet at the Brighton Rec Trailhead, head out to the Appleton 2 mile beginner loop and then explore the Murray Lake Trail. 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 to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE  (8/14)
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  (8/15)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  **It’s time to start bringing lights!!**  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.

**NEW-ISH RIDE!** TUESDAY WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE  (8/15)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, women-only road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake – about 14 miles of road – at a conversational, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate at a behind-the-shop, BYOB bonfire with your new cycling buddies! Stay tuned to our Facebook events page for ride/weather updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (8/16)
This is a DROP RIDE!
**No Son of Hammerfest this week**

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 Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Check Facebook for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL  (8/16)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
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  (8/17)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles –  **NEW START TIME**
This conversational morning ride will find us exploring Island Lake’s beautiful 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 back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

**NEW POP-UP RIDE!** SATURDAY SINGLES ROAD RIDE  (8/19)
RAIN OR SHINE! If it rains, we’ll simply switch to movie night at the shop!
4:45PM (arrive at 4:15 to meet your fellow singles!) from Hometown Bicycles
This ride is all about making connections, so we’re keeping it conversation-friendly with a recreational road ride leaving from Hometown Bicycles, and traveling over the well-loved roads of Island Lake. Expect approx. 14 miles round trip at a 10mph pace. All bikes welcome. We’ll have this ride well-staffed by (single!) Team members and Hometown crew, so no one will get left behind. (NO DROP RIDE!)

Pack a lawn chair and beverage for a post-ride, campfire, singles mingle behind the shop. We’ll keep the shop open for helmet-hair damage control and calls of nature. MUST BE SINGLE & OVER 18 TO PARTICIPATE. Be sure to follow our Facebook event page for ride updates and weather-related info.

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


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(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 BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays – August 4, 11 & 18
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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


We offer financing at Hometown Bicycles through Synchrony Financial


Mountain Biking in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Take only memories, leave only treadprints.

– Adapted from Chief Seattle

What’s a Yoga-Bike-Beer-athon?

Hometown Bicycles at Poses, Pedals and Pints in Downtown Brighton
(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 at Poses, Pedals and Pints in Downtown Brighton
(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.

Yoga run by Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and Yoga at Poses, Pedals, and Pints
(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!

Brewery Becker in Downtown Brighton hosted Poses, Pedals, and Pints
(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!)


Adam Shinabarger of Walled Lake with his Hometown Bicycle's donated Jamis bike at the Eric Hartwell Foundation Spring Snowman Run/Walk

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

Island Lake Challenge MTB Race LogoIf 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

Milford Bike Festival flierHot 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!


Hometown Bicycles Service Lead Rocco Mularoni
(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.


Hometown Bicycles Friday Night Lights GoPro Video by Kevin M.
(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!


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(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 BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC 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 BicyclesZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more


Team Hometown Bicycles' jersey rider at Island Lake Recreation Area

Not all those who wander are lost.

– J.R.R. Tolkien

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