Jill Gautherat | Hometown Bicycles

Cyclists: How to Never be Bored

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Shaun

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR LIST OF WINTER EVENTS?
You know what’s fun – dropped jaws and double-takes because a Michigan bike shop parking lot is overflowing with cars throughout the winter!

We know you’re proud of how active your bike shop is – you tell us daily, and we appreciate that! But have you taken full advantage of the boredom-busting activity roster we’re rocking through the cold season (and beyond)? We’re doing this for you!

Of course, there are shop rides. But if snow cycling ain’t your thang, how about a fundraising concert? A wine-and-learn women’s night? An essential oils training? A fitness class? A bike clinic? A self defense course? Cuz they’re all happening here at Hometown, and that’s just over the next few weeks!

I challenge you to scroll down or visit our Facebook events page and PICK ONE (or more!) to attend. Maybe it peaks your interest, maybe you’ve never tried before, or maybe you simply need to get OUT – but go! We’re here to be a resource – let us be yours!!

THIS SATURDAY: ESSENTIAL OILS 101

Hometownie Jill Gautherat of Faith, Love, Oils is back at Hometown this weekend with her Young Living Essential Oils presentation. Her Community Room seminar runs Saturday, February 3rd from 1:00-2:30pm and is open to the public. It will cover what essential oils are, how to use them, and how to recognize quality. Click HERE for details!

(Photo courtesy and © Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band)

ROLL & ROCK EVENT COMING 2/10
A ‘funk’y fundraiser for the Brighton High School Mountain Bike Team

***NOTE: We’ve had a few questions regarding whether this event is kid-friendly. So, to clarify, the Roll & Rock is geared toward adults – later hours (7-10pm), classic jazz and blues tunage, BYOB (I suspect many will bring beer) – with proceeds supporting youth cycling. Consider it a date night with good karma!

On Saturday, February 10th, we’re clearing our floor of bikes for a LIVE CONCERT AT HOMETOWN, starring our very own CycloDan Tribble’s Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band. On the agenda – crazy awesome music, dancing, BYOB, snacks, socializing… and knowing that half of your $10 cover charge goes directly toward gearing up the BHS Team for their 2018 cycling season!

Enjoy the show from 7pm-9pm, then hang with the band at the after-party. It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting youth cycling. Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!

BAND BIO: The Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band is Brian “BK Big Fish” King, drums, Doug “Bird Dog” Percha, guitar, Theo “Dr. Thee” Smith, bass and Dan Tribble aka “Shoocat Hopkins” on vocals and harmonica. All have been active members of the S.E. Michigan music scene mostly dating back to the mid 70’s. The PBR Band intends to bring you a brew of blues, rock & funky R&B for your listening and dancing enjoyment! Contact Brian at 330-806-1710 for booking info.

SAT, FEBRUARY 10 | 7PM-10PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$10 cover charge, payable at the door – cash or checks only, please.

CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN ATTEND!

FEBRUARY 13: DANCE BEFORE DEFENSE

Ladies, make it a full evening of fun, fitness, and self-betterment on February 13th! That Tuesday only, Hometown’s much-loved ZUMBA maven, Leslie Barrett, is bringing her regular Tuesday class to Hometown. Running 5:45-6:45pm, you’ll enjoy an invigorating ZUMBA session on the shop floor, before taking your stimulated mind into the Community Room for a powerful lesson in Women’s Self Defense. $8 ZUMBA drop-in – details below!

(Photo courtesy and © Live Safe Academy)

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN (2/13)

A POWERFUL, information-packed class for ALL of the women in your life – including you!Tuesday, February 13th marks the first ever Women’s Self Defense class at Hometown Bicycles, led by the highly skilled Ian Kinder, founder of Live Safe Academy. In this life changing, 2-hour session, you’ll learn “simple, life saving skills from programs designed to increase your safety after only one class! Our hands on courses teach time-tested, realistic methods that are easy to learn and remember… No previous training required.”

Valentine’s Day safety, solo bike rides, peace of mind – whatever your interest, COME! For ages 12 and up. I’ll be there – will you?

TUES, FEBRUARY 13 | 7PM-9PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$40 payable at time of registration. Minimum 15 participants required – tell your friends and family!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
FOR WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN

LADIES NIGHT OUT: SPRING EDITION (2/20)

***NEW ADDITIONS! Joining us at this event will be Hometownie and cyclist, Cathy Nelson of Echo Lake Steel, whose eye-dazzling, bike chain bracelets have been SUCH a hot commodity here at Hometown – it’s a jewelry trunk showwith matching necklaces, earrings, and more, all at Ladies-Night-only discounts!

ALSO, your eyes are in for a treat with an expanded, event-day-only art exhibition of Peggy Kerwan artwork available for purchase. Peggy epitomizes “girl power”, and her love for cycling is reflected in the beautiful monotype prints we currently feature at our shop. You’ll love her work!
…………………………………………………Welcome to ’Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles – Spring Edition’ on Tuesday, February 20th from 6-9pm!! We’ll close the shop again for the last 3 hours of the day, so that we can make this evening all about you! Shake off the winter blah’s, and let’s think Spring, ladies!!!

Back by popular demand, your evening will start by easing away the stresses of your day with a 30-minute, beginner yoga session, courtesy of Terri from Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. Stretched and centered, you’ll warm your spirits with wine and refreshments, provided by Hometown.

Next on the agenda, the mini-clinics so many of you asked for! We’ll be running 15 minute quickies on Flat Tire Fixes and Shifting Demystified. Pick one, try both, or go back for seconds – we’ll run repeats over the course of an hour. In the meantime, browse a specially ordered selection of women-specific cycling necessities – discounted at Ladies-Night-only pricing! Even more details to come – stay tuned!

TUES, FEBRUARY 20 | 6PM-9PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$40 payable at registration. Click the link below!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR LADIES NIGHT OUT!

2/8 ONLY: BIKE FITTING BASICS WITH PRO-MOTION

Folks, this is one of the most popular clinics we’ve ever run, because it’s about how to make you more comfortable, more efficient, and more injury-free when you ride. EVERYONE can benefit – from the leisure rider to the top-tier athlete. Guest speaker and Team Hometown Title Sponsor, Vinnie Baylerian, PT, DPT of Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, could save you a world of pain and improve your cycling… and it’s FREE!! ONLY Feb 8th @ 7pm: REGISTER NOW FOR BIKE FITTING BASICS!

We’ve run our Winter Clinic Series since opening in 2010… not to toot our own horn, but *toot* we’re really good at it! All clinics are FREE – click the links below for details and to register:

Bike Fitting with Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
Thu, Feb 8th, 7-8pm

Cycling Nutrition Clinic
Tues, Feb 13th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 15th, 7-8pm

Cycling Gear & Wear Clinic
Tues, Feb 20th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 22nd, 7-8pm

Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party
Thu, March 1st, 7-9pm

<< Click the image at left for a printable Clinic Series flier!

2018 HOMETOWN WOMEN’S WINTER CLASSES

Ladies, Hometown’s women-only, winter class series is going strong to KEEP you strong over the winter. Click the registration links for details and to sign up:2/6 WOMEN’S HOT YOGA with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for Hot Yoga | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

2/13 WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE with Live Safe Academy
REGISTER for Self Defense | 7PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registration

2/20 LADIES NIGHT OUT: SPRING EDITION at Hometown Bicycles
REGISTER for Ladies Night Out | 6PM – 9PM at Hometown | $40 at registration

2/27 WOMEN’S PILOXING BARRE with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for PILOXING | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

A COURTESY CARD THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE

We love you, Hometownies. We want you to ride safe. And that’s why we’re now offering a complimentary emergency card for you to carry with you on all your cycling adventures. Stop in to pick one up before your next ride!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SUNDAY, FEB 4 | 2:30PM (MEET AT 2:00PM) | FROM BRIGHTON REC TRAILHEAD
Tackle the rolling trails of Brighton Recreation in one of two, NO-DROP groups. We’ll cover about 9 -16 miles of adventure, depending on your ability level. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn 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

Because I can.

~ Winter cyclists everywhere

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: beginner yoga, bicycle art, bicycle clinics, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bicyclists, bike chain bracelets, bike clinics, bike fitting basics, bike shop, bikes, boredom, Brighton Recreation Area, Cardio Drumming, Cathy Nelson, Community Room, courtesy cards, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, discounts, Echo Lake Steel, emergency contact cards, fat bike friendly ride, girl power, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bicycles ride cards, Ian Kinder, jewelry trunk show, Jill Gautherat, ladies night out, ladies night out spring edition, Leslie Barrett, Live Safe Academy, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Peggy Kerwan, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band, ride cards, Terry Mushong, trailhead, Vinnie Baylerian, winter cycling, women only classes, womens self defense, Young Living Essential Oils class, zumba | Leave a comment »

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