Jim Plaunt | Hometown Bicycles

We Did It for Dan with ALL of Your Support

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Shaun

With our deepest gratitude, thank you…

(Photo courtesy Miles Janicki)
There are truly no words to capture the incredible outpouring of support and love we witnessed this past Sunday. It was a breathtaking moment to realize that over 550 riders and walkers were present in body, mind and soul at Island Lake to honor fellow cyclist, Dan Horal, whose life was tragically cut short after being struck by a car mid-ride on April 25th.

(Photo courtesy Doug Lapp)

We could not have asked for more… absolutely amazing weather, a beautiful tribute, and a COMMUNITY who came together in solidarity to offer condolences to Dan’s family while also raising awareness about bicycle safety. Thank you so very much.

We offer our warmest gratitude to each of you who had an impact on this Memorial Ride for a great man who touched so many lives. We would like to call out a few particular individuals and businesses that helped take this Ride from meaningful to sheer magic.

Our sincere thanks go to…

The Horal Family – For allowing us to honor Dan’s memory and celebrate his life. Our love and support are with you.

Every cyclist who attended – For helping the Horal Family and cycling community make an unforgettable statement, and for not letting Dan’s tragedy go unremarked.

Cyclists in other States – For implementing your own Do It for Dan Memorial Rides and, in doing so, spreading the message and mission of this Ride beyond Michigan!

The Hometown Crew & Team Hometown Bicycles – For spreading the word so well and so quickly!

Unit Manager Andrew Haapala and Island Lake Recreation Area – For being wonderfully supportive and helpful throughout the process of creating this Ride

The Plotners & Wheels in Motion (at right) – For dropping everything to come out and support this Ride as a family and a team

WHMI – For their helpful promotion of this Ride

Channel 4 & Channel 7 – For making an appearance at this Ride to help spread the message

League of Michigan Bicyclists – For using its vast network to help spread the word

MCMBA – For allowing us to use Demo Day to promote the event

All of the Demo Day participants – For rallying to the cause, and helping get the word out throughout the cycling community

(To all of the amazing vendors at Demo Day, THANK YOU for helping to spread the word about the Ride!)

Kirt Albrecht at Big PDQ – For his contribution toward printing the Ride flier

Robin Fry – For her lightning-fast turnaround on, and her contribution toward, the unmissable Ride t-shirts

Fred Tomczyk – For his skillful rendering of the Ghost Bike Memorial design

Scott Brooks – For his artistry and craftsmanship in the creation of the Ghost Bike Memorial

Joel Hakken of MidWest Bike & Tandem – For his bicycle donation for the Ghost Bike Memorial

Master Blaster – For donation of his services to prep the Ghost Bike for painting

Matt Maximoff – For his invaluable assistance in creating the Memorial plaque

Joe Ostervik of DJ Mobile Rhythms – For emceeing the Ride, and the use of his sound equipment

Mike & Lisa Hartwell of The Eric Hartwell Foundation – For the loan of their bullhorn

Beauchamp Water Supply & Treatment– For generously supplying all of the water for the Ride

Les Cook – For carrying on his tradition of being the world’s most helpful sweep, and assisting cyclists all along the Ride

Jim Plaunt with Bike Tour Vacations – For sharing his heartfelt blog post about the Ride

Miles Janicki, Jill Zamojcin of Jilly Bean Photography, Doug Lapp, and a host of other skilled photographers – For photographic and video documentation of the event

Click to view Miles’s stunning event photos

Click to find yourself in Jill’s Facebook rider collage

Click to view Doug’s awesome Ride video

The Do It for Dan Memorial Ride will now become an annual event.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 3, 2020.

With May being National Bike Month, the timing couldn’t be more appropriate. In partnership with the Horal Family, and with your support, we want to finish Dan’s ride year after year.

(Photo of the Horal Family courtesy Jill Zamojcin of Jilly Bean Photography)

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Andrew Haapala, Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, bicycle ride, bicycle shop, Big PDQ, bike ride, bike shop, Bike Tour Vacations, Channel 4 news, Channel 7 news, Dan Horal, Daniel J. Horal, Demo day, DJ Mobile Rhythms, Do It for Dan Memorial Ride, Doug Lapp, Fred Tomczyk, ghost bike, Hometown Bicycles, Island Lake Recreation Area, Jill Zamojcin, Jilly Bean Photography, Jim Plaunt, joe ostervik, Joel Hakken, Kirt Albrecht, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Leslie Cook, Master Blaster, Matt Maximoff, MCMBA, Memorial Ride, Midwest Bike and Tandem, Mike and Lisa Hartwell, Miles Janicki, National Bike Month, Robin Fry, Scott Brooks, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Eric Hartwell Foundation, The Horal Family, Travis Plotner, Wheels in Motion | Leave a comment »

A Bike Shop Within a Bike Shop + Young Women’s Event TUESDAY!

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Shaun

BIG News! (Drum roll, please…)
It was announced at our Where to Ride in Michigan clinic this past weekend, and now we can share our exciting news with everyone!

Hometown Bicycles has partnered with Midwest Bike & Tandem!

Pictured above is Joel Hakken, owner of Midwest Bike & Tandem, which will now be located HERE, with our fearless leader, Shaun. A bike shop within a bike shop?? This much excitement means it’s gotta be Hometown!

How our partnership with Midwest Bike & Tandem benefits YOU!

Enjoy exploring fresh new products and bicycles!
Draw from the deep expertise of industry master, Joel Hakken! Joel will be a regular addition to our shop, where you can tap his ocean of bike know-how.
We’re becoming your Midwest resource for all things tandem!
Know that YOUR BIKE SHOP is GROWING!! In an industry that’s facing weighty challenges and stiff online competition, you can be PROUD that you’re part of a bike shop that’s evolved beyond “just a business” – and has grown into a COMMUNITY.

Stay tuned for a feature on Joel in next week’s newsletter!

Young Women’s Entrepreneurship Clinic

NEXT TUESDAY (3/12) from 6-7:30PM!

Join us for an amazing guest speaker, Q&A panel, refreshments and GIRL POWER!

We are super stoked to announce our guest speaker for this event: Jennifer Matras, Owner and Head Skating Coach at Competitive Edge Skating. With over 25 years of skating and training experience, Jennifer is a highly sought after skill development instructor AND a fabulous female business owner. All attendees will receive a complimentary PDF copy of Jennifer’s book, Building an Uncommon Champion.

Guest panelists include Samantha Brish of Element Chiropractic & Wellness, Phaedra McGaffey of Sea of Myth Entertainment, and Kelly Cieslak of Keepers by Kelly Photography. These ladies, along with Jennifer, will share their journeys and answer your questions about female entrepreneurship and how to turn your dreams into reality.

Sign up HERE!

Our Female Entrepreneurship series is brought to you by your Hometown women, Dawn and Leslie, who are both business owners and big proponents of girl power!

Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic Recap!

Wow, wow and WOW! What a fantastic turnout on Sunday evening at our Potluck Party! Over 90 people attended to learn about the best trails, rides, cycling websites and organizations locally and throughout our beautiful state. We had a mouth-watering smorgasbord of tasty treats and lots of high energy crowd camaraderie.

New and returning Team Hometown Bicycles members gathered to kick off the spring season, and we couldn’t be happier to have seen all of you there.

Huge thanks to ALL of our guest speakers and participants:

Jim Plaunt with Bike Tour Vacations
Sarah Vano with MiSCA
Nick Proctor and Jacob Andrews with Tour de Livingston
Tom Hermann of Team Hometown
Team Captains Mike Dyer & Joe Ostervik
Helena Hunt with Make-a-Wish

At the event, we also handed out our official 2019 Spring/Summer Shop Rides schedule, BUT
by popular demand, there has been an addition since then:

Ladies Beginner Road Ride
Thursdays at 5:15pm, Beginning in April
This will be a comfortably-paced, fitness road ride with your fellow Hometown women. It’s about skill-building and socializing, not speed. No drop ride!

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

You did WHAT?!?!
Crossing Lake Huron… by bike!!

What started out as a bucket-list item turned into a CHECK mark for two Team Hometown riders. Andrew Miller (one of our Hometown Crew!) and wife, Kristen Kendall-Miller, made the trip to the UP and rode what may be one of the most epic rides ever!

The intrepid duo loaded up their fat bikes and drove up to St. Ignace, just

across the Mackinac Bridge, where their adventure began. Andy had been watching weather data and local info about what is known as “The Ice Bridge”. This is actually a frozen portion of Lake Huron connecting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Mackinac Island.

“It’s a lot like Fight Club when it comes to getting reports on the condition of the route. Nobody will go on any kind of record as to what is happening with it other than it is being used,” Andy said.

The couple definitely got a few strange looks when they talked with the ice golfers at the edge of the Great Lake.

Then it happened; they rode the 3.8 miles across water that is usually crossed by ferries, and were treated to a standing ovation by a group of about 10 snowmobilers who were waiting to purchase their ride permits for the island.

“The ranger instructed them, and us, that we did not have to purchase these… and that the DNR should be paying US for riding over to enjoy the island on bikes,” Kristen mentioned.

After an 8.2 mile loop around the island, it was time to call it a day and get back across the ice before dark.

The ride back had the added feature of a 15-20 mph northwest breeze, which slowed the pair down but didn’t stop them from completing a unique Michigan adventure… riding The Ice Bridge!

Hometown’s Business Incubator Rental Space!

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

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

Our incubator will be ideal for:

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

Hometown’s business incubator will be available for hourly rentals. If you would like to learn more, contact Dawn at office@myhometownbicycles.com.

Grand Opening coming SOON!

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

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

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

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

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

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

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Andrew Miller, Andy Miller, best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle rentals, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike rentals, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, Bike Tour Vacations, bikes, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, Competitive Edge Skating, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Gaden, Element Chiropractic and Wellness, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, Female Entrepreneurship, fitness classes, group rides, Helena Hunt, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometown Business Incubator, Hometownies, intenSati, Jacob Andrews, Jennifer Matras, Jim Plaunt, joe ostervik, Joel Hakken, Keepers by Kelly Photography, Kelly Cieslak, Kristen Kendall-Miller, Lake Huron, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Mackinac Island, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Midwest Bike and Tandem, mike dyer, misca, Nick Proctor, Phaedre McGaffey, Samantha Brish, Sarah Vano, Sea of Myth Entertainment, shop ride schedule, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Ice Bridge, Tom Hermann, Tour de Livingston, Tresa O’Rourke, where to ride in michigan, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

BIG Surprise Announcement at This Weekend’s Potluck Clinic

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Shaun

YOU ARE INVITED! Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck Party
PLUS BIG Surprise Announcement!!

THIS SUNDAY – MARCH 3RD – from 5:30-7:30 PM

Can you believe it’s finally March?! We are so stoked to kick off the spring cycling season with you at our FREE information-packed party on Sunday, March 3rd from 5:30-7:30 PM. Whether you are new to cycling, a member of Team Hometown, or anywhere in-between, you are welcome to attend!

Why you’ll be SO glad you came:

You will be the FIRST to hear our BIG SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!
And when we say big, we mean…
BIG!

Other exciting reasons to come!

Learn all about Michigan trails, tours and groups.
Take home trail maps, websites, and other valuable resources.
Become knowledgeable about youth cycling, charitable events and groups, and volunteer opportunities galore.
Join Team Hometown! This event marks the last day to join for 2019.
And the very most important reason? Shaun’s FOOD! Your very own bike whisperer will be tantalizing our taste buds with Trinidadian-style spicy curry shrimp! (Come on, people, you know you want to eat ALL the shrimp)

We have some fantastic speakers lined up to share a wealth of knowledge with you:

Team Hometown Captains, Mike Dyer & Joe Ostervik – Learn about one of the most active and positively influential cycling Teams in Michigan!
MiSCA – Discover the power of youth cycling, coaching, and volunteer needs.
Tour de Livingston – Hear all about one of our favorite community rides EVER!!
Tom Hermann – Get introduced to the best rails-to-trails, gravel routes, local singletrack, and organizations (like MCMBA and PotoMBA).
Jim Plaunt with Bike Tour Vacations – Be transported through the municipal, metro, and state parks; scenic regions; bike clubs; and smart phone navigation.

Also, Make-a-Wish will be in attendance! Stop by their informational table to learn about Wish-a-Mile and Wish Ball.

Bring a dish to pass, meet other cycling enthusiasts, feast and have fun!

SIGN-UP HERE!

Join Team Hometown Bicycles!

The Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck on March 3rd offers up one last opportunity to join Team Hometown for the 2019 year. We are currently 70 incredible Team members and growing! Join us for rides, races, camaraderie, events, and all-around FUN.

How to Join: Download our Team Application. Drop it by the shop or bring it to the Potluck! Our Team Store is NOW OPEN, and will remain open through March 15th. Order your kits to make your membership OFFICIALLY official!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, big announcement, big news, bike clinics, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, Bike Tour Vacations, bikes, Brighton, cycling, cyclists, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Jim Plaunt, joe ostervik, livingston county, Make-A-Wish Michigan, MCMBA, Michigan, mike dyer, misca, Potluck Clinic, PotoMBA, shop rides, surprise, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tom Hermann, Tour de Livingston, Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party, wish a mile, Wish Ball | Leave a comment »

Your Potluck Party Invite + Sunday Shop Garage Sale

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Shaun

HOMETOWNIES, YOU & YOUR APPETITE ARE INVITED!!
Every year, our annual “Welcome to Spring Cycling Season!”, Winter Clinic wrap-up party gets bigger… and tastier! This one’s shaping up to be the best and most delicious yet! Sloppy joes, chili, cheesy potatoes, veggie enchiladas, fruit salad, sweets, beer… if you’ve been on the fence, the food alone should sway you – come!!

At this Thursday, March 1st party, you’ll learn about the best MI cycling parks and routes, and pick up your copy of the highly anticipated 2018 LMB Michigan Ride Calendar. You’ll also hear from guest speaker Jim Plaunt of Bike Tour Vacations, who’s worked up a special promotion just for Hometownies!

You’ll get our 2018 Spring Shop Ride agenda (spoiler alert – it’s awesome!), and meet the cool people you’ll get to ride them with! PLUS, this March 1st party is your LAST CHANCE to sign up for our all-inclusive, all-about-making-it-fun cycling Team!! (We’re currently 86 strong – CLICK HERE to see why so many riders have drunk the kool-aid!)

Exciting, right? But wait, there’s more! At this event, you’ll have a chance to finally meet the one and only Matt Fitzhorn, whom you’ve been hearing so much about – the new head honcho for your famous Hometown Service Department. You’re right. You absolutely won’t want to miss this:

Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party

Thur, March 1st, 7-9pm – The only fee is food!

IT’S GAME ON, BARGAIN HUNTERS!

Welcome to spring cleaning – Hometown style!! THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH from 11am-4pm, we’re clearing out our back room in preparation for awesomeness to come. And while we’re at it, we’ll be moving old inventory to make way for new. That means everything from used bicycles, to shop tools, to product, to furniture, to random bike parts will be up for grabs at garage sale prices!

SPREAD THE WORD – there’s treasure in this here building, and you and your friends are invited to “pan for gold!”

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, MAR 3 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’re headed back to Island Lake for a loop through the trails. Anticipate 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. 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 more

ZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more