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    Hometown Bicycles:
    10595 Grand River Road
    Brighton, MI 48116
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    Tuesday: Closed
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM
    Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM
    Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
    Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

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Best Team Night Ever + Christmas Intell

Team Hometown Bicycles members enjoying tacos and treats at Team Night

BEST. TEAM. EVER!  Over 100 Hometownies and Hometownies-in-the-making packed – and I mean PACKED – the bike shop floor for our 2018 Team Night informational meeting last Sunday. Cyclists “of all makes and models” came to renew their membership, or to learn more about a Team that’s made tsunami-sized waves in the cycling community for being devoted to the sport, to each other, and to Hometown… not to mention for being phenomenal, big-hearted human beings that give cyclists an AWESOME name!

We cheered over Team awards, got goosebumps from Team testimonials, loaded up on tacos and treats, ordered Team kits, and welcomed scores of Hometownies to the 2018 Team. On Team Night alone, our Team blew past its 2017 membership numbers, and the sign-ups are still pouring in. WOW!

Team Hometown Bicycles Team Night awards and food

Definitely gotta give a shout out to our Ride Coordinator, Laura Faunce, who took ownership of this event – and the Team – with outstanding results! Heartfelt thanks to a Team that gives us DAILY reason to be grateful and proud. Hats off to the foodies who added deliciousness to the program. Warm thanks to our Crew, who surprised Shaun and I with a gratitude speech (we feel so loved!) And always, always a special thank you to our spectacular Sponsors, who help support the Team year after year:

Pro-Motion Physical Therapy Brighton, MI logo Body Within Personal Training logo Horal DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry logo
   Kearns Brothers Roofing Siding Windows logo      Lowry Solutions logo Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp logo
 Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply      Michigan Banner Factory logo Jamis Bikes logo

If you’re interested in ordering a Hometown kit (jerseys, shorts, etc.), there’s still time! Order goes out Monday, December 11th. Drop by the shop to figure out sizing. You don’t have to be on the Team to wear the kit! Plus, we’re hosting a massive, Kit Pick-Up Party early next year when the orders arrive (stay tuned for details!)

You can learn more about our Team, or sign up for the 2018 Team by filling out the following Team application and dropping it off at the shop:

2018 is gonna be a great year, Team Hometownies. Can’t wait to ride it out with you!

Team Hometown Bicycles' Team Night event with Laura Faunce speaking


CHRISTMAS ORDERS & HOURS

Hometown Bicycles under the Christmas Tree
YOU want to look good and feel good this Christmas, and WE want to help! Here are a couple critical bytes of information that will make sure you look good for giving your gifts on time, and feel good for making your friends and family HAPPY!

The final day to place ANY order, so that it arrives by Christmas, is

December 18th

YES, WE ARE OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE!
After that, it’s family time for us and our Crew until the New Year…

OPEN: Christmas Eve  9AM – 3PM
CLOSED: Christmas Day – January 1st  
We’ll reopen January 2nd, normal hours!


Hometown Bicycles gives a lecture on bicycle engineering at Pinckney's Navigator Upper Elementary School

SHAUN TALKS TECH WITH PINCKNEY STUDENTS

Yesterday, Shaun brought along one of the finest examples of bicycle engineering we have at the shop, Pro Tour racer Alexander Kristoff‘s bike (on loan from Dean Gericke – thanks, Dean!), to Navigator Upper Elementary to demonstrate the science and engineering of bicycles. For the second year in a row, he was blown away by the quality of questions asked by the students and, this time, the mad art skillz! We love introducing young minds to the fascinating world of bike tech-ery; thanks for inviting us back, Pinckney Schools!


Jamis Bikepacking Giveaway

JAMIS BIKES FAMILY BIKEPACKING GIVEAWAY

Jamis is doing it again, Hometownies! Here’s a chance for you to win “a sweet bikepacking prize package worth an estimated $4000.” It includes everything from a pair of Renegades, to helmets, frame bags, packs, lights, and clothing. Everything you need for a really rockin’ adventure. Only 13 days left to enter. CLICK HERE or the video above for details!


HELP WANTED: PERSONAL ASSISTANT
HOMETOWN BICYCLES Part-time Personal Assistant needed. Must be highly organized, available week day mornings and afternoons, and excellent with children. Writing, design, and web skills a plus. If interested, pick up an application at the shop, and return it to Dawn.

Team Hometown Bicycles' Jamis Renegade

The adventure isn’t out there, it’s inside you… aww, who are we kidding, it’s out there!

~ Cyclists everywhere

TOMORROW (7/1): Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee & Sale!

ALL ABOUT THE…
Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee and Sale logo

A FREE Family Fun Event

TOMORROW, July 1st from 9am – 5pm

Last week, we gave you a flavor of the stupendousness to come at Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee & Sale on Saturday, July 1st. And, as it turns out, this event just keeps getting better… !!!

Read all about the newest event excitement below, including new participantsover 50 chances to win in our new July Jubilee Door Prize Drawing, and sales-tax-free purchases!


EVENT DAY ACTIVITIES (ALL FREE!) INCLUDE:

9am  FAMILY CARDIO DRUMMING with PURE Fitness & Nutrition
One of the most popular fitness activities ever held at Hometown, Martha Soraruf’s high octane cardio drumming class will kick off our Jubilee with energetic beats and family-friendly aerobics!
9:30am  FAMILY SLOW ROLL BIKE RIDE with Team Hometown Bicycles
Read more about the Jubilee’s leisurely, morning social ride below.
10am-3pm  FACE PAINTING with Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Festive, 4th of July themed face art will be available, compliments of Sky Zone. Be sure to also visit their tent for a chance to spin the prize wheel, win cool swag, and even enjoy some hula-hooping!
10:30am  DANCE FITNESS CLASS with Ginny’s Danceworks
We’re thrilled to welcome Hometownie Ginny of Ginny’s Danceworks and her talented students for a family-geared class in fun-filled aerobic dancing! 
11am & 2:30pm  ACRO YOGA CLASSES with Yoga Nature
Jim and Sherryl of Yoga Nature will wow us with acro yoga demos – blending acrobatic feats with a yoga core – and will teach you a few maneuvers of this jaw-dropping art form in their Jubilee classes!
11:30am & 2pm  KARATE DEMOS with PKSA Karate of Brighton
Dennis and Barb of PKSA Karate are bringing along their most talented students to showcase the incredible skill of karate – including board breaking and weapon forms! Now, that’s just plain cool!!
Noon  FAMILY LAWN GAME TOURNAMENT with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
Get your game on!! Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp is launching a tournament of family vs. family and one-on-one games, including Tug of War, Dress-Up Race, Sack Race, and Three-Legged Race. Challenge your friends! Challenge your family! Challenge your coworkers! “Who will reign supreme?!”
  
Noon-2pm  KID’S BIKE DECORATING with Brighton Optimist Club
Read more about Bike Decorating at the July Jubilee below.
1:30pm  WATER BALLOON GAMES with Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply
Hot on the heels of lawn games comes a chance to cool off, with Water Balloon Games hosted by Beauchamp. Combines the best of stationary objects and moving targets (friends and family!)
3pm  HONOR GUARD & NATIONAL ANTHEM with American Spirit Centre
We are truly honored to welcome an Honor Guard from our across-the-street neighbors, American Spirit Centre, for the official first flag raising on Hometown’s new flagpole. Blast-from-the-past-Hometown-super-cashier, Maddie Peltier, will round out the ceremony with a rousing rendition of our National Anthem!
After the Honor Guard   PRIZE DRAWINGS & SPARKLERS for the kids!
Following the flag raising, we’ll pull the winners of the July Jubilee Door Prize Drawing. Read below to find out what you could take home with you – there’s over 50 chances to win! We’ll wrap up the evening with a little nostalgia – sparklers for the kiddies!

MMM-M-M BARBECUE & SWEET TREATS SUPPLIED BY (for purchase):

Hog Wild BBQ and Catering Oh My Lolli!

THE “SALE” PART OF JULY JUBILEE & SALE:

Sale stickerYes! Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee & Sale will also keep money in your pocket!!YOU GET 10% OFF ANY 1 ITEM

AND…

WE’LL ALSO PAY YOUR SALES TAX on your entire purchase!


A NOTE ABOUT EVENT PARKING:

Parking sign
Our parking lot always fills up lightning fast, but never fear!There’s overflow parking across the street in American Spirit Centre‘s back lot (thank you, neighbors!). Please be sure not to park in the front lot, which is reserved for member Veterans!

Group ride at a Hometown Bicycles event
JULY JUBILEE FAMILY SLOW ROLL BIKE RIDE

Just in time for the holiday weekend, let’s dial it back and relax into this social, slow paced road ride. We roll at 9:30 a.m. from the July Jubilee. Think 8 – 10 mph. Bring your cruiser or whatever bike you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets! This is a NO DROP ride. Check Facebook for ride updates.

**One-ish Mile Family Slow Roll Special** Just for the Jubilee, and with your kidlets in mind, we’re offering a special route that keeps us on the north side of Grand River – traveling down the sidewalk, through business park roads and back – about a flat mile. We’ll pass by the shop for those that are done or would like to repeat the route again on their own. (Adults must accompany kids, please! Helmet and waiver required.)

**The Ride Continues…** Crossing Grand River, we’ll tackle a few climbs/descents and enjoy beautiful park scenery. Turnaround at ILRA’s Spring Mill Pond. Plan for about 8.5 miles and 1.5 hours with stops.


Patriotic red, white, and blue decorated bike for Brighton Optimist Club 4th of July Parade Bike Decorating Contest
JULY JUBILEE BIKE DECORATING & PARADE

Every 4th of July, the Brighton Optimist Club runs a contest that’s hearty, wholesome, and all-American – a bicycle decorating contest for kids of all ages, followed by participation in Brighton’s beloved 4th of July parade. No charge for any of it!

This year, we want to help the Optimists make this one of the biggest and red-white-and-blue-iest turnouts ever! For that reason, from Noon – 2pm, our Community Room will be stocked with patriotic craftery (bottom right) that we’re donating to the cause. Parents, bring your kids!! Kids, bring your bikes and any extra decorations, and DECORATE WITH US!

Your decked out bike will be put on display at our 3pm July Jubilee Flag Raising Ceremony!

Parents, you’ll like this… we’re offering complimentary trailering services for any interested families – leave your decorated bikes with us, Red, white, and blue patriotic decorations for bike decorating at Hometown Bicyclesand we’ll transport them all to the beginning of the Parade route on July 4th to save you from the logistical nightmare of drop-off. At the end of the route, we’ll pick ’em up, and trailer them back to the shop for convenient pick-up over the next couple days.

Brighton Optimist Club website, or call for details: (810) 225-2441. No sign up required. Just come decorate!


MEET THE FOLLOWING AWESOME LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS AT THE JUBILEE:

These wonderful folks are setting up tables, games, prizes, and more at our event. Learn about and support these locals whose values – exceptional customer service and community involvement – align so beautifully with Hometown’s!

Oh My Lolli! Logo
The Eric Hartwell Foundation logo
Yoga Nature logo
PKSA Karate of Brighton

Kearns Brothers logo

Ginny's Danceworks logo
American Spirit Centre of Brighton logo

Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply logo

Sky Zone Trampoline Park logo

Tour de Livingston 2017 logo

Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp logo

Brighton Optimist Club logo

SELCRA logo

PURE Fitness and Nutrition


Hometown Bicycles newly stocked gifts and novelties department
“I
 BICYCLES!”: PROCLAIM IT TO THE WORLD!!

Just in time for July Jubilee, we’ve packed our bicycle gifts and novelties area to the gills with a groovy selection of clothing, kitchenware, home decor, and knick-knacks for the cycling enthusiast. (A million thanks to Sarah Colburn of Scott Colburn Boots & Western Wear for generously creating order and beauty out of all this “fun-ness”!)

We know you’ll find something you love – come find what speaks to YOU!


A NOTE ABOUT EVENT DAY WEATHER:

Michigan Average Annual Precipitation mapIt’s Michigan – we know better than to take good weather for granted! Right now, the forecasts call for clear skies, but know that the party can rock just as well indoors as out.

If it comes down to it, don’t let a little inclement weather slow you down! This party’s ON, rain or shine!!


And the winner is...
JULY JUBILEE DOORPRIZES YOU CAN WIN!

There’s been an ENORMOUS amount of good will and good vibes from all the awesome participants in our July Jubilee, including generous donations of goods and gift certificates for you to win! So much, in fact, that YOU HAVE OVER 50 CHANCES TO WINSOMETHING COOL!!

The drawing will take place following the Honor Guard and flag ceremony (around 3:30pm). You do not need to be present to win, and you can enter at any point during our event! Check out what you can win below:

FROM HERE:
Hometown Bicycles
4 x $25 Store Gift Certificates

FROM OUR TEAM SPONSORS:
Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
2 x $100 Gift Certificates toward a Bike Fitting
1 x $50 Gift Certificates toward a Bike Fitting

Kearns Brothers
2 x $50.00 Gift Certificates to Hometown Bicycles (Thanks, Mike!)

Body Within Personal Training
Fitness Package, including a T-Shirt, Water Bottle, Stretching Strap, Consultation, and Fitness Test!

Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply
5 x Bags of Water Softener Salt

Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
3 x One-Month Family Memberships

FROM OUR BUSINESS & ORGANIZATION FRIENDS:
Coeur Sports
5 x  $10 Gift Cards to Coeur Sports online store
2 x  $25 Gift Cards to Coeur Sports online store

Cool Hedge Creations by Melissa
Hand Crafted & Stamped Cyclist Bracelets

The Eric Hartwell Foundation
1 x Free entry into the 2018 Snowman 5K/10K

Ginny’s Danceworks
1 x $50.00 Gift Card towards Dance Classes or Camp

Oh My Lolli!
$5.00 Oh My Lolli! Gift Tokens

PKSA Karate of Brighton
6 x Gift Certificates for 2 free weeks of class

PURE Fitness & Nutrition with Martha Soraruf
1 x Arbonne Care Package
1 x Cardio Drumming Gift Card

SELCRA
Gift Passes / Vouchers

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
1 x Family Fun Pack

Yoga Nature
1 x Free Private Acro Yoga Lesson
1 x Free Private Paddle Board Lesson (equipment included or bring your own!)


HELP SPREAD THE EXCITEMENT!

Share bullhornWe’ve always said that the the greatest compliment you can give us is referrals. If you were ever going to introduce someone to “The Hometown Bicycles Experience”, here’s a time to blow their socks off and make yourself look like a rockstar of the referral world!

Please forward this email, direct people to our website, share our Facebook July Jubilee event page, or pass along our event flier. Help us add value to the MANY wonderful, community-minded businesses and organizations that are so generously volunteering time, energy, and prizes to make this event amazing for YOU!

Know that we appreciate it, Hometownies, and we always appreciate YOU! Thank you!!


HOMETOWN’S 4TH OF JULY HOURS

 

JULY 4:  Open 7am – 3pm

Regular hours before and after the 4th!


Mountain Bike Trail sign post at Hometown Bicycles

It takes real planning to organize this kind of chaos.

– Mel Odom

Hometown’s July Jubilee and Tour Kick-Off

Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee and Sale logo

A FREE Family Fun Event

Saturday, July 1st from 9am – 5pm

Since dropping early hints about this summer celebration in past newsletters, the Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee & Sale on Saturday, July 1st has taken on a life of its own. It’s an event that’s become legendary in scope. Forget “pencilling it in”… just COME. You won’t want to miss one single, glorious moment of July Jubilee fun!!EVENT DAY ACTIVITIES (ALL FREE!) INCLUDE:

MMM-M-M BARBECUE & SWEET TREATS SUPPLIED BY (for purchase):

Hog Wild BBQ and Catering Oh My Lolli!

YOU’LL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET (and, in many cases, play games and win prizes with) THESE AWESOME LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS:

Pro-Motion Physical Therapy logo

The Eric Hartwell Foundation logo
Yoga Nature logo

PKSA Karate of Brighton
Kearns Brothers logoGinny's Danceworks logo
American Spirit Centre of Brighton logo
Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply logo

Sky Zone Trampoline Park logo

Tour de Livingston 2017 logo

Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp logo

Brighton Optimist Club logo

SELCRA logo
PURE Fitness and Nutrition

OH, AND DID I MENTION THE GIVEAWAYS, GREAT DEALS, NEW INDOOR PLAYSCAPE FOR KIDS, AND NEWLY EXPANDED BICYCLE GIFTS & NOVELTIES DEPARTMENT??
PRINT THE EVENT FLIER… share it with your friends and family! Let them know you have an adventure planned for them at Hometown Bicycles on July 1st! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!


Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride flier
THIS SUNDAY: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE

Add it to your calendar, Hometownies! It’s an annual tradition for Hometown to lead off this pre-Tour teaser of one of our favorite events ever – the Tour de Livingston. Hometown Bicycles is offering ride support, SAG support, and bike valet. Ride with us!!

So that all of our Hometown crew can enjoy this event…
WE WILL OPEN LATE THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH
12pm – 5pm (6/25)


Team Hometown Bicycles' Joe Van Gordon, Deb Godmer, and Rex Blair with John Clark at Michigan Mountain Bike Mayhem 2017
(From left: Joe Van Gordon’s looking pretty in pink, alongside John Clark, Deb Godmer and Rex Blair. Photo pirated from Deb’s Facebook – I knew you wouldn’t mind, Deb!!)

HILL CRUSHERS! TEAM HOMETOWN CLIMBS MOUNTAINS 

Or, at least, that’s what it feels like in Michigan’s grueling, short-course-steep-climb Mountain Mayhem race series. According to the event website, this series “will test your mental sanity”, but you’d never know it by the laid back grins on our Team’s faces!

Kudos to Joe Van Gordon, Deb Godmer, Rex Blair, and Caddy Johnson for conquering this spirit-breaker of an event!


Team Hometown Bicycles' Scott Simpson at the Lumberjack 100
(Left to right: Pre-race, bringin’ it home, and hangin’ with the kiddies after. Photos courtesy Scott Simpson)

100 MOUNTAIN BIKE MILES WITH TEAM HOMETOWN

Eight and a quarter hours. That is the length of time Scott Simpson rode last Saturday in the epic Lumberjack 100. Think about that… that’s a FULL 9-TO-5 WORK DAY, riding a saddle instead of a desk chair. WOW. Congrats, Scott, on a mighty mountain biking accomplishment!


Hometown Bicycle's Amy Gluck talks about Metabolic Efficiency Training

TODAY: HOW TO BURN MORE FAT + GUEST SPEAKER

Tapping on her Degree in Nutrition and Bob Seebohar’s revolutionary Metabolic Efficiency research, Hometown’s Amy Gluck talks about how to train your body to burn fat for fuel, instead of using quick-access carbs. She’s joined this week by Brian Grzyb of Lifetime Fitness in Commerce, who is a resident expert on Metabolic Efficiency Testing!

In her talk about Metabolic Efficiency Training, you’ll learn what it is, how to do it, and the enormous benefits to be gained… like no more GI distress at competitions, never hitting “the wall” again, and turning yourself into a lean and efficient, fat-burning machine! NO CHARGE!

REGISTER NOW FOR “TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT”

Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm in the Community Room


AMY’S BLOG: June 23, 2017

The inspiration continues… ! Hometown’s tri clinician, Amy Gluck, is tapping on her years of top-level IRONMAN training and competition, and the life-altering accident that put her passion to the test, to share something soul-stirring in the form of blogging about her recovery, her training triumphs and challenges, and her personal mission to get back to IRONMAN. From her 6/23/17 installment:

Hometown Bicycles' Amy Gluck races IRONMAN

“This year, the T-Rex Series are my “A” races (basically, the peak races for my tri season).  I’ve never had a Sprint Tri as my “A” race, since I started Ironman racing.  In my mind, Sprints are too hard because they demand 100% speed all of the time, even through transition.  Ironman made me too lazy to put 100% speed on all of the time.  Ironman is more about proper pacing and avoiding 100% effort to save yourself for the end of the race…”  READ ON

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


NEXT WEEK: SUMMER EMERGENCY REPAIR CLINICS

Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown BicyclesOur “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic are primed for your immediate benefit, addressing quick, on-the-go fixes and how to handle the dreaded flat:
•  Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair).

NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.


Hometown Bicycles partnered up with Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park of Brighton for their big Annual Summer Bash.

PARKED BESIDE PUPPIES AT SKY ZONE’S SUMMER BASH

Last Saturday found us “ooo”-ing over the Livingston County Humane Society‘s furry recipients of the Sky Zone Summer Bash fundraiser.  There may also have been some jumping involved… and said jumper just may have had a fantastic nap as a result!

Overall, our helmets are off to Sky Zone for a truly terrific event. We appreciate you making us a part of it! Look for Sky Zone at our 1st Annual July Jubilee!!


Friday Morning Yoga at Hometown Bicycles, with Tocca Massage and Yoga

TOMORROW (6/23):

YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

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

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


KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

Brighton Optimist Club partnering with Hometown Bicycles on the Fourth of July Kids Bike Decorating ContestMore than just an upbeat group of community-minded people, the Brighton Optimist Club is 100% about “bringing out the best in children.”

We are absolutely geeked to be partnering with these big-hearted folks with an event that combines kids, bicycles, patriotism, and a community parade! Check out the flier at left and click HERE for further details.


Hometown Bicycles Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Shop Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL A.M. ROAD RIDE  (6/22)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This friendly road ride takes the back entrance to Island Lake and explores 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 (a support rider will be the last person back). Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER RESUMES JULY 9TH 
Please join us in Howell this Sunday, June 25th for the Tour de Livingston Kick Off. 
Watch the balloons lift off, then continue on along your Kick-Off route.  Enjoy the Farmer’s Market after you ride!

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (6/25)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
As a tribute to Father’s Day, the Beginner Friendly Mountain Bike Ride leaders would like to encourage riders to bring their dad out for a 1.5 hr trail ride on Sunday. We’ll ride from Hometown Bicycles to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails, splitting into a couple of groups. All levels of riders are welcome at this 1.5 hr pace. This is a NO DROP RIDE – which means we will have a ride support person at the end of the last group. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (6/26)
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 travel towards the back of Island Lake, then head through the park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to do more mileage to satisfy their cycling need!  Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels.  All level riders are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear.

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  (6/27)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This ride from Hometown Bicycles covers 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads between 12 – 13 mpg average. We’ll ride the back of Island Lake, enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!), pop onto some paved roads, and grab a dirt trail back into ILRA. Expect a few “puddles” of sand. Nothing our gravel, adventure/mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle! Standard road bikes (skinny tires) are not appropriate for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE (a support person will be the last rider).

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/28)
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!

SON OF HAMMERFEST (for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest):
Also 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.

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 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


Mountain Biking at Island Lake in Brighton, MI

I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.

– David Bowie

Cycling Countdown + the Best Biking in MI

LEFT UNTIL SPRING CYCLING SEASON!

Step aside, Winter! We’re just a week away from the glorious, cyclists’ paradise that is the Spring Cycling Season, starting March 1st!!

Pull those bikes out of storage, and bring them in now to beat the Spring tune-up rush – ‘cuz when the trees start blooming, you better believe you won’t want to wait even a second more to saddle up and pedal out. It’ll be adventure time!


Michigan tourist map courtesy of Vidiani.com
(Image courtesy vidiani.com)

DATE CHANGED:  “Where to Ride in MI” Potluck Clinic!

IT’S BEEN MOVED TO NEXT THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND FROM 6PM-8PM 
We’ve been hard at work with our Team leaders on creating the BEST Shop Ride schedule we’ve ever had, and are taking an extra week to perfect it for its BIG DEBUT at our Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck Party!

At this event, you’ll also hear about Michigan’s top cycling paths and trails, meet Hometown’s ride leaders, connect with potential ride buddies, collect info about local cycling groups, and learn about the organizations that help keep our roads and trails cyclist friendly and how you can get involved.

It’s a potluck, so here’s your chance to show off some culinary skills (and we know you’ve got ’em, thanks to our Fall Extravaganza Chili Cook-Off!)

REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND OUR “WHERE TO RIDE” POTLUCK CLINIC!
Thursday, March 2nd, 6pm-8pm at Hometown Bicycles  •  Bring a dish to pass!


Jamis rep Tom Trentanove at Hometown Bicycles' Why Jamis? Clinic Party
(Tom Trentanove from Jamis talks bikes and brands to a Community Room full of Hometownies.)

SO MUCH JAMIS LOVE AT LAST WEEK’S CLINIC

Last Thursday marked our second annual “Why Jamis?” Clinic & Pizza Party – dedicated to the bicycle brand we’ve carried from Day 1, and the story behind why we unhesitatingly trust Jamis to help us make your cycling experience incredible. We had a full house and fun times!!

A very warm and heartfelt THANK YOU to guest speaker Tom Trentanove, our Jamis super-rep, who gave us the insider’s scoop on Jamis Bikes.

Missed the clinic? Sadness!! Stop in, and get the “lite” version from our crew.

Team Hometown Bicycles Sponsors Mike Kearns of Kearns Brothers, Deb Godmer of Hamburg Fitness Center, and Matt Maximoff of Michigan Banner Factory
We have the coolest Team Sponsors! Look who showed up to our event (and ride Jamis!) – from left: Mike Kearns of Kearns Brothers Inc., Deb Godmer of Hamburg Fitness Center, and Matt Maximoff of Michigan Banner Factory.


Ladies Spin Challenge with Dawn at Hamburg Fitness Center

THIS FRIDAY: LADIES SPIN CHALLENGE WITH DAWN

Yep, it’s MY turn to jersey up and spin at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp! This will be my first go-round since kids – I’m looking for all the moral support I can get! The Ladies Spin Challenge is (of course) women only, and runs FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH AT 9:30AM – $5 HOMETOWNIE SPECIAL. Child care is available, fellow mamas! (Call 810-231-4169 to pre-register your kiddies.)

REGISTER NOW FOR THE LADIES SPIN CLASS – CLICK HERE!


Shaun Bhajan of Hometown Bicycles at Hamburg Fitness Center spin classTHIS SUNDAY: A 2ND SPIN-OFF WITH SHAUN…

Ready to clip in for another round of spinning with Shaun at Hamburg Fitness Center? SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH AT 10:15AM – $5 HOMETOWNIE SPECIAL

REGISTER FOR THE HOMETOWN SPIN-OFF WITH SHAUN


Hometown Bicycles Rides Coordinator Jean Steinberg
(Images at left courtesy Jean Steinberg)

MEET YOUR CREW: JEAN STEINBERG

Jean, a long-time Hometownie, became part of the Hometown crew a year ago, and has quickly made herself indispensable. Uber passionate about our sport, she’s a powerhouse Rides Coordinator who skillfully pairs the magic of Hometown with the magic of cycling. Loyal. Diligent. Creative. Plus, Jean is always game for a bike-based adventure!

This silly journey of cycling started in 2004 as my then teenage sons found the mountain bike trails in Island Lake and insisted on taking me mountain biking!  Oh boy did things change after that little outing.  I traded the Holiday Inn for a tent, learned we could pack 5 bikes and two people in a Honda Pilot, cactus actually reach out and grab you as you ride by, ignorance was awesome in the early days (talk about over-riding your skill level), my mentors were priceless, mountain bike trail advocacy is near my heart, I have owned too many bikes to count and experienced more awesome riding in the USA than I EVER imagined possible.  My passion for the sport of mountain biking has only grown stronger over time.  When a little mentoring and encouragement leads to someone achieving new skills to overcome a trail stopper, I still get so excited for them – it’s like your kid taking their first step!  I absolutely love helping riders explore and learn more about cycling.


Hometown Bicycles Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride heading to Island Lake Badlands

Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride – Saturday, 2/25 @ 1:00PM

MEET IN THE FRONT LOT CLOSEST TO MILFORD RD. (North End)

With the Trail Coordinator’s blessing, we will venture out on the trails of Milford/Proud Lake for a 2-PART RIDE. Fat Bikes only. If the weather shifts, we’ll adjust the ride location. Follow us on Facebook for ride confirmation and updates.

PART 1:  NO DROP, beginner-friendly pace for Milford (6 miles). Return to trailhead.

PART 2:  For extra miles at a swifter pace, we’ll venture through the more challenging Proud Lake Loops 1, 2 and maybe 4 (7-9 miles, moderate pace). Some dirt road and sidewalk required to get there.

Need a fat bike? We rent! Call our shop:  (810) 225-2441


CRAMBA Ride Dirt Trails, Not Mud Trails flier

 PSA: DON’T BE THAT CYCLIST…

… you know, the eager beaver who just can’t wait for the trails to dry, and destroys them for everyone else. We know that early Spring days bring intense trail temptation, but listen to that little white-clad dude on your shoulder – the one with the halo! Or, if you’re more practical in nature, listen to the organizations that maintain the trails. Trust us, you’ll get a longer and more enjoyable cycling season when you sit tight for solid singletrack!


START SPRING CYCLING SEASON WITH A FREE BIKE!

Jamis Bikepacking Contest videoYep, it’s still up for grabs… check out this bikepacking contest that Jamis is running through the month of February, with a grand prize of something like $5,000 in bikes and adventure gear! How sweet would it be if a Hometownie won?! What are you waiting for…
ENTER NOW!!


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 winter fitness programs running right here inside 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

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING FOR KIDS | Mondays at 11AM
Parents welcome! $5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Dynamic Yoga with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga at Hometown BicyclesDYNAMIC YOGA | New series pending… stay tuned!
$10 drop in – Presented by Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown BicyclesZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$5 drop in – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

 

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