Livingston County United Way | Hometown Bicycles

The Tour in Review, Happy Birthday Dan, and Velodrome Time!

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Shaun

2019 Tour de Livingston in Review
Epic in every way!

For Hometown Bicycles, the true mark of autumn is our favorite annual event, Tour de Livingston. While we can’t wait for it to come around each year, we are also saddened to see it go… it’s always such a memorable day.

This year was no different! On Sunday, October 6th, we had sun, we had fun, and we had an absolutely amazing time connecting with the cycling community for a great cause!

Pictured above: Team Hometown Bicycles member Neal Glazebrook raised $670 this year! Here is he ready to begin his 100-mile century ride. Go, Neal!

We can’t say enough about the Howell Rotary Club for their incredible efforts in organizing and running Tour de Livingston. They do a top-notch job. Our hats go off to them!

Since its inception in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the critical needs of those who are struggling to meet their most basic needs. The proceeds go to the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Program to benefit those right here in our community.

We’re incredibly proud to be an ongoing part of this amazing effort. And we’re incredibly proud of our amazing, community-minded Team, who came en masse to support, ride, and volunteer, and who demonstrated the best of the cycling community with their efforts before, during, and after the ride.

Team Hometown, you are amazing, and we salute you!!

Pictured above: Team Hometown Co-Captain and Mobile Rhythm Entertainment Team Sponsor Joe Ostervik, Matt Burke, Chris & Heather Harrison, and Quanta Inc. Team Sponsor Brad Allen

Dan Horal: We celebrate you

A friend and fellow Hometownie’s birthday would have been October 8th. Dan’s life was tragically cut short after being struck by a car mid-ride on April 25, 2019.

His memory lives on for all of us at Hometown, his family and friends, and a tight-knit cycling community who thinks of him often. Dan Horal, we send our prayers and birthday wishes to you.

“Today our dear friend and fellow cyclist Dan Horal would have celebrated his 63rd birthday. Happy birthday Dan, hope you are enjoying that ride in the sky.” — Shaun Bhajan

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

Show Your Hometown Spirit at the Velodrome October 19th!

SPORT THOSE HOMETOWN COLORS, AND JOIN SHAUN, DAWN AND YOUR FELLOW HOMETOWNIES on October 19th at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit, where the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) will recognize the outstanding contributions of cycling advocates from around the state with a night of exciting indoor cycling races.

The 64,000 square foot, $4 million Lexus Velodrome is the most talked-about venue in the U.S. cycling world – and it’s right here in Michigan!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES IS A FINALIST FOR LMB’S SHOP OF THE YEAR AWARD!

Hometown is one of five bicycle shops in the running for the Shop of the Year Award, alongside Pedal Bicycles – Portage, Brick Wheels, Sweet Bikes, and Kids Repair Program.

Winners will be announced during a pre-race reception at 5 PM (heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar), followed by the Velodrome’s Saturday Night Rumbles at 7:30 PM.

Get in on the action, and buy your tickets HERE!

Fitness options at Hometown
Stay active year-round with our multitude of class offerings!
We believe in wellness all year, even (especially) during those frigid Michigan winters. It’s sometimes hard to find the motivation to stay fit and active when all we want to do is hibernate until spring. This is one reason Hometown loves to host our fabulous fitness instructors and have class offerings most days of the week.

You have likely seen the classes in full swing as they rock it out on the main floor. As the cold weather descends, head on up to the shop to get your sweat on!

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf

A great way to work it out, get that heart pumping and torch some major calories in a fun atmosphere!
Wednesdays 6 PM
Saturdays 9:45 AM
$10 drop in (includes equipment); $5 drop in if you bring your own equipment

Power 30 with Martha Soraruf
30 minutes of strength training immediately following cardio drumming.
Wednesdays 7 PM
$5 drop in

Zumba with Leslie Barrett
This hour class flies by due to the infectious music and easy-to-follow Latin dance fitness routines. You will get a full body workout through mega cardio and toning!
Mondays 6 PM
Thursdays 9:30 AM
$8 drop in; 10-class punch card for $60

Zumba Gold with Tresa O’Rourke
Zumba Gold offers a lower intensity Latin dance fitness experience. Perfect for active older adults, anyone needing modifications and those just starting an exercise program.
Mondays 9:30 AM
Sundays 10:30 AM
$8 drop in: 10-class punch card for $50

COMING SOON: Yoga (Sati Circle), HIIT, and Pound!

Did someone say chili?!

Get your recipes simmering for our 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off!

SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, November 9th, you can enter to win one very special (and kinda gaudy, but that’s what makes it fabulous) traveling trophy. Take home the bragging rights of being the 2019 Hometown Bicycles “Great Bowls of Fire” Chili Cook-Off WINNER!

Stir up your favorite recipe and drop it off at the shop by 4 PM. People’s Choice judging will begin at 5 PM, and the winner will be announced by 7 PM.

Sign up coming SOON!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 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, bikes, Brad Allen, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, chili cook off, Chris and Heather Harrison, cycling, cyclists, Dan Horal, Daniel J. Horal, Dawn Gaden, Do It for Dan Memorial Ride, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, fitness classes, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, Howell Rotary, intenSati, joe ostervik, League of Michigan Bicyclists, League of Women Voters, Leslie Barrett, Lexus Velodrome, livingston county, Livingston County United Way, LMB Awards, Martha Soraruf, Matt Burke, Michigan, Neal Glazebrook, Road Commission, Shop of the Year, shop rides, Steve Wasylk, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tour de Livingston, Tresa O’Rourke, WHMI, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

Countdown to Tour de Livingston: THREE DAYS!

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Shaun

It’s HERE! Our Favorite Event of the Year!

2019 Tour de Livingston

** NOTE: Because the Hometown crew will be at Tour, shop hours for Sunday 10/6 are Noon-5 PM **

October is here — a gorgeous month for cycling in Michigan! And what better way to enjoy a Sunday in October than to join us for the MOST AWESOME cycling event, Tour de Livingston!

Hometown loves, loves, loves this event, and has been its Major Bike Shop Sponsor since the beginning!

We will be there to provide bike support, to ride, and to man our much-loved bike corral, where riders can leave their bikes while they enjoy the food and festivities indoors. Be sure to stop by the Hometown Bicycles tent on Tour day for any/all of your cycling needs!

We have also donated the Jamis bike you see here! The bike giveaway will take place during announcements between 7:50-8:00 AM. You don’t want to miss this!

Tour de Livingston is a fully supported ride that includes hospitality tents, a full breakfast, snacks along the route, and a hearty meal prepared by the chef at Mt. Brighton.

All proceeds from this event help to: bridge the gap for local hardworking families struggling to meet their most basic needs via the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Programs. Since its start in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the community’s most critical needs. The Tour de Livingston is organized and run by the Howell Rotary Club.

Check out the schedule!

Registration Starts at 7:00 am

Course Opens at 8:00 am

Breakfast is Served 7:00 am – 9:00 am
* All riders must report to Mt. Brighton for packet pickup and breakfast

Announcements and Bike Giveaway (donated by Hometown!) at 7:50 am – 8:00 am

Group Start 8:00 am
* All riders must start by 9:00 am

Lunch is Served from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

GM Proving Grounds closes by 12:00 pm

Century Ride Celebration (100 Mile Riders) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

* Please Note that All Rider Services End at 5:00 pm

All Riders MUST wear a bicycling helmet

Location:
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, 4141 Bauer Road, Brighton

Check out the routes!

FAMILY FUN LOOP, ISLAND LAKE ROUTE & RECREATIONAL RIDES
An easy novice route consisting of paved bike paths, low to no traffic and neighborhoods. Some routes with ice cream shops near the halfway point. Estimated 5,10 or 20 miles.

ISLAND LAKE ROUTE
This is bike-friendly with paths and park roadways within Island Lake and Kensington. Great for families, beginners, or those that prefer to ride on roads less traveled. Routes will include 5, 10, and 20-mile options with hospitality stops every 6 miles. Island Lake route riders must register at Mt. Brighton, drive to Island Lake for ride and return to Mt. Brighton for lunch.

EXPERT ROAD BIKE ROUTES
Spend the day enjoying the countryside of Livingston County. Three different expert level loops begin and end at Mt. Brighton. Choose from 38-mile Parks Loop, 62-mile Metric Century, or combine to ride a Century Route. All distances are approximate!

NEW THIS YEAR
GRAVEL GRINDER ROUTES
New this year, our Gravel Grinder routes to “Hell and Back” will consist of 2 routes approximately 36 miles and 50 miles from Mt. Brighton to Hell, Michigan. These routes will take you on paved and unpaved gravel roads and will inspire the adventure seeker in you!

We look forward to seeing YOU there!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle ride, bicycles, bike ride, bikes, cycling, cyclists, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Rotary, Jamis Bikes, Livingston County United Way, Tour de Livingston | Leave a comment »

Kiosks, shoes, dogs, and focus groups – just a typical day at Hometown!

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Shaun

Countdown to Tour de Livingston!
Sunday, October 6th
There are only THREE weeks until the 2019 Tour de Livingston! The excitement is building!

As the major bike sponsor, Hometown is very invested in the success of this event! To make things convenient, we have set up a Tour de Livingston Kiosk in the shop for any and all of you to register for this scenic ride!

This fully supported ride includes hospitality tents, a full breakfast, snacks along the route, and a hearty meal prepared by the chef at Mt. Brighton.

All proceeds from this event help to: bridge the gap for local hardworking families struggling to meet their most basic needs; prepare every child to be ready for success; and build a healthy community for all residents via the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Programs. Since its start in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the community’s most critical needs. The Tour de Livingston is organized and run by the Howell Rotary Club.

Click HERE to register or raise funds!

LMB Awards: Get Your Nominations In!

The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) is gearing up to recognize the best of Michigan cycling at their annual awards to take place October 19, 2019 at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit. The 64,000 square foot, $4 million Lexus Velodrome is the most talked-about venue in the U.S. cycling world – and it’s right here in Michigan!

But first things first — get those nominations in by September 16th by clicking HERE!

Check out the categories and nominate the worthy folks who are making Michigan bicycling better:

Changemaker of the Year
Shop of the Year – with your help, this could be Hometown Bicycles!
Club/Team of the Year – with your help, this could be Team Hometown!
Business Champion of the Year
LMB Volunteer of the Year
Outstanding Infrastructure Award
And more!

Ignite the Spirit
Let’s help our friends at the Brighton Area Fire Authority!

On September 14, 2019, Ignite the Spirit will begin a week-long bicycle ride from Chicago to Toronto, averaging close to 80 miles of biking each day! All proceeds will benefit the Ignite the Spirit Cancer Fund.

The Chicago Fire Department spearheads Ignite the Spirit. Because of the inherent dangers that firefighters and paramedics face on a daily basis, they are exposed to known and unknown carcinogens. While many of their Brothers and Sisters are surviving in remission and leading normal productive lives, the fact remains that this calling to serve has taken the lives of far too many First Responders. The Ignite the Spirit Fund was created with the idea of providing financial help when they are faced with battling cancer.

The cyclists will be hosted by the Brighton Area Fire Authority for dinner on September 16th, as they pass through Livingston County. If you would like to ride in and out of Brighton with these cycling warriors, contact the fire station at (810) 588-7845.

This is what community is all about!

It is quite an honor that Hometown’s own Shaun Bhajan has been invited to participate in the Pathways & Parks Focus Group as part of Brighton Township’s Master Plan Update. The purpose of the group is to discuss ways to better connect the community and enhance recreational opportunities, and we have so many ideas to share on this subject! Read more about the Master Plan HERE.

“Thank you Brighton Township for investing in our community. I am proud to be part of this group to look at infrastructure, business development and recreation in our area. They are embracing the core values of the township. I’m really excited for the good work that is being done for the direct benefit of the residents,” states Shaun.

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In other community news, we are a drop-off site for the Brighton Area Schools fundraiser to support Brighton’s Pack of Therapy Dogs and less fortunate people around the world. Simply donate your gently used (or new) shoes, cleats, slippers and boots. Over 2800 pairs of shoes have been collected community-wide so far and there is still time to help!

Place shoes in a bag (with laces tied where applicable) and place in the collection bin near our front counter. Spread the word and help make a difference to the social-emotional learning dogs who make such a difference in our schools.

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Cardio Drumming | Wednesdays 6 PM and Saturdays 9:45 AM$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 and Thursdays 9:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $60” punch card – With Leslie Barrett | Click to learn more

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

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, bike clinics, bike rentals, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Brighton Area Schools, Brighton Therapy Dogs, Brighton Township Master Plan Update, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Gaden, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, fitness classes, focus group, fundraiser, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, Howell Rotary, Ignite the Spirit, intenSati, Kem Krest Employee Wellness Fair, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Leslie Barrett, Leslie Cook, Lexus Velodrome, livingston county, Livingston County United Way, LMB Awards, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Pathways and Parks, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tour de Livingston, Tour de Livingston kiosk, Tresa O’Rourke, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

Visit us downtown this Friday & Saturday at Taste of Brighton

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Shaun

Vote 4 the BEST!
Through Sunday at 11 PM

Hometown Bicycles is on the list! AND CURRENTLY IN FIRST PLACE thanks to you!

Continue to show Southeast Michigan that we are the BEST BIKE SHOP by voting in the Click on Detroit Vote 4 the Best Contest!

Voting runs through Sunday, July 14 at 11 PM. You can vote often and much… every hour, in fact… we know that’s a heck-of-a-lot of voting, but anything you can do to help is so appreciated!

To vote:

Visit the Click on Detroit website HERE
Choose the Sports & Recreation category
Select Hometown Bicycles

It’s that simple! Add it to your bookmarks to make it even easier.

(PSSST!!! Dawn here, sneaking in a quick message! DID YOU KNOW that your Hometown Events Coordinator AND newsletter correspondent is also the best Zumba instructor in SE Michigan, and teaches right here at Hometown!? Please VOTE FOR ‘ZUMBA WITH LESLIE BARRETT’, too!!! (She’s in the Fitness category, under Zumba!)
Let’s rock this, Hometownies!

Visit Hometown at A Taste of Brighton
TOMORROW & SATURDAY!
July 12-13, 10 AM-10 PM

Hometown’s headed downtown for the annual A Taste of Brighton summer festival and we want to see you there! On Friday and Saturday, we’ll give festival-goers a flavor of what makes our shop and our sport so darn special. Our tent will be crankin’ with our Service Crew demo-ing what we’re famous for – the best bike repair in Southeast Michigan!

A Taste of Brighton is one of Michigan’s top-rated festivals. Highlighting the best of what Brighton has to offer, stop by for outdoor shopping, dining, entertainment and more along Brighton’s Main Street!

Be sure to stop by our booth for a chance to win THIS Jamis Trail X A2 bicycle!!!

Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride was an absolute BLAST!

Bright and early on Sunday, June 30th, the front lawn of the historic Howell Courthouse was overtaken with cycling enthusiasts. It was a beautiful day for the Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride! In conjunction with the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, riders enjoyed watching the balloons fly in as they completed 5, 10 or 25-mile loops.

Hometown is stoked to be the Bike Shop Sponsor for Tour de Livingston, to take place on Sunday, October 6, 2019. Rides of all ages and abilities can enjoy the gorgeous fall colors on this fully supported ride.

Proceeds from the event go to the Livingston County United Way to help our county’s most vulnerable with basic needs. Now in its 12th year, the Tour de Livingston, run by the Howell Rotary Club, has raised over $400,000 — amazing! We are so proud to be part of it!
THANK YOU, HOWELL ROTARY CLUB for all you do!

To register for Tour de Livington, click HERE.

Bicycles, Bicycles & more Bicycles PARADED down Main Street!

The Brighton Optimist Club and Hometown Bicycles made a red, white, blue and ORANGE splash at the 4th of July parade! It was a happy sight to see so many children and their parents decked out with their awesomely decorated bicycles riding down Main Street accompanied by Team Hometown members in their bright orange kits!

The mission of the Brighton Optimist Club is “Bringing out the best in children, our members, and the community” — and they did just that and more at this year’s parade. We had a fantastic turnout and great fun! Thank you to everyone who participated in the bike decorating contest and to those who rode, walked and rolled with us. See you next year!

Intro to Mountain Biking: Wednesday, July 17th from 6-8 PM

Island Lake Rec Area, Spring Mill Pond

Calling all beginners! Looking for a new biking experience that goes beyond paved paths? Maybe you are new to Mountain Biking and want to fine-tune your skills?

Join Island Lake Explorer Guide, Becca, and Hometown Bicycles to gain the basics of this exciting sport/recreation activity! This FREE event will focus on mountain biking parts, safety, and lingo and a guided ride. Please come prepared with helmet, closed-toed shoes and your own bike (nothing fancy, but knobby tires will be necessary). Ages 12 and up. All children under 18 must have an adult present.

Don’t have a bike? Inquire about Hometown’s Bike Rental program! We have a variety of bikes and sizes to meet your cycling needs.

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Cardio Drumming | Wednesdays 6 PM and Saturdays 9:45 AM$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 and 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 and Sundays 10:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Tresa O’Rourke | Click to learn more