SPORT THOSE HOMETOWN COLORS, AND JOIN SHAUN, DAWN AND YOUR FELLOW HOMETOWNIES on October 19th at theLexus 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!
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.
It’s almost time for Iceman… do you know what that means?
It’s time to get your recipes simmering for our 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off! Our annual tradition is always the week following Iceman and we are stoked to consume copious amounts of chili with you!
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.
We are also planning a pre-chili Fat Bike Ride, so stay tuned for details. That way, you can burn off a ton of calories before you add them all back!
Entrepreneurship Event: MARKETING! Tuesday, December 10 from 6-8:30 PM
Dawn & Leslie are at it again! We sure love planning entrepreneurship events. This one will be for both men and women, all ages, on a topic that’s HOT — Marketing! Look for event details and sign-up SOON!
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
We hosted the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Brighton/Howell Unit on Wednesday, October 9th. They sponsored a public forum to encourage the public to get to know their county officials and their role in local road maintenance. Road Commission Director Steve Wasylk presented, and WHMI reported!
Look out, world! Our very own Shaun is a radio star! On September 16th, he was part of a WHMI broadcast to promote the event, along with Jacob Andrews, Tour de Livingston Co-Chair. Shaun says he has always had a face for radio!
Listen up, peeps! We are ONE WEEK away from the 2019 Tour de Livingston! This is our FAVORITE ride of the year!
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!
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.
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
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!
LMB Awards: Hometown’s a FINALIST!
Celebrate with the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) as they recognize the outstanding contributions of cycling advocates from around the state and experience a night of exciting indoor cycling races on October 19th 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!
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.
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
We are collecting gently used shoes!
Hometown is a drop-off location for the Brighton Area Schools fundraiser to benefit the social-emotional learning dogs. Brighton Area Schools is the first public school district in the state of Michigan to have district-owned therapy dogs. Take a look!
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.
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
We enjoyed being part of the annual Kem Krest Employee Wellness Fair on September 12th.
Our handy Les Cook is shown making some adjustments to this jogging stroller for disabled adults — it’s being prepped for the Detroit Free Press 5K!
