mike dyer | Hometown Bicycles

Bike Maintenance Clinic TONIGHT + Meet Your Team Captain

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Shaun

Come one, come all… and invite your friends… to our fun-filled, educational bike clinics. Did we mention they are FREE?

Winter blues? Forget about it! You’ll be too busy learning cool bike stuff!

What’s happening TONIGHT? In this first of a 2-part clinic, Shaun will cover tips and tricks to prep your bike BEFORE you hit the roads and trails. Lots of folks are signed up for this one, but we have room for plenty more of you! Can’t make it this evening? The same clinic will repeat Saturday afternoon. SIGN UP HERE !

And here is the schedule of upcoming clinics! Early registration is appreciated. Click each registration link for the clinic(s) you’d like to attend.

Bike Maintenance – After the Ride Care
Thursday 1/31 from 7-8 PM or Saturday 2/2 from 1-2 PM

Bike Fitting Basics with Vinnie Baylerian
Saturday 2/9 from 12-1:30 PM

Cycling Nutrition
Thursday 2/14 from 7-8 PM or Saturday 2/16 from 1-2 PM

Sponsor Feature: Getting to Know Dream Kitchens!

Meet Jason Vanderhovel!
(Pictured with his fiancée, Emily)

How did you partner up with Hometown?
I partnered up with Hometown after spending the summer riding on various shop-sponsored events. I originally started riding back in June 2018 as a pre-wedding weight loss routine and became slightly addicted. After that, I signed up for as many statewide and Hometown rides as I could! If I could pick a ride to partner up on with Team Hometown, I think I would do the Tour de Livingston, which was one of my favorite centuries last year!

When it comes to Dream Kitchens, tell us what sets your business apart from your competitors. What makes you unique?
At Dream Kitchens, we are a store, yes, but we have six talented designers that assist in the selection process as well as contribute in the architectural layout of a space. I think we excel best in our process with helping clients tackle these large projects piece by piece. We have a system in selecting what places different decisions ahead of others in order to move forward in a timely manner.

What do you personally need to make it YOUR dream kitchen?
I’m all about the finishes. I think they can make or break a space.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Livingston County?
Mackle’s Table & Taps in Hartland. The food is phenomenal!

Other than cycling, what are some of your favorite activities? Anything specific to Michigan?
Sadly… I don’t really do anything other than work and ride!

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you or your business?
While we specialize in kitchens, we actually work on most rooms in a home. We do bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, built-ins, libraries, bars, offices and movie theaters!

Fat Tire Bikes: We rent ’em, you ride ’em!

That’s right! We have a whole fleet of fat tire bikes available for YOU! Whether you want to try out one of our Saturday Fat Bike Friendly rides, rent for a day, or rent for several days, we can meet your needs… fat bikes in every size!
Rental Rates:
$25 for one ride
$50 for one day
$120 for 3 days
$200 for 5 days We bike snow. We bike cold. We bike wind. We bike mild, spring-like winter days.
We bike it ALL!

Check out our Facebook for info on upcoming rides!

Young Women’s Entrepreneurship Event:

Tuesday, March 12th from 6:00-7:30 PM

The evening will be chock full of fun and invaluable information to help the young women in our lives explore and develop their entrepreneurial talents. If you are a middle school or high school student, or a young woman in her late teens/early 20’s, who is interested in starting your own business (or already have!), you will not want to miss our Young Women’s Entrepreneurship event.

We are super stoked to announce our guest speaker for this GIRL POWER 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. Competitive Edge Skating is the result of Jennifer’s commitment and passion to developing a company where athletes are provided everything they need to reach their highest level of performance.

You will be blown away by her story — beginning skating lessons at age three, a 14-year figure skating career, becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Exercise Physiologist, coaching hockey, being a successful entrepreneur, publishing a book, and so much more!

SIGN UP HERE!

Stay tuned for more details as your Hometown gals, Dawn and Leslie, plan this free event for YOU.

Meet Your Team Captains, Part One: Michael Dyer!

How did you get into riding?
I was given a 1991 Huffy Stone Mountain MTB as a gift when I graduated college. I used it sparingly until a buddy of mine bought a “real MTB” somewhere around 1993 or so. He decided to give riding trails a try with another friend who lived by Island Lake Recreation Area. I tried it once and was immediately hooked. In the spring of 1994, I went to a demo event and bought a 1994 Trek 930 SHX. Since that time I have never looked back.

What are your hopes for Team Hometown this year?
To get more teammates engaged in the sport and the activities that the shop hosts or supports. Mountain bikers in particular — I like to see the new riders venture out into trying all the trails that we have available to us. Experience the true adventure that the sport can bring: racing, bike-packing, road trips, night rides, etc.

Hopes for the industry?
I think the industry as a whole is heading in the right direction. There is no better time than the present to get into the sport. The bikes and other gear are so good right now. In the area we live, for mountain bikers in particular, we have so many great places to ride. I would like to see the price of quality bikes start to trickle down to a more reasonable cost.

Do you have a favorite place to ride? Favorite shop ride? Favorite race in Michigan?
I can’t really name a favorite place to ride. Each trail has its own unique quality. I am a big fan of Brighton Rec, Poto, DTE, Highland, Pontiac Lake and Fort Custer. Who am I kidding, I like any trail I can ride my bike! My favorite shop ride is the Friday Night Lights ride followed closely by the Fat Bike Friendly ride. My favorite race, so far, is Mud, Sweat and Beers up in Traverse City the first weekend in May.

Anything else you’d like us to know about you… random fun facts?
Fact #1 — I am a drummer and a vocalist. I don’t use these talents much anymore, but they are still in there somewhere.
Fact #2 — I survived a heart attack when I was 45 years old. Never saw it coming.
Next up! Meet Your Team Captains, Part Two: Joe Ostervik — coming soon to a Hometown newsletter near you…

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

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

Zumba GOLD | Fridays at 9:30 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 maintenance, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike maintenance, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, Competitive Edge Skating, cycling, cyclists, Dream Kitchens of Brighton, fat bike rental, fat bike rides, fitness classes, girl power, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, Jay Vanderhovel, Jennifer Matras, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, Michael Dyer, Michigan, mike dyer, shop rides, team captain, Team Hometown Bicycles, team sponsor, Tresa O’Rourke, winter bike rides, winter cycling, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

A Dream Brought to Life with the Help of Team Hometown

Posted on November 3, 2018 by Shaun

Jim Dominick at Hometown Bicycles
Jim Dominick has DREAMED of riding Iceman, but faces two distinct challenges – no car, and a history of epileptic seizures.

Jim commutes 20 miles a day, year-round, in every kind of weather, and chooses NOT to own a car. With that kind of dedication to the sport, Iceman Cometh Challenge seemed a natural fit, and so his manager introduced him to this famous, Michigan race.

With his last epileptic episode occurring December 6th, 2017, Jim decided that THIS would be his year, and reached out to the Iceman organization. His persistent communications caught the attention of kind-hearted Denine, and he was given a green light… and an entry!

Lacking transportation, the Iceman group appealed to a variety of organizations on Jim’s behalf until Steve Velopp, a Hometown Bicycles customer, recommended contacting our shop. We put it out to our Team and, within an hour, Team Hometown’s Mike Dyer and Jim Thompson rallied to the call. Real class act, guys!

We coordinated between shop and Team to bring Jim from East Point to the shop… and Mike and Jim T. shuttled him the rest of the way there. We can’t wait to hear what you think of your Iceman dream coming true, Jim. Thanks for making us a part of your adventure!

Good luck, Jim and Team Hometown Bicycles!!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: epilepsy, Hometown Bicycles, Iceman Cometh Challenge, Jim Dominick, Jim Thompson, mike dyer, Team Hometown Bicycles | Leave a comment »

Hometown on Parade and a 42-Bike Salute

Posted on July 7, 2018 by Shaun

PROOF POSITIVE THAT OPTIMISM REALLY DOES PAY OFF…
We were POSITIVE that we could help the Brighton Optimist Club top last year’s participation numbers in their annual Fourth of July Bike Decorating Contest & Parade Ride, and boy did we ever!! Nearly 50 participants packed the roadway in this year’s parade, up from a little over 10 last year!

Brighton Optimist Club, by the way, has been dedicated to “Bringing out the best in children” since 1977. We are honored that they chose Hometown to help make this the best year ever – thank you, Brighton Optimists!! And thanks to ALL of you who came out in support of their worthy mission – Shaun and I loved riding with you, and can’t wait to do it again next year!!

(To point out a few highlights: You probably already recognize the fuzzy guy and his family in the upper left; directly below left is Brighton Optimist Club President Gary London, who’s had faith in Hometown since Day One!; in the middle is Kurt and his beautiful family, who had such a great time that they’re already planning for next year!; and bottom right is Hometown’s own Amy Gluck and Team rider Joe Van Gorden leading up the bicycles with the Brighton Optimist Club banner!

(A few of the fabulous folks at Lake Trust Credit Union who participated in their corporate Build-A-Bike charity program. Shaun and I are at bottom right, geeking out over sitting beside President & CEO David Snodgrass, who’s incidentally no stranger to cycling! Photo cred: © Lake Trust Credit Union)

A 42-KIDS-BIKE BUILD-A-THON WITH LAKE TRUST

When we find fellow businesses whose values align with our own, it’s a thrill and joy to forge partnerships that span industries and grow year by year. We’ve enjoyed that sort of relationship with Lake Trust Credit Union – a company founded on community-centeredness – first as customers, then as partners in charity.

Lake Trust recently tapped on Hometown for a commendable corporate Build-a-Bike program. With Hometown’s help, their team built up 42 Jamis kids bikes, which were then donated to 16 amazing organizations, including LACASA, Make A Wish Foundation of MI and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston. You can read the full account on their blog HERE.

If you would also like to involve Hometown Bicycles in your next Corporate project or wellness program, please contact me (Dawn) at office@myhometownbicycles.com. We love making new friends!

TEAM NEWS: In the thick of summer cycling…

Our Team has been busy, busy, busy with rides and races across the State! Above, you’re seeing Team rockstar, Ellen Geddie, who road 46 miles of Blue Water Ramble in the rain!!

Jim Cleer and John Wyatt got down to business at the MSU Gran Fondo, which is known as 80 miles of “rolling party”, with music, food, and brews along the way!

Team bike goddesses, Amy Daybird, Sarah Dudley-Short, and Deanna Swan made a powerhouse trio at the 10th Anniversary Tri Goddess Tri, the first ever all-women’s triathlon/duathlon.

And 12 Team riders hit the trails at the Island Lake Challenge Mountain Bike Race – a Yellow Loop fiesta of dirt track and determination. Shout out to Brad Allen, Leslie Cook, Cammie Coffey, Keith Cowger, Mike Dyer, Jay Mings, Kasandra Noel, Brien TerBush, Jim Thompson, Link Wehrly, Steve Wortley and Kevin Machuga. Brad killed it with a 1st in Open Sport Fat Bike, and Keith dominated with a 1st in his age division for Sport!

VISIT HOMETOWN AT A TASTE OF BRIGHTON!

This year, Hometown’s headed downtown July 13th & 14th (with July Jubilee on the 15th!) for the annual A Taste of Brighton affair, where we’ll give festival-goers a flavor of what makes our shop and our sport so darn special! Shaun will be on stage running several Bike Care 101 and Flat Tire Fix clinics throughout the event, and our tent will be crankin’, with our Service Crew demo-ing what we’re famous for – the best bike repair in Southeast Michigan! Add this event to your family calendar, and be sure to stop by and say “hi!”

SAVE THE DATE: HOMETOWN JULY JUBILEE (7/15)

Last year, we introduced the Hometown Bicycles Annual July Jubilee & Salewith a “huzzah!” heard ‘round the world! Now this year’s July 15th Jubilee takes the fun had last year, and exponentially multiplies it for an utterly epic, carnival-style, super-event that your whole family will love!!

— JULY JUBILEE EVENT & SALE – Sunday, July 15 from 1-5pm —

Food & YUMMMMMMMMMM Cotton Candy!!
Hydration courtesy Team Sponsor Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply!Face Painting
Artistic talent provided by Alison Peasley!Games & Prizes
Including water balloon tournaments on the front lawn, tire toss, tricycle tug-of war, andcrazy cool lawn games, courtesy of Team Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp!Family Classes & Demos
Including Zumba-Cardio Drumming Fusion with Leslie Barrett and Martha Soraruf, Acro Yoga with Yoga Nature, Flow Yoga with Michelle Klinger, and Belly Dancing with One Spirit Dance & Fitness of Pinckney (all PG and kid-friendly!)Tour de Livingston Tent
Learn about Hometown’s favorite local charity ride from creators, Howell Rotary andLivingston County United Way!*** MEGA SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE on accessories – from bags to bells to saddles to tools – to make way for new product lines that you’re going to LOVE!! ***

———— JULY JUBILEE RIDE – Sunday, July 15 at 3:30pm ————-

Join our Team and Crew on a MASSIVE, July Jubilee Ride, for riders of all types, ages, and skill levels. We leave from the shop at 3:30pm for a leisurely spin around Island Lake. Make friends, have fun, and be back just in time for our…

— RED, WHITE, & BLUES CONCERT – Sunday, July 15, 5-8pm —

This ‘funk’y fundraising concert rounds out our July Jubilee celebration with the bluesy rock and roll of Hometown’s long time service tech and purveyor of extraordinary bike knowledge, Dan “CycloDan” Tribble, and his PBR Band.Enjoy outstanding music, dancing, snacks (BYOB), and socializing… all while directly supporting your fellow cyclist and Hometownie, Dan Rosenhack, and his amazing family. Dan’s diagnosis of terminal brain cancer has resulted in costly medical and living expenses, and this concert is geared to help relieve the financial strain on his family. Half of your $10 cover charge helps pay for the band, and half will be gifted to Dan Rosenhack’s family.

It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting a deeply meaningful cause.Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!

KIDS SELF DEFENSE CLASS AT HOMETOWN

JULY 26, 7-8PM: If someone wants to hurt our children, they won’t choose a time or a place with witnesses. The safety of our children will depend on their ability to recognize a threat and respond effectively.

Hometown is thrilled to welcome back Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy for a fun, interactive and age-appropriate workshop that teaches essential, lifesaving information about threats, strategies for prevention, and real world techniques.

Coed, for ages 6-12. Class fee is $25. REGISTER NOW!

PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES FOR HOMETOWN!

** The Best Bike Shop section on Livingston Daily’s survey is question number 53!
** In Vote4theBest, you can go directly to Hometown’s voting page: CLICK HERE!

UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

Saturday Road Ride

SATURDAY, JULY 7 | 11:00AM (MEET BY 10:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Sunday Hartland Gravel Grinder

SUNDAY, JULY 8 | 9:00AM (MEET BY 8:45AM) | FROM HARTLAND TWP HALL
Come enjoy beautiful, HILLY country roads and wonderful ride company. Expect several TOUGH, LONG CLIMBS, at an average 14 – 15 MPH pace for all 28.2 miles. The group may split into 2, with the front pack averaging > 15 mph. (Check out Dan’s Gravel Grinding 101 ride for a less grueling option.) Cross/Gravel, Mountain and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) at 2655 Clark Rd. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Sunday Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride

SUNDAY, JULY 8 | 4:30PM (MEET BY 4:15PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Join your Hometown Crew for our beginner-friendly mountain bike trail ride, which encourages riders to explore new trails as their skill level increases. This week, we’ll enjoy 9 – 15 miles of Island Lake single track over the course of 1.5 hours. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. Riders under 15 must 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. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Monday Beginner-Friendly Road Ride

MONDAY, JULY 9 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Ladies’ Road Ride

TUESDAY, JULY 10 | 6:45PM (MEET BY 6:30PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake (~14 miles) at a conversational, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate with your new biking friends. BYOB!Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Advanced Skills & Drills

TUESDAY, JULY 10 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Want to learn to ride with a peloton? This ADVANCED, road warrior training is led by our Team racers! You’ll learn and practice: draft lines, hill repeats and intervals. Come ready to work hard. Bring a cadence sensor, speed sensor, and heart rate monitor. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Gravel Grinding 101

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 | 5:45PM (MEET BY 5:30PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ride with your Hometown bike guru, CycloDan Tribble! Front and rear light required, as we end at dusk. This ride weaves through and around Island Lake, covering 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads (a few hills just for fun!) at an average 12-13 mph. Expect a “puddle” or two of sand and a few face slappers on the trails this time of year. Nothing our gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle. Skinny tire bikes will NOT work for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Slow Roll Social Ride

THURSDAY, JULY 12 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN
This ride is all about making friends! This conversational, morning ride will find us exploring Island Lake’s beautiful 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. We might just stop for coffee and donuts along the way! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Ladies Only Beginner Mountain Bike Ride

THURSDAY, JULY 12 | 6:15PM (MEET BY 6:00PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, come learn beginning mountain bike skills! We’ll tackle the trails in manageable bites, with the empowering support of skilled and supportive Hometown women. We’ll ride together to Island Lake Recreation Area, and focus on taking the fear and uncertainty out of riding the trails! NO DROP. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Friday Night Lights
FRIDAY, JULY 13 | 9:00PM (MEET BY 8:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
It’s a different world out there when you’re riding by bike light! We’ll ride the Island Lake trails at an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are fully charged! Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. NOT a beginner ride. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

CLICK HERE for our 2018 Spring/Summer Daily Shop Rides Schedule!

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 a high-energy pick-me-up, 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

The best thing about memories is making them.

~ Love from Shaun, Dawn, and the family

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Daybird, best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston, bike clinics, bike decorating contest, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Blue Water Ramble, Brad Allen, Brien Terbush, Brighton, Brighton Optimist Club, Build-a-Bike, Cammie Coffey, Cardio Drumming, charity concert, cycling, cyclists, Dan Tribble, David Snodgrass, Dawn Bhajan, Deanna Swan, Ellen Geddie, fitness classes, Fourth of July parade, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Island Lake Challenge MTB Race, Jamis Bikes, Jay Mings, Jim Cleer, Jim Thompson, John Wyatt, July Jubilee, Kasandra Noel, Keith Cowger, Kevin Machuga, LACASA, Lake Trust Credit Union, Leslie Barrett, Leslie Cook, Link Wehrly, livingston county, Livingston Daily People's Choice, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, mike dyer, mountain bike race, MSU Gran Fondo, PBR Band, Sarah Dudley-Short, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, Steve Wortley, Taste of Brighton, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tri Goddess Tri, Vote4theBest, zumba | Leave a comment »

Ways for you and your family to enjoy SUMMER!

Posted on June 23, 2018 by Shaun

RIDE WITH YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM & CREW AT TOMORROW’S KICK-OFF!

Every year, Hometown joins forces with our Howell Rotary and Livingston County United Way peeps to run a FREE, family-friendly, multi-loop ride on Howell’s scenic roadways. The Kick-Off Ride coordinates with the breathtaking balloon fly-in for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, and builds awareness for the much-loved Tour de Livingston, run annually in the Fall.

Our Team and Crew have marked the routes and will be on hand to lead the rides. Come on out this Sunday, June 24 at 6:45am and ride with us!

(Note: Our shop will still be open at 9am on Sunday – be sure to drop by after the ride and make those few of us who stayed behind jealous!)

AN UNPRECEDENTED SALUTE TO A STELLAR CREW MEMBER

WE WILL BE CLOSING EARLY (4PM) THIS SUNDAY (6/24)

Everybody knows Andrew. Hometown Service Lead Andrew Jackson has been a fixture at our shop for the past 4 years. He’s unfurled his wings with us, evolving from a youthful and studious Service Tech to a self-assured, highly-skilled leader. He’s respected by customers and crew alike, and is the sort of guy you would describe as a “genuinely good human being”.

We knew our time with Andrew was limited by his unshakeable aspiration to study Engineering. And now that he’s graduated, that time is coming to a close, as he prepares for college and future greatness.

For the first time in the history of Hometown, we are closing the shop early, so that Shaun and I, and all of his fellow Crew members, can attend Andrew’s graduation party. We don’t know how to give you any greater compliment on your exceptional contribution to Hometown, Andrew. Congratulations, and we look forward to seeing what amazing things you accomplish!

STORE HOURS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH

9AM – 4PM

TEAM NEWS: Long Rides & Mountain Mayhem

Your Team continues to have a pedal in every pie, starting with the adventurous Shannon McKay, who biked 114 miles from Chicago to New Buffalo, MI with Le Tour de Shore. Awesome sauce, Shannon!

Brad Allen and Jack Riddle attacked grueling gradients on one of Michigan’s toughest road bike challenges, the Michigan Mountain Mayhem Spring Classic. Meanwhile, Team Captain Jim Cleer road a FULL 24 HOURS in the National 24 Hour Bike Challenge, billed as the nation’s oldest and largest ultramarathon cycling event. “The burn isn’t telling me to stop. It’s telling me it’s working!” – way to go, guys!!

And we just want to give a newsletter high-five to these two Team dads, Paul Andres and Mike Dyer, who cycled with their families for Father’s Day. Cool beans!

SAVE THE DATE: HOMETOWN JULY JUBILEE (7/15)

— JULY JUBILEE EVENT & SALE – Sunday, July 15 from 1-5pm —

Food & YUMMMMMMMMMM Cotton Candy!!
Hydration courtesy Team Sponsor Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply!

Games & Prizes
Including water balloon tournaments on the front lawn, tire toss, tricycle tug-of war, andcrazy cool lawn games, courtesy of Team Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp!

Family Classes & Demos
Including Zumba-Cardio Drumming Fusion with Leslie Barrett and Martha Soraruf, Acro Yoga with Yoga Nature, and Belly Dancing with One Spirit Dance & Fitness of Pinckney(all PG and kid-friendly!)

Tour de Livingston Tent
Learn about Hometown’s favorite local charity ride from creators, Howell Rotary andLivingston County United Way!

*** MEGA SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE on accessories – from bags to bells to saddles to tools – to make way for new product lines that you’re going to LOVE!! ***

———— JULY JUBILEE RIDE – Sunday, July 15 at 3:00pm ————-

Join our Team and Crew on a MASSIVE, July Jubilee Ride, for riders of all types, ages, and skill levels. We leave from the shop at 3:00pm for a leisurely spin around Island Lake. Make friends, have fun, and be back just in time for our…

— RED, WHITE, & BLUES CONCERT – Sunday, July 15, 5-8pm —

VISIT HOMETOWN AT A TASTE OF BRIGHTON!

RIDE WITH SHAUN IN BRIGHTON’S JULY 4 PARADE!

This year, the whole family – Shaun and I and the kids – will be riding in Brighton’s 4th of July Parade, and we’re calling on all families with kids ages kindergarten through 5th grade to join us! There’s no charge!!

Brighton Optimist Club is the annual host of this well-loved Bike Decorating Contest & Parade Ride, and Hometown has enjoyed the privilege of helping their program grow year by year. In addition to hosting bike decorating parties at our shop and offering complimentary bike checks and helmet discounts to participants, we’re also providing free bicycle delivery and pick-up service to and from the parade! Details of this event can be found here, but here’s our mission…

Hometownies, let’s BLANKET this parade in bicycles!! Sign up now to be a part of making this the biggest bike entry in the history of the parade!

KIDS SELF DEFENSE CLASS AT HOMETOWN

If someone wants to hurt our children, they won’t choose a time or a place with witnesses. That means no parents, no teachers, no policemen, just our children and the predator. The safety of our children will depend on their ability to recognize a threat and respond effectively.

Hometown is thrilled to welcome back outstanding instructor, Ian Kinder of Live Safe Academy for a fun, interactive and age-appropriate workshop that teaches essential, lifesaving information about the threats facing our children, strategies for prevention and real world techniques designed to reduce their risk of abductions, assaults and other forms of violence. But most of all, these programs teach students that they have the right to be safe, that no one has the right to hurt them and that they are worth protecting.

Coed, for ages 6-12. Class fee is $25. REGISTER NOW!

HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDERSTAND CYCLIST NEEDS

The League of Michigan Bicyclists is always up to something exciting, and their latest adventure is a new training series, designed for law enforcement and cyclists, being held across the State. They note that each session is interactive, and addresses:

• MI Vehicle Code and MI Compiled Laws
segments relating to the use of the bicycle
on MI roadways and sidewalks.
• Best practices for bicycle crash investigation
and reporting.
• Updates on accepted engineering designs
for bicycle travel.
• Safe bicycling practices.

Want to help cyclists be heard? Register now for this 5-hour, $15, food-included session!

PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTES FOR HOMETOWN!

** The Best Bike Shop section on Livingston Daily’s survey is question number 53!
** In Vote4theBest, you can go directly to Hometown’s voting page: CLICK HERE!

UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

Saturday Road Ride

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 | 11:00AM (MEET BY 10:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE!

SUNDAY, JUNE 24 | 7:00AM (MEET BY 6:45AM) | FROM HOWELL COURTHOUSE
Join your Hometown Team and Crew for the annual Tour de Livingston Kick-Off Ride, running in conjunction with the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest! This ride is FREE and offers 5-mile, 10-mile, and 25-mile road route options. Every rider receives a commemorative water bottle, and a chance to watch the balloons launch! Click here for all of the exciting details!

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Monday Beginner-Friendly Road Ride

MONDAY, JUNE 25 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Advanced Skills & Drills

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Want to learn to ride with a peloton? This ADVANCED, road warrior training is led by our Team racers! You’ll learn and practice: draft lines, hill repeats and intervals. Come ready to work hard at an average 20mph pace. Bring a cadence sensor, speed sensor, and heart rate monitor. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, JUNE 26 | 7:00PM (MEET BY 6:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake (~14 miles) at a conversational, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate with your new biking friends. BYOB! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

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Gravel Grinding 101
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ride with your Hometown bike guru, CycloDan Tribble! Front and rear light required, as we end at dusk. This ride weaves through and around Island Lake, covering 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads (a few hills just for fun!) at an average 12-13 mph. Expect a “puddle” or two of sand and a few face slappers on the trails this time of year. Nothing our gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle. Skinny tire bikes will NOT work for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

*** RENT A FAT BIKE AT THE SHOP! ***

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Ladies Only Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
THURSDAY, JUNE 28 | 6:30PM (MEET BY 6:15PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, come learn beginning mountain bike skills! We’ll tackle the trails in manageable bites, with the empowering support of skilled and supportive Hometown women. We’ll ride together to Island Lake Recreation Area, and focus on taking the fear and uncertainty out of riding the trails! NO DROP. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

*** RENT A FAT BIKE AT THE SHOP! ***

CLICK HERE for our 2018 Spring/Summer Daily Shop Rides Schedule!

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

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

When muscle and machine connect, extraordinary things happen.

~ Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 4th of July, A Taste of Brighton, andrew jackson, Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, best bike repair in Southeast Michigan, best bike shop, bicycle clinics, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike decorating contest, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brad Allen, Brighton, Brighton Optimist Club, BYOB, calendar, Cardio Drumming, community bicycle safety education, concert, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Dan Rosenhack, Downtown Brighton, family classes, family friendly, Father's Day, fitness classes, graduation party, group rides, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Howell Rotary, Ian Kinder, Jack Riddle, Jim Cleer, July Jubilee, July Jubilee Ride, kids self defense, lawn games, Le Tour de Shore, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Leslie Barrett, Live Safe Academy, livingston county, Livingston County Daily Press and Argus, Livingston County United Way, Livingston Daily People's Choice, LMB, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, Michigan Mountain Mayhem Spring Classic, mike dyer, National 24 Hour Bike Challenge, One Spirit Dance and Fitness, parade, Paul Andres, pinckney, Red White and BLUES Concert, sale, self defense for children, service lead, Shannon McKay, shop rides, summer concert, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tour de Livingston, tour de livingston kick-off ride, ultramarathon cycling, Vote 4 the best, water balloons, zumba | Leave a comment »

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SAVE THE DATE: HOMETOWN JULY JUBILEE (7/15)

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When muscle and machine connect, extraordinary things happen.

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