National Bike Month | Hometown Bicycles

National Bike Month, Do It for Dan & One Hoppin’ Service Shop

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Shaun

Promotional Materials | League of American Bicyclists

“May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.”
~ The League of American Bicyclists

With the Michigan stay-at-home order changing to allow bicycle service, we’re happy that we can be there for you. Somehow, this National Bike Month feels a little more special, doesn’t it?

Do It for Dan

April 25, 2020 was the anniversary of the tragic cycling accident that took Dan Horal’s life. His memory lives on for all of us at Hometown, his family, and friends, and a tight-knit cycling community that thinks of him often. The Do It For Dan Memorial Ride that would have been scheduled for May 3, 2020 has been moved to September 27, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please like the Do It For Dan Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all of the happenings, to help us celebrate Dan, and to help honor his memory.

Cars lined up down Grand River to get bicycle service at Hometown Bicycles during the COVID-19 pandemic

One Hoppin’ Service Shop

We’ve officially been open 2 days for service operations, and what a whirlwind! We’ve brought in over 200 bicycles, 130 of which are tune-ups. Every day, we’re making subtle changes to our procedures to be more efficient. Thanks for hanging with us while we figure this out.

To speed up the process, we do have a few requests:

1) FOLLOW THE SIGNS: When you come to the shop, you will see signs in the parking lot directing you where to go, depending on whether you’re here for service or retail.

2) SERVICE CUSTOMERS: Please fill out, then print THIS SERVICE REQUEST FORM prior to coming out to the shop, and bring it with you to drop-off.

3) RETAIL CUSTOMERS: Please park against the concrete wall – one of our sales crew will come out and greet you.

4) NEW BIKE CUSTOMERS: If you are interested in purchasing a bicycle, in addition to Step 3 (above), please call ahead and schedule an appointment with Andy: (810) 225-2441, Dial 1.

GoFundMe: We Still Need YOU

We’re not in the clear yet! Although the April 24th Executive Order update gives us an opportunity to generate income going forward, resources continue to be limited.

With this change, we are thankful to be able to lower our ask. But because of the ongoing uncertainty, we are still looking for your support:

Hometown Bicycles GoFundMe button - Customer, Company, Community, Industry

Stay active. Stay strong. Stay pedaling, Hometownies.

With continuing love and gratitude,

Shaun, Dawn & Your Hometown Crew

Hometown-to-You Ordering is Still LIVE!

We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.

It’s really simple:

STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-5pm on Monday, or Thursday through Sunday – (810) 225-2441.

STEP 2: Dial 1 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.

STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.

Easy peasy!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, COVID-19, cycling, cyclists, Do It for Dan Memorial Ride, gofundme, Hometown Bicycles, livingston county, Michigan, National Bike Month, Service Request Form, stay-at-home order, The Horal Family, The League of American Bicyclists, tune ups, tune-ups, tuneups | Leave a comment »

We Did It for Dan with ALL of Your Support

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Shaun

With our deepest gratitude, thank you…

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

(Photo courtesy Doug Lapp)

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

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

Our sincere thanks go to…

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHMI – For their helpful promotion of this Ride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click to view Miles’s stunning event photos

Click to find yourself in Jill’s Facebook rider collage

Click to view Doug’s awesome Ride video

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

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

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

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

Celebrate Bike Month on Hometown’s Dime!

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Shaun

HIP-HIP-HOORAY! CYCLISTS LOVE MAY!
Did you know that you are smack dab in the middle of one of the greatest months of the year? It’s true! Across the nation, cyclists are celebrating May – National Bike Month – with bike programs galore.

“Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try.” (League of American Bicyclists) We dig that, LAB, and want to further the cause…

Drop by this month and tell us why YOU ride to be entered to win a $50 Hometown Bicycles Shopping Spree!

We’ll announce the winner May 31st. ‘Til then, keep pedaling!!

(Want to celebrate Bike Month by supporting advocates of your sport? Consider making a donation or some other contribution to the amazing organization that puts together the celebrated Michigan Ride Guide you love so much – our very own League of Michigan Bicyclists!)

MAKING AN EXCITING NEW CONNECTION…

We’ve been long-time admirers of Serfas brand products. They carry an awesome range of quality bike gear – from bells to brake pads and locks to lights – that offer you great value for a great price. That’s why we’re pleased as punch to announce that we’ll be stocking Serfas products here at Hometown! Stay tuned for upcoming intel on this latest partnership!

TEAM NEWS: “CROSSING THE MIGHTY MITTEN”

This past weekend found 4 Team Hometown members, plus a familiar face, riding the not-for-the-faint-of-heart Coast to Coast Gravel Road Race across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Brad Allen, Jim Cleer, Joe Van Gorden, and Hometown’s well-known former Crew member Tim Bart (pictured in the video above) tackled the 100-mile route, with Brad securing an impressive 3rd in the fat bike division. An additional shout out goes to Colin Chisholm for taking on the 210-mile challenge in 15 hours and 47 minutes. Wow, guys! Way to get your endurance on!

REGISTER FOR MILFORD BIKE FEST: JUNE 2

Here’s an event you’ll want to add to your calendar – the MCMBA’s annual Milford Bike Fest & Trail Challenge!

This year, Hometown Bicycles is proud to be the primary Bike Shop Sponsor for this event. Our Milford connection, Hometown Service Manager Matt Fitzhorn, will be manning the Hometown tent and participating in the awards and announcements. Come hang out with him and the Hometown Team, while enjoying a beautiful blend of mountain biking, live music, delicious food, and beer!

REGISTER NOW FOR MILFORD BIKE FEST

RIDE FOR WISHES: JUNE 10 & JULY 15

Team Hometown’s Ric Williams alerted us to this triumvirate of beer-based fundraising rides for local Make-A-Wish Team Ellie. Ride 1 has been and gone, but rides 2 & 3 are on deck!

Riding familiar pathways and parks, these rides are open to riders of all styles, and begin and end where rehydration takes the form of amber ambrosia! (Click image at left for details.)

REGISTER FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: JUNE 23

We know there will be some hats tossed and cartwheels attempted over this latest piece of local news…

Poses, Pedals & Pints: Summer 2018 registration is now open! If you hearken back to last year’s P3 series, the event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of Tocca Massage & Yoga, followed by a leisurely and scenic ride with Hometown, ending with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker. Remember, this event sells out insanely fast!

REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – JUNE 23, 2018

WE’RE HIRING – STOP IN AND APPLY!
Creating the magic of Hometown is no small thing, and we don’t hire lightly, but we do offer positions that are meaningful and make a real difference in the lives of customers, our community, and the cycling industry. We currently have openings for:

Part-Time Social Media Specialist
Helps market and share the Hometown culture on social media. Must be social media savvy, highly organized, an excellent writer, and skilled in photography. Graphic design skills a plus.

Part-Time Events Coordinator
Coordinates and manages on- and off-premises shop events of all types. Must be highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, sociable, and enthusiastic.

Full- and Part-Time Service Techs
Provides reliably outstanding technical bike service. Some technical knowledge preferred. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and a quick learner.

Full- and Part-Time Sales Associates
Provides reliably outstanding customer service, including sales, cashiering, and shop organization and cleanliness. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, sociable, enthusiastic, and a quick study.

Drop by our shop, introduce yourself, and pick up an application. You’ll never know unless you try!

UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

Friday Night Lights
FRIDAY, MAY 18 | 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!

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Sunday Hartland Gravel Grinder

SUNDAY, MAY 20 | 9:00AM (MEET BY 8:45AM) | FROM HARTLAND TWP HALLCome 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!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

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Beginner Friendly Road Ride

MONDAY, MAY 21 | 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, MAY 22 | 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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Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, MAY 22 | 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, MAY 23 | 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!

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Ladies Only Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
THURSDAY, MAY 24 | 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!

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 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