PotoMBA | Hometown Bicycles

Hang with Hometown THIS WEEKEND at Settler’s Park & the Fishing Derby!

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Shaun

Eat, Ride & Demo Bikes at
Family Day at Settlers Park
THIS SATURDAY, June 8 from 10 AM – 2 PM

We’re enthusiastically teaming up with Team Hometown Bicycles Sponsor, Kevin Brennan with Michigan Financial Planning, to bring you this FREE family-friendly event! Stop by for hot dogs and guided bike rides, and see what Settlers Park is all about!

Many, many Team Hometown Bicycles members have been an integral part of creating, beautifying, and maintaining the trails at Settlers Park, most notably Tom Hermann, who has put in at least 70 hours volunteering this year alone. Tom, you are an absolute godsend to the local cycling community!

Keith Cowgar, Jim Thompson, Mike Dyer, Doug Lapp, Les Cook, Joe Ostervik, Neal Glazebrook, Dennis Doherty, Andy Miller, Jack Riddle, Steve and Jean Steinberg, and Mike Gaden have also contributed their time and dedication to Settlers Park. Thank you, Team! We are EXCITED to show off their efforts on Saturday with ALL OF YOU. Join us for guided rides with Team Hometown… for all ages and skill levels. We will offer mountain biking, pavement riding, and possibly even an impromptu gravel ride to Parshallville and back!

Hometown is hoppin’ with involvement in community events!

Check out these fun, family-friendly events coming up SOON. We love being part of them and hope to see YOU there.

Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby –
*** THIS WEEKEND ***
Saturday, June 8 from 8:30-11:30 AM

FREE catch and release fishing derby sponsored by the Brighton Optimist Club, for ages 16 and under. Be one of the first 150 to register to get a complimentary t-shirt. Team Hometown Bicycles member Robin Fry will be there to talk up how you and your kids can ride with us in the 4th of July Parade!

Brighton Optimist Club Bike Decorating Contest & Parade – Thursday, July 4 at 8 AM

Decorate your bike at home, or bring your bike and decorations to Hometown between Saturday 6/29 and Wednesday 7/3. You can bring your bike with you on the 4th of July, or decorate it and leave it at our shop to be delivered for you to the contest site on the 4th! Judging starts at 9:15 AM with awards immediately following. And then it’s Parade time at 10 AM!

You’ll be riding in the Parade with Hometown’s own Shaun, Dawn, and kids! Bring YOUR kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and join them for a ride down Main Street!

Read all about it and SIGN UP HERE!

Milford Bike Fest: A fabulous time had by all!

The streets and bike trails of Milford were popping with the color orange last weekend as Team Hometown represented in droves! It truly couldn’t have been a more perfect day for the Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge… both the sun and smiles were shining!

Pictured left: Brad Felder, Matt Ricketts and Denis Hall, ready for 100 miles.

We are so proud of our Hometownies for their involvement in community events such as this. All proceeds from the day will benefit future trail maintenance by the MCMBA.

And nothing says it better than reading a post like this on our Facebook page…

Ramps and hills and kids, oh my!

On Sunday, June 2nd, Hometown crew member Les Cook and Team Hometown Co-Captain Joe Ostervik helped introduce kids to the world of mountain biking. The Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association held their annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking event at Brighton Recreation Area. Approximately 100 kids and parents participated!

Pictured left: Les Cook works on a kid’s bike to ensure it’s safe and ready for the skills course!

Big shout out to Team Hometown Sponsors Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply, and Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp for donating swag to the goody bags.. kids received water bottles, pens, Koozies and bracelets from our generous sponsors.

Make your voice heard: Help stop distracted driving

Distracted driving kills. Drivers’ odds of a crash more than doubled when they were texting. More than 3,000 traffic deaths in the U.S. in 2017 were caused by distracted driving. Yet Michigan’s texting-while-driving ban is hard to enforce and insufficient to change driver behavior. Hands-free laws are much simpler for police to enforce than texting or social media bans that leave loopholes for phone calls, and create less need for judgment calls.

Click HERE to contact your lawmakers today and make your voice heard.

CURRENTLY SEEKING FULL-TIME SERVICE TECHS
Hours flexible

Stop by the shop for an application.

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 & 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
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Tresa O’Rourke | Click to learn more

intenSati | Sundays 10 AM – June 9 and 23
$10 drop in – With Dawn Gaden | Click to learn more

Sati Yoga | Sundays 9 AM – June 9 and 23
$10 drop in – With Dawn Gaden | Click to learn more

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Jamis Demo 5/23 at Island Lake

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Shaun

BE ONE OF THE FIRST!

Test Ride Jamis’ New 3VO Suspension

JAMIS DEMO DAY: Thu, May 23rd, 2-6 PM @ Island Lake

Jamis Bikes and Hometown Bicycles are teaming up to co-host this AWESOME event at Island Lake State Recreation Area. Check out the latest Hardline® and Portal® 3VO Suspension bikes, as well as the Renegade, the suburb and versatile adventure bike, in both steel and carbon!

Be sure to bring the following:

Drivers license
Credit card
Helmet
Optional – your own pedals

Stop by the Hometown tent to chat with our knowledgeable Hometown crew and volunteers from Team Hometown Bicycles!

Island Lake Demo Day was an absolute blast!

What a fun and BEAUTIFUL spring day we had on Saturday, May 4th at Island Lake Demo Day! Over 400 bicycle enthusiasts attended the event.

We are incredibly proud of Team Hometown Bicycles for their volunteerism at the event; we literally plastered the park with the smiling faces of our Team. Amazing job, Steve Steinberg and everyone else who gave their time!

Hometown was able to gift $122 to the Motor City Mountain Biking Association (MCMBA)through visitor donations from our Hot Dog Lunch.

Looking forward to next year already!

Team Hometown representin’!
The 10th anniversary of Mud, Sweat and Beers took place on Saturday, May 4th in Traverse City. This Fat Tire Fest is an annual springtime fundraiser for Mt. Holiday, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing affordable winter and summer recreational opportunities for the youth – in particular the underprivileged.

Team Hometown was represented by (from left to right): Paul Andres, Jim Thompson, Scooter Gates, Mike Dyer, Andy Showerman, Erik Frazier, Brad Allen and Keith “Super Star” Cowgar. (Kevin Muchuga and Scott Simpson raced but are not pictured.) Keith Cowgar finished first in his age class and Scott Simpson won the SS/Fixie class. Please note that the group is proudly displaying #doitfordan armbands in honor of Dan Horal.

In other Team news… Hometownie John Harrington (left) took 3rd at the Fort Custer Stampede on Sunday, May 5th in Augusta, Michigan. Excellent job, John!

Advocacy Day!
Wednesday, May 22 at 8 AM at the State Capitol in Lansing

Advocacy Day is a unique opportunity for road cyclists and trail users of all abilities – casual riders and die-hards alike – to speak with one voice to help make Michigan bicycling better. Hosted by the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) in partnership with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, Michigan Mountain Biking Association and PEAC, this collaborative effort brings supporters of all four organizations together to educate legislators on key policy issues that facilitate a more bicycle-friendly Michigan.

This year’s priorities:

1) Reduce distracted driving and make cyclists safer by winning passage of a hands-free law, which would put significant penalties in place for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

2) Protect funding for non-motorized transportation by pushing back against House Bill 4410 – legislation aimed at eliminating the long-standing requirement for Michigan road agencies to spend one percent of their annual transportation funds on non-motorized safety projects.

Register HERE and make a difference!

Hometown is hoppin’ with involvement in community events!

Check out these fun, family-friendly events coming up SOON. We love being part of them and hope to see YOU there.

Milford Bike Fest– Saturday, June 1 (registration begins at 7 AM)

MCMBA brings you this exciting day exploring the trails of Milford and enjoying live music at Main Street Grill & Tavern! Hometown will be on site for bike support, as well as leading a guided ride at 9 AM with Hometownie Tom Hermann. Back by popular demand, the Milford to Commerce Grand Tour traverses 30 miles of dirt roads, singletrack, two-track, and paved bike paths. We will split it into two groups; a spirited pace of 15 mph and a no-drop group ride at a pace of 10 mph.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Da y – Sunday, June 2 from 10-2, Brighton Recreation Area, Sandhill Pavilion

This FREE event is brought to you by the Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association (POTO)to encourage communities to join together and get kids excited about riding! Bike the 2 mile beginner Appleton Lake Loop trail with a guide or try out the bike skills course. Hometown Bicycles will be assisting with free bicycle and helmet checks.

Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby – Saturday, June 8 from 8:30-11:30 AM

FREE catch and release fishing derby sponsored by the Brighton Optimist Club, for ages 16 and under. Be one of the first 150 to register to get a complimentary t-shirt. Hometown will be there to talk up how you and your kids can ride with us in the 4th of July Parade!

Family Day at Settlers Park – Saturday, June 8 from 10-2

In partnership with our amazing Team Hometown Bicycles sponsor, Kevin Brennan with Michigan Financial Planning, this FREE event will include guided paved and mountain bike rides for all ages, food and refreshments, and demonstration bikes. Come out and see what Settlers Park has to offer!

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BIG Surprise Announcement at This Weekend’s Potluck Clinic

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Shaun

YOU ARE INVITED! Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck Party
PLUS BIG Surprise Announcement!!

THIS SUNDAY – MARCH 3RD – from 5:30-7:30 PM

Can you believe it’s finally March?! We are so stoked to kick off the spring cycling season with you at our FREE information-packed party on Sunday, March 3rd from 5:30-7:30 PM. Whether you are new to cycling, a member of Team Hometown, or anywhere in-between, you are welcome to attend!

Why you’ll be SO glad you came:

You will be the FIRST to hear our BIG SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!
And when we say big, we mean…
BIG!

Other exciting reasons to come!

Learn all about Michigan trails, tours and groups.
Take home trail maps, websites, and other valuable resources.
Become knowledgeable about youth cycling, charitable events and groups, and volunteer opportunities galore.
Join Team Hometown! This event marks the last day to join for 2019.
And the very most important reason? Shaun’s FOOD! Your very own bike whisperer will be tantalizing our taste buds with Trinidadian-style spicy curry shrimp! (Come on, people, you know you want to eat ALL the shrimp)

We have some fantastic speakers lined up to share a wealth of knowledge with you:

Team Hometown Captains, Mike Dyer & Joe Ostervik – Learn about one of the most active and positively influential cycling Teams in Michigan!
MiSCA – Discover the power of youth cycling, coaching, and volunteer needs.
Tour de Livingston – Hear all about one of our favorite community rides EVER!!
Tom Hermann – Get introduced to the best rails-to-trails, gravel routes, local singletrack, and organizations (like MCMBA and PotoMBA).
Jim Plaunt with Bike Tour Vacations – Be transported through the municipal, metro, and state parks; scenic regions; bike clubs; and smart phone navigation.

Also, Make-a-Wish will be in attendance! Stop by their informational table to learn about Wish-a-Mile and Wish Ball.

Bring a dish to pass, meet other cycling enthusiasts, feast and have fun!

SIGN-UP HERE!

Join Team Hometown Bicycles!

The Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck on March 3rd offers up one last opportunity to join Team Hometown for the 2019 year. We are currently 70 incredible Team members and growing! Join us for rides, races, camaraderie, events, and all-around FUN.

How to Join: Download our Team Application. Drop it by the shop or bring it to the Potluck! Our Team Store is NOW OPEN, and will remain open through March 15th. Order your kits to make your membership OFFICIALLY official!

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, big announcement, big news, bike clinics, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, Bike Tour Vacations, bikes, Brighton, cycling, cyclists, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Jim Plaunt, joe ostervik, livingston county, Make-A-Wish Michigan, MCMBA, Michigan, mike dyer, misca, Potluck Clinic, PotoMBA, shop rides, surprise, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tom Hermann, Tour de Livingston, Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party, wish a mile, Wish Ball | Leave a comment »

Dad’s Day, HUB Fest, and a Vote (or 2) for Hometown

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Shaun

Don’t worry! We’ll be open our regular hours for all of you exceptional dads… and the families who love you and want to treat you to a special day (and maybe a bicycle!) Happy Father’s Day, Hometownies!

TEAM NEWS: HUBFEST!

Two of ours, Margaret Bingham and Ellen Geddie, took Hometown to Hadrian for the LMB’s 2nd Annual HUB Fest, a day of bike education and advocacy, plus a wealth of good riding. This brightly clad duo helped man a SAG station, and said this about the event:

The intermittent rain seemed to be over for the after party with brews and bands. We heard several comments and compliments on our Hometown jerseys and recognition, too. This ride has lots of options and looks fun to do! It was great fun and we would certainly do it again.

Thanks for the good work for a good cause, ladies. Looks like this is an event to keep on the radar!

TOOK A KID MOUNTAIN BIKING AT TAKE-A-KID-MTB DAY!

Last weekend, Hometown headed to Brighton Rec for a kid-filled, kid-geared day of fun at PotoMBA’s annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event.

Liam borrowed Arthur’s Strider (thanks, little friend!) for a spin around the warm up course (at left). Hometown Crewman Kollen was on hand to offer SAG support and safety checks. Even with the misty-damp weather, turnout was solid, and fun was had by all.

Special thanks to PotoMBA for this opportunity to support youth cycling, and to the inimitable Jacob Henrikson for stepping up last minute to help in his usual “no-worries!” way.

LET THE VOTING… BEGIN!!

It’s the time of year when our Community gets to give the gold to their favorite local businesses via two popular contests: Livingston Daily People’s Choice and ClickOnDetroit’s Vote4theBest. Thanks for the nominations, Hometownies! Now you can click each link below to cast your official vote!

** PSSSST!! A quick hint… Livingston Daily’s survey is very long. If you want to locate the Best Bike Shop section, it’s question number 53!

** BONUS HINT: In Vote4theBest, you’ll find the Best Bike Shop Category under Sports & Recreation, or to go directly to Hometown’s voting page, CLICK HERE!

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

Leapfrogging off the fun that was had at last year’s July Jubilee, we’re celebrating this year’s Sunday, July 15th event with a day of cycling, sales, family activities, food, sweets, games, prizes, special guests, and then kicking it up a notch with a special evening concert starring Hometown’s CycloDan Tribble and his Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band. Add it to your calendar, and stay tuned for details!

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!

PASSING A PASSING LAW: THE LATEST NEWS

In previous newsletters, we’ve kept you up to speed on the progress of the Safe Passing & Drivers Ed Bills designed to help keep cyclists safe on the roads.

In LMB’s latest newsletter edition, they celebrate the passing of these bills out of the House and Senate, and into the hands of our Governor. The finish line is in sight!