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Hometown’s July Jubilee and Tour Kick-Off

Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee and Sale logo

A FREE Family Fun Event

Saturday, July 1st from 9am – 5pm

Since dropping early hints about this summer celebration in past newsletters, the Hometown Bicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee & Sale on Saturday, July 1st has taken on a life of its own. It’s an event that’s become legendary in scope. Forget “pencilling it in”… just COME. You won’t want to miss one single, glorious moment of July Jubilee fun!!EVENT DAY ACTIVITIES (ALL FREE!) INCLUDE:

MMM-M-M BARBECUE & SWEET TREATS SUPPLIED BY (for purchase):

Hog Wild BBQ and Catering Oh My Lolli!

YOU’LL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET (and, in many cases, play games and win prizes with) THESE AWESOME LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS:

Pro-Motion Physical Therapy logo

The Eric Hartwell Foundation logo
Yoga Nature logo

PKSA Karate of Brighton
Kearns Brothers logoGinny's Danceworks logo
American Spirit Centre of Brighton logo
Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply logo

Sky Zone Trampoline Park logo

Tour de Livingston 2017 logo

Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp logo

Brighton Optimist Club logo

SELCRA logo
PURE Fitness and Nutrition

OH, AND DID I MENTION THE GIVEAWAYS, GREAT DEALS, NEW INDOOR PLAYSCAPE FOR KIDS, AND NEWLY EXPANDED BICYCLE GIFTS & NOVELTIES DEPARTMENT??
PRINT THE EVENT FLIER… share it with your friends and family! Let them know you have an adventure planned for them at Hometown Bicycles on July 1st! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!


Tour de Livingston Kick Off Ride flier
THIS SUNDAY: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE

Add it to your calendar, Hometownies! It’s an annual tradition for Hometown to lead off this pre-Tour teaser of one of our favorite events ever – the Tour de Livingston. Hometown Bicycles is offering ride support, SAG support, and bike valet. Ride with us!!

So that all of our Hometown crew can enjoy this event…
WE WILL OPEN LATE THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH
12pm – 5pm (6/25)


Team Hometown Bicycles' Joe Van Gordon, Deb Godmer, and Rex Blair with John Clark at Michigan Mountain Bike Mayhem 2017
(From left: Joe Van Gordon’s looking pretty in pink, alongside John Clark, Deb Godmer and Rex Blair. Photo pirated from Deb’s Facebook – I knew you wouldn’t mind, Deb!!)

HILL CRUSHERS! TEAM HOMETOWN CLIMBS MOUNTAINS 

Or, at least, that’s what it feels like in Michigan’s grueling, short-course-steep-climb Mountain Mayhem race series. According to the event website, this series “will test your mental sanity”, but you’d never know it by the laid back grins on our Team’s faces!

Kudos to Joe Van Gordon, Deb Godmer, Rex Blair, and Caddy Johnson for conquering this spirit-breaker of an event!


Team Hometown Bicycles' Scott Simpson at the Lumberjack 100
(Left to right: Pre-race, bringin’ it home, and hangin’ with the kiddies after. Photos courtesy Scott Simpson)

100 MOUNTAIN BIKE MILES WITH TEAM HOMETOWN

Eight and a quarter hours. That is the length of time Scott Simpson rode last Saturday in the epic Lumberjack 100. Think about that… that’s a FULL 9-TO-5 WORK DAY, riding a saddle instead of a desk chair. WOW. Congrats, Scott, on a mighty mountain biking accomplishment!


Hometown Bicycle's Amy Gluck talks about Metabolic Efficiency Training

TODAY: HOW TO BURN MORE FAT + GUEST SPEAKER

Tapping on her Degree in Nutrition and Bob Seebohar’s revolutionary Metabolic Efficiency research, Hometown’s Amy Gluck talks about how to train your body to burn fat for fuel, instead of using quick-access carbs. She’s joined this week by Brian Grzyb of Lifetime Fitness in Commerce, who is a resident expert on Metabolic Efficiency Testing!

In her talk about Metabolic Efficiency Training, you’ll learn what it is, how to do it, and the enormous benefits to be gained… like no more GI distress at competitions, never hitting “the wall” again, and turning yourself into a lean and efficient, fat-burning machine! NO CHARGE!

REGISTER NOW FOR “TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT”

Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm in the Community Room


AMY’S BLOG: June 23, 2017

The inspiration continues… ! Hometown’s tri clinician, Amy Gluck, is tapping on her years of top-level IRONMAN training and competition, and the life-altering accident that put her passion to the test, to share something soul-stirring in the form of blogging about her recovery, her training triumphs and challenges, and her personal mission to get back to IRONMAN. From her 6/23/17 installment:

Hometown Bicycles' Amy Gluck races IRONMAN

“This year, the T-Rex Series are my “A” races (basically, the peak races for my tri season).  I’ve never had a Sprint Tri as my “A” race, since I started Ironman racing.  In my mind, Sprints are too hard because they demand 100% speed all of the time, even through transition.  Ironman made me too lazy to put 100% speed on all of the time.  Ironman is more about proper pacing and avoiding 100% effort to save yourself for the end of the race…”  READ ON

Amy’s full blogs are posted HERE on our website.


NEXT WEEK: SUMMER EMERGENCY REPAIR CLINICS

Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown BicyclesOur “Emergency Bike Repair” Clinic and “Flat Tire Fix” Clinic are primed for your immediate benefit, addressing quick, on-the-go fixes and how to handle the dreaded flat:
•  Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix)
•  Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair).

NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.


Hometown Bicycles partnered up with Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park of Brighton for their big Annual Summer Bash.

PARKED BESIDE PUPPIES AT SKY ZONE’S SUMMER BASH

Last Saturday found us “ooo”-ing over the Livingston County Humane Society‘s furry recipients of the Sky Zone Summer Bash fundraiser.  There may also have been some jumping involved… and said jumper just may have had a fantastic nap as a result!

Overall, our helmets are off to Sky Zone for a truly terrific event. We appreciate you making us a part of it! Look for Sky Zone at our 1st Annual July Jubilee!!


Friday Morning Yoga at Hometown Bicycles, with Tocca Massage and Yoga

TOMORROW (6/23):

YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

Good news for your overworked, under-appreciated cycling muscles – Ashley of Tocca Massage & Yoga is bringing her insanely popular Vinyasa Yoga class back to Hometown!

Held in our Community Room, this 3-week, Friday morning fun class started June 16th at 9am. It’s all about dynamic movement and stretching, not perfection and freaky, double-jointed pretzeling. Whether it’s your first or 500th class, you’ll gain immeasurable benefit from this ancient art made user-friendly. $10 per class. Email ashley@toccamassage.com with questions.


KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

Brighton Optimist Club partnering with Hometown Bicycles on the Fourth of July Kids Bike Decorating ContestMore than just an upbeat group of community-minded people, the Brighton Optimist Club is 100% about “bringing out the best in children.”

We are absolutely geeked to be partnering with these big-hearted folks with an event that combines kids, bicycles, patriotism, and a community parade! Check out the flier at left and click HERE for further details.


Hometown Bicycles Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Shop Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL A.M. ROAD RIDE  (6/22)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
This friendly road ride takes the back entrance to Island Lake and explores 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 (a support rider will be the last person back). Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER RESUMES JULY 9TH 
Please join us in Howell this Sunday, June 25th for the Tour de Livingston Kick Off. 
Watch the balloons lift off, then continue on along your Kick-Off route.  Enjoy the Farmer’s Market after you ride!

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (6/25)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
As a tribute to Father’s Day, the Beginner Friendly Mountain Bike Ride leaders would like to encourage riders to bring their dad out for a 1.5 hr trail ride on Sunday. We’ll ride from Hometown Bicycles to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails, splitting into a couple of groups. All levels of riders are welcome at this 1.5 hr pace. This is a NO DROP RIDE – which means we will have a ride support person at the end of the last group. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (6/26)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Come join the Hometown Bicycles crew for this NO DROP ride. Road bikes only please. We’ll travel towards the back of Island Lake, then head through the park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to do more mileage to satisfy their cycling need!  Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels.  All level riders are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear.

Please make sure you have some experience riding the bike you bring to this ride and are comfortable with the way it handles, including basic shifting and braking, for the safety of all. Beyond that, our friendly ride support are delighted to share tips on how to make the hills easier and the flats faster – just ask!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (6/27)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This ride from Hometown Bicycles covers 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads between 12 – 13 mpg average. We’ll ride the back of Island Lake, enjoy some gravel (a few hills just for fun!), pop onto some paved roads, and grab a dirt trail back into ILRA. Expect a few “puddles” of sand. Nothing our gravel, adventure/mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle! Standard road bikes (skinny tires) are not appropriate for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE (a support person will be the last rider).

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (6/28)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
HAMMERFEST:
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

SON OF HAMMERFEST (for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest):
Also rolling at 6:30 from Hometown Bicycles. This will include 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph.

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


Fitness classes at Hometown Bicycles - Yoga with Tocca Massage, Zumba with Leslie Barrett, and Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf(Photo cred: Yoga pic at left courtesy Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga)

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Hey, Hometownies! Mark your calendars for these fantastic fitness programs running right here at your favorite bike shop:

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf at Hometown BicyclesCARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

Vinyasa Yoga class at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton with Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and YogaDYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays at 9:00AM (starting June 16)
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown BicyclesZUMBA | Mondays at 6PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more


Mountain Biking at Island Lake in Brighton, MI

I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.

– David Bowie

MI’s Best, Thule, and Triathlons 101

One of MI’s Best Bike Shops!

Hometown Bicycles received Best Bike Shop in MI Top 10 placing in Best Things MI

TURNS OUT WE’RE “A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK”!  
Guess which local bike shop made the list of The 10 BEST BIKE SHOPS IN MICHIGAN?!

We’re snapping our bib shorts suspenders with pride at seeing Hometown Bicycles rocking another Best Bike Shop list. This particular accolade can be found on the Best Things MI website.

Our favorite review from the site: “Stop in if you want to be treated like family. This place is a needle in a hay stack of bike shops. Truly an awesome experience. Great selection too!”  ~ James R.

Thank you, James! Thank you, Best Things MI! And thank-you-thank-you-thank-you, loyal Hometownies!!


Team Hometown Bicycles at Yankee Springs Time Trial
(Bottom 2 images – beer on the podium and Doug Queener catching air – © Jack Kunnen Photography.)

TEAM TIME TRIAL AT YANKEE SPRINGS

In the continuing saga of Team Hometown’s awesome adventures, last weekend found a fantastic five Hometownies racing the Yankee Springs Time Trial. Congratulations to Team member Scott Simpson for his 3rd place finish in Elite Expert single speed class! There were a couple other near-podium-experiences at this event – especially impressive as it’s “one of the largest and longest running time trial races in the Midwest”!


Triathlons 101 Clinic with Amy Gluck at Hometown Bicycles in Brighton, Michigan

“TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

Let’s be real, here… a good majority of cyclists flirt with the idea of triathlons. They may or may not admit it to anyone, but there is something inherently intriguing about spanning the sports in one, body-and-mind-challenging event.

Hometown’s Amy Gluck has a history in IRONMAN competition, and is back in triathlon training following a life-altering accident. With her background in health and nutrition, an IRONMAN Coaching Certification, and a head-over-heels passion for tri’s, Amy is the perfect person to kick off this newest Hometown clinic.

If you’re on the fence about whether to try a tri, are new to the tri community, or are simply eager to pick up tips from a pro, this info-gathering clinic is for you! NO CHARGE and two days to choose from!
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TRIATHLON 101 WITH AMY GLUCK
Tuesday, May 9th at 6pm  – OR –  Thursday, May 11th at 6pm
(in the Hometown Bicycles Community Room)


Hometown Bicycles is now an Authorized Thule Dealer

WE’RE NOW YOUR AUTHORIZED THULE DEALER

You’ve been asking, and we’re answering – all of you Thule-lovin’ Hometownies can now get your Thule racks right here at YOUR bike shop.


Brighton Bulldogs 9U Travel Baseball Team ScheduleBASEBALL AND BICYCLES

Sounds like the title to an insanely cool new sport, doesn’t it? Anyone up to the challenge?
Actually, this is about the Brighton Bulldogs Baseball Travel Team that we are proudly sponsoring this year. In newsletters past, we promised a game schedule… a promise I can now deliver on! Shaun and I are looking forward to catching a game (and maybe a wayward ball?) at one of their local ballgames. We’d love to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO PICK A DAY TO CHEER ON THESE TALENTED KIDS


Howell Rotary's Tour de Livingston Save the Date

TOUR DE LIVINGSTON SAVE-THE-DATE

It’s almost like a countdown to Christmas! This scenic, local ride is a gift in so many ways – to the riders, to the Community, and to cycling at large. Be sure to mark it down now in your calendars as a 2017 must-ride! Visit their new website for details.


Body Within team

COMING THIS SUMMER TO A FRONT LAWN NEAR YOU…

Hometown’s lawn will soon be playing host to a fast-paced, Fresh Air Fitness class from our long-standing Team Sponsor Body Within. This mid-June class will be specifically designed to get your ride muscles in top form!

Interested? Good! Stay tuned for dates and details, or call Chris at (517) 304-2282 if you’re too excited to wait and need to learn more NOW!


Last weekend's Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Shop Ride at Hometown Bicycles
(Last Sunday’s Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride was a hit, with gorgeous weather and new faces – welcome! This Sunday is the last time we’ll be “exploring” Island Lake singletrack, before we move on to new trails and new adventures. Don’t miss out on riding a classic… join us!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL ROAD RIDE (4/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
If the rain holds off, come check out the popular Thursday morning Social Road ride as we hit the back entrance to Island Lake and explore the 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.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (4/28)
8:30PM (meet at 8:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us for an evening expedition onto Island Lake’s Blue/Yellow loops at an INTERMEDIATE pace. Make sure your lights are charged, as darkness may catch up to us on our 1.5-hour ride. We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged.

SATURDAY BEGINNER ROAD RIDE (4/29)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start out aiming for 10 – 15 miles and expand as the weeks roll by.  Route will be on the park roads.  Road bikes are preferred for this ride.  All level riders are welcome. Weather could go either way, so be sure to check on Facebook for a pre-ride update!

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER (4/30)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Twp Hall
This week’s gravel ride along beautiful, rolling, country roads, will ease you in with a shorter, flatter route than normal, and ~ 3 miles of pavement (large shoulder on about half). Expect to venture across 29 miles with a 13-15 mph, NO-DROP pace. All bikes are welcome. Meet in lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive): 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (4/30)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. We’ll ride to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of singletrack. Save 1.5 hours of your day to ride with the Hometown crew. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged. **Location will rotate in future – check on start locations weekly**

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/1)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a NO DROP Beginner Friendly road ride. We’ll be traveling the Island Lakes park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back. ~ 12 – 15 miles. Sound like too much for you? No worries – there will be an early turn-back option for a little less mileage. Bring a light if you have one, though we’re not expecting to need them. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (5/2) – THIS IS A DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


SPRING SNOWMAN 5K11th Annual Spring Snowman 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run

Spring Snowman 5K Run/Walk is hosted by the Eric Hartwell Foundation, a remarkable organization created by the Hartwell Family (a particularly awesome group of Hometownies) to raise money to “directly support children, diagnosed with Leukemia and other blood disorders, being treated at C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.” Participants have a chance to win a Jamis bike, donated by Hometown Bicycles. Great cause. Great cross-training. Great prize.

GREAT TIME TO REGISTER, DON’T YOU THINK??


Hometown Bicycles' Gravel Grinder Shop Ride

In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.

– Henry Rollins

Birthday Pics, Jamis’ CEO, and Upcoming Shop Rides

When Everything Goes Wonderfully Right

Hometown Bicycles' 7th Birthday BashSHAUN AND I ARE IN AWE – LIKE, GIVES-US-GOOSEBUMPS AWE – of what Hometown Bicycles has come to mean to our customers and to our community, as evidenced by the INCREDIBLE turn-out for last weekend’s 7th Birthday Bash.

If I’m being entirely honest, there are moments when working ’round the clock daily (and I mean AROUND the clock), raising our family in a bike shop, and giving up any semblance of a “normal” life seems mildly insane to potentially certifiable. But this kind of outpouring of support – on the eve, no less, of a major holiday – VALIDATES why we do what we do.

And there’s a word for this: LOVE. I’ve been really thinking about this since the reality of 7 remarkable years struck home. We LOVE our Hometownies, we love what we do, we love being in the business of helping people have fun, achieve incredible goals, become the best version of themselves, and create memories to last a lifetime… I mean, really, how much more rewarding can you get?!

And you’ve made it clear that the love goes both ways. That’s a game-changer.

THANK YOU for celebrating with us. Thank you for letting us know that we’re doing it right. And thank you for making Shaun’s and my non-traditional lifestyle feel like a reward.

We also want to show some love for American Spirit Centre, which generously provided overflow parking across the street (it was needed!), Tour de Livingston for being there and being awesome, Shannon from Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp for hanging out with us and bringing the fun lawn games, Beauchamp Water Treatment & Supply for always keeping us hydrated, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy for the cool door prize donation, the Team volunteers and Hometown crew for an incredible work ethic and for saving what’s left of my hair since having children, and Mother Nature for giving us possibly the nicest day yet in 2017.

If you want to catch pictures of our event, check out our Facebook album HERE. If you want to go to your happy place… well, you know where to find us!


Winner of Hometown Bicycles' Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Contest, Marley Simpson with Hometown COO, Dawn Bhajan
(Me with a pink-clad Marley Simpson, winner of our Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Contest by popular vote!)

CONGRATS, MARLEY – WINNER OF OUR JR. T-SHIRT CONTEST!

Marley Simpson's entry to the Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt ContestPrior to our big birthday bash, we put a call out to the young’uns for a creative and colorful interpretation of our logo, which would grace a limited edition run of Jr. Hometownie t-shirts.

Votes were collected throughout last weekend’s event for the four, fantastic entries we received. There was a lotta love for all entrants, but Marley Simpson’s vibrant piece took home 1st prize!

Marley – age 8, 3rd grade – is the epitome of a Renaissance woman-in-miniature, with an absolute wealth of interests. She loves to bike (way to go, Marley!), is a gymnast, collects American Girl dolls, reads, plays with her guinea pig, jumps on the trampoline, hangs out with friends and, clearly, LOVES to draw (see her t-shirt design at left).

Marley wants to grow up to be an artist. We believe she’s already well on her way. Congratulations, Marley! (Keep an eye out for Marley’s winning design on t-shirts, coming soon!)

Entries to Hometown Bicycles Jr. Hometownies T-Shirt Contest
(Fantastic job, Jr. Hometownies! Here are the entries we received: Nicholas Baylerian [1, left], Abigail Dyer [2, top], Marley Simpson [3, bottom], and Abby Wheeler [4, right].)


YouTube video of Jamis President and Owner, Carine Joannou

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM JAMIS CEO, CARINE JOANNOU

Jamis CEO, Carine JoannouWe’ve introduced you in newsletters past to Carine Joannou, President and Owner of Jamis Bicycles. She’s been a supporter of, a believer in, and a role model to Hometown Bicycles since day one.

Here’s a chance to hear from the woman herself about Jamis’ core values – it’s in large part because of these values that we’re such die-hard fans of the brand. CLICK HERE to watch her video.


Hometown Bicycles 7th Birthday Bash, Family Friendly Shop Ride

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER (4/23)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Twp Hall
Though still quite hilly, this week’s gravel ride will encompass a shorter, flatter route than normal through back roads, with ~ 3 miles of pavement (large shoulder on about half). Expect to venture across 29 miles with a 13-15 mph, NO-DROP pace. All bikes are welcome. Meet in lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive): 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353.

The goal is to extend the route to 36 miles by late May – so come on out now and grow with the route!

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (4/23)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. We’ll ride to the back of Island Lake and explore 9 – 15 miles of singletrack. Save 1.5 hours of your day to ride with the Hometown crew. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. **Location will rotate in future – check on weekly start locations**

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (4/24)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a NO DROP Beginner Friendly road ride. We’ll be traveling the Island Lakes park roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back. ~ 12 – 15 miles. Sound like too much for you? No worries – there will be an early turn-back option for a little less mileage. Bring a light if you have one, though we’re not expecting to need them. Road bikes recommended. All level riders are welcome.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (4/26)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Bring your “A” game, and see if you can stay on this crazy train of talented individuals as they push each other to find new limits. You’ll want the fastest road bike you own, as the pace averages 20 mph through 2 laps (40 miles) of the roads of Island Lake. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Carve out 2 hours of your evening for this ride.

THURSDAY SOCIAL ROAD RIDE (4/27)
10:00PM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come check out the popular Thursday morning Social Road ride as we hit the back entrance to Island Lake and explore the 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. **Location will rotate in future – check on weekly start locations**

For ALL SHOP RIDES, be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmations and updates!


Hometown Bicycles' Shaun and Dawn Bhajan and family

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

– 1 Corinthians 13:13

THIS SATURDAY: You’re Invited to Hometown’s 7th Birthday Bash

Party balloons

Hometown Bicycles then and now... Happy 7th Birthday!

IT’S OUR BIGGEST, FAMILY-FRIENDLIEST, HOMETOWNIEST EVENT TO DATE
This Saturday, April 15th marks 7 incredible years of Hometown adventures and growth, from propping a sandwich board with a crudely painted “Shaun’s Bike Shop” in front of our original, tiny service shop, to throwing a community-sized 7th birthday bash at our roller-rink-sized bicycle adventure center. Through it all, you’ve been right along with us for the ride, and this weekend’s celebration is in honor of what your loyalty has created!

Here’s what’s on the party roster…

MarkerALL DAY – A chance to make your mark on Hometown Bicycles! All customers who make a purchase the day of the event – and going forward – will be immortalized by signing their name on our “I Support Hometown Bicycles!” support pillars!

ALL DAY – Fantastic deals!

Jamis Earth CruiserALL DAY – Unveiling the 10 bicycles that Hometown Bicycles is donating to this year’s 10th Anniversary Tour de Livingston to raise money and awareness for Livingston County United Way.

9:00 AM – Doors open. Early bird door prizes, including some especially cool swag from Team Sponsor, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy!

Easter egg11:00 AMEaster Egg Hunt on the front lawn for kids up through 5th grade – with candy, stickers, and toy surprises in abundance! (No cost to participate!)

11:30 AMEaster Egg Hunt in the shop for adults of all ages – with candy, stickers, and some awesome surprise deals for diligent hunters! (No cost to participate!)

Grill foodNOONLunch on the grill (it’s free!) and lawn games, courtesy of Team Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp.

2:00 PMFamily-friendly, casual road ride from the shop. This is a relaxed, ride-your-own-pace sort of slow roll with good friends and great conversation!

Kids t-shirt4:00 PM – Announcing the winner of our Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Design Contest. Be sure to check out all the amazing entries that will be hanging in our Community Room!

5:00 PM – All good things must come to an end, but we’ll be here bright and early on Monday morning to help you get to your Happy Place! Happy Easter, Hometownies!!

Bring everyone you know, bring your bike, and definitely bring your sense of fun! This is going to be one for the record books!!

Party balloons


BONUS BIRTHDAY BASH NOTES:

Hometown Bicycles in the Livingston County Daily Press & ArgusWE’LL BE IN THE NEWS!  We’re honored to have Livingston Daily Press & Argus running a story on Hometown Bicycles and our family-friendly birthday event in this week’s paper. Thanks, Livingston Daily! Hometownies, stay on the lookout for our story!

Parking signADDITIONAL EVENT PARKING:  Our friends across the road at American Spirit Centre have generously offered us the use of their parking lot this Saturday for overflow event parking. If you do use their lot, please respect our veterans, and leave the front parking spaces for those who served our Country. Thank you!


JR. HOMETOWNIE T-SHIRT CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED

Junior Hometownie artist Abby Wheeler and her family came by to drop off her entry into the Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt ContestCreativity takes time – we get that! Upon popular request, we’re extending our deadline for the Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Design Contest to April 14.

CHECK OUT THE CONTEST DETAILS HERE!

The winner will be announced at Hometown’s April 15th Birthday Bash, and their winning design will grace a limited edition run of Jr. Hometownie t-shirts! They’ll receive a complimentary Jr. Hometownie t-shirt, and will be featured in our weekly newsletter and website. ALL participants get an official Hometown sticker, and will be mentioned on our website.

(Photo at left: Jr. Hometownie artist, Abby, brought her family along to drop off her colorful Contest entry!)


Team Hometown Bicycles at The Lowell 50 Classic Gravel Road Race
(From left: Rex Blair, Brian Forhan, Joe VanGordon, Deb Godmer, Jim Cleer, Mark Lang, & Linc Werhly)

TEAM HOMETOWN GIVES LOVE TO THE LOWELL 50

Seven of our intrepid Team members biked the challenging, but scenic dirt roads of The Lowell 50 Classic Gravel Road Race (see above photo). It was a challenging field, but the Team dubbed it a fantastic race – definitely one to do again.

A “whoop-whoop!” goes out to Team member, Joe Ostervik, who took the jersey on the road at the first race in the Waterford Hills Road Racing Spring Training Series.


Cub Scout Pack 365 earns their Bicycle Safety Merit Badge at Hometown Bicycles with Shaun Bhajan
(Photos courtesy and used with the permission of Tiger Cub Scout Pack 365)

CUB SCOUT BIKE SAFETY MERIT BADGE – COMPLETED!

Tiger Cub Scout Pack 365 contacted us with a mission – to earn their Rolling Tigers Bicycle Safety Merit Badge with the help of Hometown. We LOVE investing in the future of cycling, and these kids are exactly that… cycling’s energetic future!

Congrats on earning your Badge, Pack 365. You made this experience FUN!


IMBA's National Mountain Bike Patrol training took place right here at Hometown Bicycles

FEELING SAFER BY THE MINUTE – MCMBA BIKE PATROL

National Mountain Bike Patrol Training is no cakewalk – nor should it be… it’s about saving lives, preserving trails, and promoting the sport – and we saw a group of volunteer heroes put through their paces at last weekend’s intensive class here at Hometown. Happily, we had both the classroom and the on-site trails to accommodate!

Our congratulations and thanks to the men and women who have stepped up to keep us and our trails safe! If you’re interested in learning more about Bike Patrol, CLICK HERE.


Hometown Bicycles shop ride

Family Friendly Road Ride – THIS SATURDAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH – 2:00 P.M. – MEET UP AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
This is the ride that’s a part of our big Hometown Bicycles Birthday Bash! Easy pace and limited miles, this ride is about socializing and enjoying the Spring weather. A great ride for the whole family!

Our regular group rides will start up again after Easter. Stay tuned! Be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmation and details.


Team Hometown Bicycles at The Lowell 50 Gravel Road Race

When in doubt,
pedal it out.

– Anonymous