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!

(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!

Prior 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!)

(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].)

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM JAMIS CEO, CARINE JOANNOU

We’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 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!

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

– 1 Corinthians 13:13