Inspiration of All Kinds

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Shaun

GIVE YOUR BIKE GURUS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE…
You’re about to read a newsletter brimming over with inspirational content that, in the grand scheme of life, makes the following “ask” seem rather unimportant. But know that your faith in our shop and your – dare-we-say-it? – fanaticism for “the Hometown experience” inspires the *heck* out of US, and that’s no small thing!

So please, take a moment to share your loyalty via a vote or, better still, a stream of votes (you can now VOTE EVERY HOUR!) – in this year’s Vote 4 the Best competition (CLICK HERE).

Voting closes August 13th. Your support means the world to us!

TEAM NEWS: JERSEY TAKEOVER AT TREE FARM

The Novi Tree Farm Relay is a perennial hit with our Team, crew, and customers and, this year, we’re sending four teams of four Team Hometownies on this whirlwind, beginner mountain bike endurance race.

That’s a lotta Hometown jerseys ripping it up on this 10-mile, hill-encrusted, fast course!

Cheer us on this Saturday, July 22nd at Lakeshore Park in Novi, or gather up 3 of your cycling buddies and throw your own helmets into the ring!

(Photo credits: Paula Zimmer)

PAULA’S JOURNEY

Can you remember a profound moment in your life – made more profound for it coming unexpectedly?

Yesterday, I met “profound” at the register in the form of a remarkable customer who was prepping for a cycling journey that had nothing to do with mileage. In our chance conversation, I learned that Paula Zimmer, while successfully battling cancer, lost her husband to the same disease just a year ago. She finds solace in writing and cycling, and is taking her touring bike – a handsome, midnight blue, Jamis Aurora named “Auriel” – East to deliver her husband’s final ashes.

Paula has created a grief blog – a “Glog” – to journal about her metaphorical and cycling journey, and has generously allowed me to share it with you. I suspect it will resonate with many.

I’m particularly honored to have been included in her recent post (yep, I caught that, Paula!) All of us at Hometown wish you the adventure of a lifetime, and success pinning down that elusive “simplicity”.

You can follow Paula’s story HERE and, believe me, it will move you.

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 20, 2017

On the topic of inspirational blogs, here’s the latest from a woman who regularly competed in top-tier IRONMAN races, nearly lost her life after getting hit by a gravel truck, and just nailed a 10 mile run on a “fake knee and femur” because she’s intensely and personally driven to return to IRONMAN:

While training for my October ½ marathon, I need to get in some long runs. So, on Friday, July 14 – a pleasant, sunny, cool-ish (70 degree) day – I decided it was time to re-attempt my 10 mile run, which had been rained out the day before… Earlier, I had received a fabulous secret from one of my Ultra runner friends. (Ultra runners are people who run races longer than a marathon.) This is a great secret for anybody coming back from an injury, or trying to ramp up their mileage (or, in my case, both)! The secret is… READ ON

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

HEATHER’S STORY

We meet the most amazing people at Hometown! Heather Pierson of Body Within Personal Training recently ran a free Fresh Air Fitness class just for Hometownies on our shop’s front lawn, with great results. Her participants finished up stoked and inspired. And we can understand why!

Heather herself has a highly motivating story – clinically obese and unhealthy, Heather not only successfully shed over 70 lbs with the help of the Body Within team, she ultimately became a part of it, so that she could help others make THEIR goals come true!

Watch Heather’s story HERE!

LEARN ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HOMETOWNIE

For you long-time Hometownies out there, the name Jill Gautherat may ring a bell. Jill and her husband Steve took on a 500 mile cycling challenge from Hometown back in 2011… and succeeded!

Jill is now offering classes in Young Living Essential Oils, and is bringing her seminar to Hometown’s Community Room this Sunday, July 23rd from 2pm-3:30pm.

No registration required – everyone is welcome.

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Our Team and Crew marks off the route, leads off and mans the ride, provides on-site SAG support, and also offers bike valet service until 2pm, so you can enjoy the Festival without worrying about your two-wheeled babies!

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (7/22)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come grow with this weekly ride as we start with 10 – 15 miles and stretch the distance week by week. Route will be on the park roads. Road bikes are preferred for this ride. All level riders are welcome. 12 – 15 mph pace, 1.5 hours. Follow this Facebook event for updates.

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (7/23)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re bumping up the mileage! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb on beautiful country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! Expect a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” pace. Cross/Gravel, Mountain, and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353. Click here for this Facebook event.

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (7/23)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 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 for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (7/24)
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 ride Island Lake roads to the well-known “Green Dumpster” and back – approx 12 – 15 miles. Those ready for more will group up to take on more mileage! Expect a 12 – 17+ mph pace to accommodate riders’ skill levels. All levels are welcome – we’ll split into groups according to experience and speed, with a sweep to bring up the rear. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

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 (7/25)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check here for ride updates.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST (no Son of Hammerfest this week) (7/26)
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! Details can be found here.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL WITH HOMETOWN (7/26)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
It’s time to dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (7/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Come check out the Thursday Social A.M. 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. Check HERE for ride details.

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

(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 Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

DYNAMIC YOGA | Coming soon!
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

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

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

– Mariah-Danu

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, Ashley Knuth, Aurora, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike guru, bike rides, bike shop, bike valet, bikes, blog, Body Within Personal Training, cancer, Cardio Drumming, Community Room, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride, Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride, Fresh Air Fitness, glog, gravel grinder, group rides, Hammerfest, Heather Pierson, Hometown Bicycles, Howell Melon Festival, inspiration, inspirational, Ironman, Jamis, Jill Gautherat, journey, Leslie Barrett, Martha Soraruf, motivating, motivation, Novi Tree Farm, Paula Zimmer, registration, road ride, shop rides, Slow Roll, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Tour de Livingston Prep Ride, touring bike, Tree Farm Relay, Vote 4 the best, yoga, Young Living Essential Oils class, zumba | Leave a comment »

Your Father’s Day Treat, Burnin’ Fat, and Tykes on Mountain Bikes

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Shaun

We love you, Dads!

(Happy Father’s Day to my soulmate and father of my amazing children… you’re a wonderful dad, Shaun!)THIS SUNDAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU, DADS!
Dads are remarkable people – combining the best of provider, protector, and person we most admire in one exceptional human being. That warrants some extra love this Father’s Day, June 18th, don’t you think??

So, this Sunday, it’s DADS’ turn to be pampered, compliments of your Hometown crew. There’ll be beer, t-shirt give-aways, A

ND the first 20 bikes purchased by or for a dad come with a COMPLIMENTARY Hometown Bicycles Father’s Day package – a cycle computer, safety light, bottle cage, water bottle, and seat bag at NO ADDITIONAL COST.And for those of you who were wondering… why, yes, we DO have bicycle neck ties (arriving today!)

(Upper right and center left photos courtesy PotoMBA)

THE FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING LOOKS GREAT!

Last weekend, Shaun and a handful of Team volunteers set up a support station at the PotoMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event… and shared the joy of cycling with a knee-high crowd of cuties.

Boys and girls of all ages learned trail skills, rode obstacle courses, enjoyed toured trail rides, and picked up great swag from an incredible group of Sponsors. Our Jr. Hometownie t-shirt giveaway was an especially big hit. (Marley Simpson, pictured center with mom, was the artiste behind the awesome t-shirt artwork.)

Shout out to Team Hometownie Jacob Henriksen (at right) for having the foresight to bring extra kiddie helmets for children who came without head gear. They were put to good use!

Overall, we’re thrilled to say that the future of mountain biking is looking just grand!

(We met up with Team Hometown’s Title Sponsor, Vinnie Baylerian of Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, whose son plays on the Team)

HEY, BATTER-BATTER-BATTER… SWING!!

In fact, we did swing by the Brighton Bulldogs’ U9 Travel Baseball game last weekend to cheer on the Team that Hometown Bicycles is proudly sponsoring… and we learned that the attention span of a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old adds up to approximately 2.9 minutes, so we sadly didn’t stay long enough to see our favorites win 17-11!

Congrats, Bulldogs! Click HERE for the Team’s game schedule.

TEAM NEWS: THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

In last weekend’s Island Lake Challenge Spring Mountain Bike Race, 9 Team members – Leslie Cook, Mark Lang, Olga Negrut, Joe Ostervik, Roger Pelkey, Doug Queener, Brien TerBush, Linc Wherly, Steve Wortley and John Wyatt – laid some definitive claim on what amounts to Hometown’s “backyard”.

We’d like to congratulate Olga “ The Rocket” Negrut, who took home the gold in Expert Women, Roger Pelky, who also powered to 1st in Sport Men 60-65, and Linc Werhly, who podiumed at 3rd place in Beginner Men 50+. (Thanks, Jack Riddle, for capturing it all on camera!) Job very well done, Team!

Fourth of July border

SAVE THE DATE: 7/1/17! HOMETOWN’S JULY JUBILEE

Next week, you’ll hear all the glorious details about this first-of-its-kind, biggest ever, Hometown summer celebration, but in the meantime – I’m telling you – you really want to mark this one on your calendar!! JULY 1ST: Think American, think family, and think “one for the record books”… (stay tuned!)

TODAY: FLAT TIRE FIX SUMMER CLINIC

Shaun Bhajan teaching Emergency Bike Repair at Hometown Bicycles Our “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:
• Thursday 6/15 (Flat Tire Fix)
• Tuesday 6/27 (Flat Tire Fix)
• Thursday 6/29 (Emergency Repair).
NO CHARGE for these HANDS-ON CLINICS.

TOMORROW (6/16): TRAMPOLINES & PUPPIES

Hang out with Hometown at Sky Zone Trampoline Park of Brighton at their annual Summer Bash on Friday, June 16, 12pm-5pm, where Shaun will be running our tire toss game!

As a fundraiser for the Livingston County Humane Society, there will be adorable animals for snuggling and adopting, plus a fire truck and police car for kids to explore, face painting, balloons, food trucks, coupons and swag from local businesses, raffles, and giveaways. Think about the fun you’ll have with your kiddies!! Click here for info or, better still, come out and help us support a fellow business that’s supporting our community!

TOMORROW (6/16): 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 starts 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.

CLINIC: TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT

Tapping on her Degree in Nutrition and Bob Seebohar’s revolutionary Metabolic Efficiency research, Hometown’s Amy Gluck is coming back next week with a topic to intrigue ANY athlete – a way to train your body to burn fat for fuel, instead of using quick-access carbs. It can be done!

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”

Tuesday, June 20 from 6-7pm – or – Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm

AMY’S BLOG: June 15, 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 6/15/17 installment:

“At the park, I SQUEEZED into my wetsuit. They’d made me gain 40 lbs. in the hospital – I was 120 lbs. upon admission and they discharged me at 160 lbs. – but they did not offer to replace my wetsuit! With my wetsuit all zipped up, my lungs felt crushed. As I started swimming across the lake, my goggles fogged up and I had to stop and tread water to clear them out. By the time I figured out where I was going and put my face back in the water to swim, I was so out of breath after treading water and being suffocated in my wetsuit, that there was no way was I was going to swim back to the shore! What was I going to do? I was in the middle of the lake with no oxygen coming into my lungs.…” READ ON

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

JUNE 25: 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. Ride with us!!

A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT, SANS SHAUN

Sadly, Shaun missed out on putting the green at what turned out to be a wonderfully successful Charity Golf Classic for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. The keynote speaker, Greg Kelser, was warm and engaging, and the light showers cleared up in time for a beautiful day and evening. But Hometown was still proud to contribute with a bicycle donation for their silent auction, which was won by an architect with four children ranging from ages 7 – 14. So, the bike will get a lot of love, the Parks benefited, and that makes us happy.

KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

More 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 UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL A.M. ROAD RIDE (6/15)
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.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (6/16)
9:00PM (meet at 8:45) from Janowski Field Trailhead (301 Peters Rd. in Milford)
Join us for an INTERMEDIATE pace forward/backward loop night adventure at the Milford Trail. We roll from the Janowski Field Trailhead (301 Peters Rd – between GM Rd & Commerce Rd). Charged lights are required for this ride. We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Check back for ride confirmation/changes. Don’t forget your bug/tick spray!

NO SUNDAY GRAVEL GRINDER THIS WEEKEND
In observance of Father’s Day… but be sure to check out our Dad’s Day ride below!

SUNDAY TAKE YOUR DAD MOUNTAIN BIKING RIDE (6/18)
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 (6/19)
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.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (6/20)
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 (6/21)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
SON OF HAMMERFEST (for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest):
NO Son of Hammerfest this week, but if you’re prepared to ride at warp speed…
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!

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

(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 Bicycles CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:45PM
$5 class fee / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

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

Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

– Bob Bitchin

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 4th of July, Amy Gluck, amy's blog, Ashley Knuth, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike decorating contest, bike rides, bike shop, bikes, Bob Seebohar, brighton bulldogs, Brighton Optimist Club, Brighton Rec, celebration, charity golf classic, cycling, cyclists, Dad's Day, emergency repair, Father's Day, flat tire fix, fundraiser, giveaways, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, HometownBicycles 1st Annual July Jubilee, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Island Lake Challenge MTB Race, Jack Riddle, Jacob Henriksen, Jr. Hometownie, Linc Werhly, livingston county humane society, Marley Simpson, metabolic efficiency training, mountain biking, Olga Negrut, PotoMBA, ProMotion Physical Therapy, road ride, Roger Pelkey, Romanian Rocket, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, silent auction, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, summer, summer bash, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, Tocca Massage and Yoga, tour de livingston kick-off ride, trail ride, travel baseball, Vinnie Baylerian, wetsuit, yoga class | Leave a comment »

Mom’s Day Giveaways, Stampedes, and Bikes and Brews in Brighton

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Shaun

THIS SUNDAY, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU…
Moms are multi-tasking, multi-faceted, multi-dimensional, and multi-talented rockstars. Am I tooting my own horn? Probably, but the point is that the mom in your life deserves royal treatment this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14th), and we’re going to help!

This Sunday, moms will enjoy flowers and refreshments, compliments of your Hometown crew. There’ll be t-shirt give-aways. AND, the first 20 bikes purchased by or for a mom come with a COMPLIMENTARY Hometown Bicycles Mother’s Day package, which includes a cycle computer, safety light, bottle cage, water bottle, and seat bag at NO ADDITIONAL COST.

You have done and continue to do so much for us, moms – this is just our way of saying we love you, we appreciate you, and we want you to have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

TODAY: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

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!

CLICK TO ATTEND TRIATHLON 101 WITH AMY GLUCK
Thursday, May 11th at 6pm in the Community Room

THE TEAM REPRESENTS AT MUD, SWEAT & BEERS

Mud, Sweat & Beers Fat Tire Fest and Mountain Bike Race. As their website notes: “The name of our race says it all: get ready to be sweaty.”

Team Hometown’s Paul Andres, Scooter Gates, Mike Dyer, and Scott Simpson all expended some serious electrolytes in the pursuit of personal goals and podium time. Congrats to Scott Simpson, for a well-earned 3rd in his division! And thanks to all for taking our Team up to beautiful Traverse City!

A TEAM TRIUMPHANT AT FORT CUSTER STAMPEDE

“Stampede” in the Fort Custer Stampede Mountain Bike Race would seem to reference Team Hometown’s en masse charge to the podium last weekend! Olga “The Romanian Rocket” Negrut placed 2nd in her division, Doug Queener took a sweet 3rd in his, and Roger Pelkey nabbed 2nd place with his swift ride! Shout out, too, to Justin Ham who made solid headway in a super challenging Expert class.

LOOK FOR US THIS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN BRIGHTON!

Do you remember, from earlier newsletters, a little something called Poses, Pedals & Pints? It’s a dream triathlon of yoga, cycling, and beer, and it’s happening this Saturday morning (5/13) in Downtown Brighton. Look for these fun, “smurf” blue event t-shirts (see above) stretching, cycling, and sipping at Brewery Becker!

Hometown’s running the cycling portion, and manning the event with Team volunteers. If you’re at the Farmer’s Market, stop by our tent and say “hello!” Helmet tip to event founder, Tocca Massage & Yoga, and co-sponsors Brewery Becker, Ceo Wilson Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Financial Architects, Inc., Lake Trust Credit Union (a personal fave of ours), and Kensington Valley Varsity.

Missed registration? Don’t despair! Plans are underway for future remixes – stay tuned!

DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A FIRST CLASS BIKE DEMO??

We sure did this past Saturday, at the MCMBA’s 12th Annual Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day! With a powerhouse combo of Crew and Team (thanks, volunteers!), we made all sorts of new friends and reconnected with old ones. Our Jamis and Framed demo bikes were put through their paces, and got a lotta love from happy cyclists.

Our top kudos to Team Hometown Bicycles’ Steve Steinberg, who chaired this whopper of an MCMBA event. Well ran, Steve… well ran.

MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

Hot on the heels of the MCMBA Demo Day, Hometown’s hitched it’s sponsorship buggy to MCMBA’s Milford Bike Festival & Trail Challenge!

This June 3rd event gives you a day of family-friendly trail/path riding, guided rides (new this year!), live music, food, raffles, and beer. It’s only $20 pre-registered or $25 day-of, with all proceeds benefitting the MCMBA, which VERY actively preserves, protects, and promotes our local parks and mountain bike trails. That’s a worthwhile cause we’re proud to support!

CLICK for details or to register now!

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY COMPETITION WINNER

This week, Hometown was a super-geeked Sponsor of Howell Parks & Rec’s Bike to School Day competition, in which Howell elementary schools competed to see who could rally the largest number of students to bike into school Wednesday morning.

Our congrats to Northwest Elementary, which took home the gold with 160 student cyclists. Doesn’t that just make your heart sing?! The future of cycling is looking good, indeed!

Spencer Elementary of Brighton Annual Live Auction and Carnival Fundraiser
(Images courtesy Lisa Sanzica)

SUPERHERO SUCCESS STORY AT SPENCER

Last week, I talked about Hometown’s support of my own elementary alma mater at their “Calling All Superheroes” 29th Annual Live Auction & Spring Carnival.

Since Hometown was running full bore at Demo Day, our Spencer insider, Lisa Sanzica, kindly shared the photos above (thanks, Lisa!), and informed us that the event was an unmitigated success, with a flood of dollars and support for “cultural enrichment programs, field trips, monthly assemblies and updating our playground area.”

Congratulations, Spencer Elementary of Brighton, on a fantastic event, and thanks for allowing us to be a part of your success!

(This is everyone, sans CycloDan – I promise to Photoshop you in as soon as I get the chance, Dan!)

YOUR HOMETOWN CREW HAS GROWN…

Our Crew is blooming right along with the Spring greenery! Get ready to meet new additions and spot familiar faces over the coming newsletters. Let’s start with a Hometown legend…

MEET THE CREW: TIM BART

Tim became part of the Hometown family a-WAYYYYYYYYYY back in early 2013. Even back then, he was one of our customers’ favorites – a fact that hasn’t changed in the passing years. Despite his intense scholastic career as a full time engineering student, Tim has found his way back home to Hometown for the summer. You’ll spot him on the floor, being just as much of a stellar resource to our customers as he ever was. Tim says:

Cycling started for me as a mountain biking hobby that sounded like a fun thing to do with my brother. He took me into Hometown to get my first mountain bike and I left that trip with an awesome new bike, and an awesome new job! This led to an obsession to all things bikes and a lifestyle to include cycling as a major part. Through the group rides, the training grind, and the races, Hometown has been by my side and I am proud to call myself part of the Hometown crew and community!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (5/12)
8:45PM (meet at 8:30) from Hometown Bicycles
Bring your lights for this mountain bike ride, as we’ll be dashing through the dark at times. This lively crew will be night cycling Island Lake from Hometown Bicycles and complete the 16 miles in 1.5 hours. They like to change up the scenery, so watch the Hometown Bicycles Newsletter and Facebook for future weekly start location.

NO SATURDAY RIDE – We’ll be at Poses, Pedals & Pints!

NO SUNDAY RIDES – Mother’s Day, but our shop is still open!

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/15)
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.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (5/16)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride. We’ll tackle road, singletrack, and gravel, including portions of Island Lake, hopping a guardrail, sand “puddles”, and a few hills just for fun! Plan initially for just over an hour, covering 13+ miles at a 12 – 13 mph average pace, with the intention to lengthen the distance as sunset grows later. Gravel, adventure, or mountain/fat bikes required (not appropriate for skinny tires). All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE.
WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST / SON OF HAMMERFEST (5/17)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
**New Addition! Meet “Son of Hammerfest” for those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest.**
SON OF HAMMERFEST:
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.
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!

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

THIS WEEKEND! SPRING SNOWMAN 5K

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??

(Image courtesy Tocca Massage & Yoga. Shout-out to loyal Hometownies Fred & Kelly [middle and right]!)

COMING SOON! 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 starts 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.

CLICK HERE to register or email ashley@toccamassage.com.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

– Susan Sontag

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Amy Gluck, beer, bicycle repair, bicycle sales, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, Bike Demo, bike shop, Bike to School Day, bikes, Brewery Becker, Brighton, carnival, Ceo Wilson Agency, CS Motts Childrens Hospital, cycling, cyclists, CycloDan, Demo day, Doug Queener, Downtown Brighton, family friendly, Farm Bureau Insurance, fat tire, Financial Architects Inc, Fort Custer Stampede, framed bikes, Fred Purol, Friday Night Lights, Gravel Grinding 101, group rides, guided rides, Hammerfest, Happy Mother's Day, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown crew, Hometownies, Howell, Howell Area Parks and Rec Authority, Island Lake, Jamis, Justin Ham, Kelly Popa, Kensington Valley Varsity, Lake Trust Credit Union, Lisa Sanzica, live auction, livingston county, love, MCMBA, Michigan, mike dyer, Milford Bike Festival and Trail Challenge, mountain bike race, mountain bike ride, mountain bikes, Mud Sweat and Beers, Northwest Elementary, Olga Negrut, Paul Andres, podium, Poses Pedals and Pints, registration, road bikes, road ride, Roger Pelkey, Scooter Gates, Scott Simpson, shop rides, smurf blue, Son of Hammerfest, Spencer Elementary, sponsors, sponsorship, Spring Snowman 5K, Steve Steinberg, success, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Romanian Rocket, Tim Bart, Tocca Massage and Yoga, Traverse City, triathletes, Triathlon 101 Clinic, triathlons, vinyasa yoga, yoga | Leave a comment »

Birthday Pics, Jamis’ CEO, and Upcoming Shop Rides

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Shaun

When Everything Goes Wonderfully Right

SHAUN 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!

(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

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Abby Wheeler, Abigail Dyer, American Spirit Centre, artist, Beauchamp Water Treatment and Supply, beginner friendly, bicycle shop, bicycles, bicycling, bike shop, bikes, birthday party, Carine Joannou, core values, creative, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Bhajan, draw, entries, fat bike, gravel grinder, group rides, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Hammerfest, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown crew, Hometownies, Island Lakes, Jamis Bicycles, Jamis Bikes, Jr. Hometownie, love, Marley Simpson, Mother Nature, mountain bike, mountain bike ride, Nicholas Baylerian, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, road bike, road ride, Shaun Bhajan, shop rides, social road ride, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tour de Livingston, tshirt contest, volunteers, winner | Leave a comment »

Hometown Bicycles

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Fun Emails!

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!

Hometown Bicycles

Visit Our Store!

Apply for Financing

Become a Fan!

Fun Emails!

Inspiration of All Kinds

TEAM NEWS: JERSEY TAKEOVER AT TREE FARM

PAULA’S JOURNEY

AMY’S BLOG: JULY 20, 2017

HEATHER’S STORY

LEARN ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HOMETOWNIE

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

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Your Father’s Day Treat, Burnin’ Fat, and Tykes on Mountain Bikes

We love you, Dads!

THE FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING LOOKS GREAT!

HEY, BATTER-BATTER-BATTER… SWING!!

TEAM NEWS: THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

SAVE THE DATE: 7/1/17! HOMETOWN’S JULY JUBILEE

TODAY: FLAT TIRE FIX SUMMER CLINIC

TOMORROW (6/16): TRAMPOLINES & PUPPIES

TOMORROW (6/16): YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

CLINIC: TEACHING YOUR BODY TO BURN MORE FAT

AMY’S BLOG: June 15, 2017

JUNE 25: TOUR DE LIVINGSTON KICK-OFF RIDE

A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT, SANS SHAUN

KIDS 4TH OF JULY BIKE DECORATING CONTEST

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

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Mom’s Day Giveaways, Stampedes, and Bikes and Brews in Brighton

TODAY: “TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

THE TEAM REPRESENTS AT MUD, SWEAT & BEERS

LOOK FOR US THIS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN BRIGHTON!

DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A FIRST CLASS BIKE DEMO??

MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY COMPETITION WINNER

SUPERHERO SUCCESS STORY AT SPENCER

YOUR HOMETOWN CREW HAS GROWN…

MEET THE CREW: TIM BART

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THIS WEEKEND! SPRING SNOWMAN 5K

COMING SOON! YOGA FOR EVERY BODY

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

Share this:

Like this:

Birthday Pics, Jamis’ CEO, and Upcoming Shop Rides

When Everything Goes Wonderfully Right

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

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM JAMIS CEO, CARINE JOANNOU

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

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

Share this:

Like this:

Since We Opened

Overall Repair Count

Thank you, 2019/2020 Team Sponsors!