Shaun Bhajan | Hometown Bicycles

Shaun and SELCRA Partner Up!

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Shaun

SELCRA recently announced the appointment of Shaun Bhajan to its Board of Directors, as the Member-at-Large. The SELCRA Mission is to promote individual, community, and economic stewardship by providing outstanding recreation, sports and leisure programs for citizens of all ages.

“Shaun’s knowledge of the area and his experience as a business owner will be an asset to our mission of Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs!” stated SELCRA.

Congratulations, Shaun! We all know how much you love our community!

Tech Talk Clinic THIS Saturday!
Our socially distanced clinics are filling up fast. Advance registration is required and masks are mandatory. Only 4 spots left for Tech Talk!

Saturday 2/27 from 5-6 PM
Tech Talk: Q&A with our Master Mechanics
This is YOUR opportunity to bring questions to our master mechanics, Tyler and Mason. For one hour, they will share their knowledge and provide answers to your most pressing mechanical questions. Target audience: Intermediate riders who have a decent working knowledge of their bike(s), and bicycle parts and components.

To register for this event, click HERE.
Cost: $12

And coming up in March, everyone’s favorite clinic…

Saturday 3/13 from 5-6 PM
Bike Fit Clinic with Vincent Baylerian, PT, DPT, Certified Level 2 Clinical BikeFit Pro
Learn about how bike fitting can improve your cycling — become more efficient, gain power, and reduce discomfort. Vinnie will do a presentation, and there will be time for a Q&A session. You’ll also receive a coupon for a discounted Bike Fit at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy.

To register for this event, click HERE.
Cost: $20

Girl Scout Cookies are here!

Stop by and take advantage of our BOGO Cookie Deal!

Buy a box of cookies, get a box on us! $5 per box. Cash only, please.
Several varieties available, while supplies last!

A note from our Ride Coordinator…

Hi Folks,

Hope you are all staying safe and enjoying this actual winter we are having — well, “kind of” actual winter. That’s the reason for this note. Under normal circumstances, we would be hosting Fat Bike rides all winter, but this winter has been exceptionally challenging to have rides that are appropriate for everyone — which is what Hometown is all about — supporting rides that anyone can enjoy. The weather was too warm at the start of Fat Biking season, which resulted in ice on the trails. This is not a situation everyone is equipped for (studded tires needed), so we postponed having rides.

Then came our latest weather system which dumped a bunch of snow, but also brought super cold temps. The temps were too cold for group rides. Believe me, I tried myself and am still recovering almost 3 weeks later. Then the forecast looked like it would warm for a few days and then cool back off to safe temps and get us good packing snow, but alas it is all melting away and the trails are mush now.

The last aspect of anti-Fat Biking that occurred this winter is the lack of the Badlands, aka those big sandhills across from Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area. With the mining operation in full swing over there, we do not have the space to make it worthwhile to take a big group out for a ride. We will hang tight, watch the weather, and deploy for a ride if the universe decides to cooperate. Keep your eye on our newsletters and Facebook page for a pop-up Fat Bike ride if we think we can safely pull it off.

In the meantime, take a minute to complete our Ride Survey; your input helps shape the future Hometown ride offerings. And one lucky survey participant will win a $25 Hometown Gift Certificate! The winner will be chosen on March 15^th so hurry up and get your survey responses in.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/AZUj2w4gb5uQ8xDR6

Ride with a purpose,

Neal Glazebrook

Great Lake-to-Lake Summit: You’re invited!

Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance is the statewide voice for non-motorized trail users, helping people build, connect and promote trails.

They invite you to join in a virtual Great Lake-to-Lake Trail Summit on Wednesday, March 24 from 1-2:30 PM. Learn about exciting advances on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail Route #1. See the route HERE.

To be part of the Summit, sign up HERE!

Women’s Self Talk Clinic: Meet our Speakers!

*From left to right, Lisa Nelson, Dr. Tianna Rooney, and Anna Oginsky*

Lisa Nelson, Owner of Hush Intimate Apparel
Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, a master’s in manufacturing engineering, and spent 15 years in the automotive industry. In 2007, as a new mom, Lisa felt driven to forge a new career path where she could be in control of her future and have a positive effect on others’ lives. A visit to a women’s boutique lit her entrepreneurial fire. She launched Hush Intimate Apparel in Brighton, Michigan – a boutique designed by women for women – to help women look good and feel comfortable in their everyday lives. A passionate community advocate, Lisa sits on the Downtown Development Authority Board, and served as vice chair of the Principal Shopping District Board, plus 3 years on the Chamber of Commerce Board.

Dr. Tianna Rooney, LMFT, Owner and Executive Director of Perspectives Therapy Services
Dr. Rooney earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 2004 in the area of Marriage and Family Therapy. Her clinical training translated incredibly well to being an entrepreneur. Now, her focus has shifted from relationship health to organizational health. With a team of over 75 mental health providers, 10 administrative team members, and 5 clinic locations, Perspectives Therapy Services, LLC is one of the largest mental health practices in the state of Michigan. Dr. Rooney serves as the Executive Director with her primary role being to design an amazing experience for employees and clients alike.

Anna Oginsky, Author, Artist and Owner of Heart Connected and Founder of Brighton Light House
Anna is an award-winning author, as well as a workshop and retreat facilitator through her small business, Heart Connected. Anna received her BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Michigan State University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Together with her husband, Dan, Anna recently opened Brighton Light House where she will serve as the director, focused on programming.

Thursday, March 11 from 6-7:30 PM
Self Talk: Wiring Your Brain for Business Success
A successful business begins and ends in your own head. What have you been saying to yourself lately?

To register for this event, click HERE.
$15

If you miss the window and registration is closed, please DO STILL REACH OUT TO US: thehubwomen@gmail.com We’ll add you to our list, in case a spot opens up!

Save the Date!

3rd Annual Do It For Dan Ride
Island Lake Recreation Area
Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 3 PM

For updates and to support the Daniel J. Horal Family Foundation, click HERE.

Fitness Classes are BACK!

Zumba with Leslie Barrett
Mondays at 6 PM

$10 drop-in; 10-class punch cards are available.
Pre-registration is required. Contact michiganzumbagirl@outlook.com for more info or visit her Facebook page.

Cardio Drumming with Martha Soraruf
Wednesdays at 6 PM

$5 drop-in
Bring your own equipment; there is no equipment rental at this time.
Pre-registration is required. Visit PURE Fitness and Nutrition for more info.

Winter Hours:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday
10 AM – 5 PM

Closed Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Hometown Bicycles, SELCRA, Shaun Bhajan, Team Hometown Bicycles | Leave a comment »

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Hometown + COVID-19 Update

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Shaun

Please Support Our GoFundMe

With limited resources, and frustrating layers of bureaucracy, we need your help, Hometownies. Please consider supporting and sharing our GoFundMe:

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

Stay active. Stay strong. Stay pedaling, Hometownies.

With continuing love and gratitude,

Shaun, Dawn & Your Hometown Crew

Celebrating Our Aluminum Anniversary

Somehow it seems fitting that aluminum is the metal of choice for a 10-year anniversary, since it’s one of the most popular materials for manufacturing bicycles.

Although we can’t celebrate like we had planned, we ask that on April 15th, you raise your glass in a “shelter-in-place” toast to YOUR bicycle shop.

#stayHTBstrong

While you celebrate with us from afar, here are 10 Fun Facts about Hometown Bicycles:

1.90+ In the 10 years we’ve been in business, we have hired over 90 people. In many cases, this was their first job, and we’re really proud to see how our young crew have matured and evolved over time. And we’re equally proud to know that they still feel like part of the Hometown family.

2.8 Years Our longest-standing crew member is Chris Buddingh, who started with us in 2012. Chris has been with us through a world of changes. We’re so grateful that he decided to share his retirement years with us – thank you, Chris!

3.2 Shops Did you know that, at one point, Hometown Bicycles had a second location? It was a cool, little cabin in Whitmore Lake – the ultimate, small town bike shop.

4.Tax Day Our decision to open on Tax Day 2010 was intentional! During construction, one of our earliest supporters jokingly mentioned that “all businesses are… are tax collectors for the government.” After a good laugh, we decided “hey – April 15th it is!” Thank you, Wheelin’ Willie.

5.23,002 This is the number of repairs Hometown Bicycles has completed to date. We’re insanely proud of this accomplishment because we have been service focused since Day 1 – a concept that is revolutionizing the bike business.

6.Steve Reed Customer #1, and the only customer who has his photo on our number plate wall. Steve was the first customer to come in and give us the opportunity to fix his bike, and the coolest part – it was a recumbent. We envisioned our first repair being an ultra-sleek, highly technical machine. Instead, it was a recumbent cruiser… and that was perfect.

7.20-Hour Days Initially, through the build process, and being super excited, Dawn and I worked 20-hour days – painting, fixing, getting everything set up and ready to go. After opening on April 15th, we thought our 20-hour days were over. 10 years and 2 kids later, 20-hour days are still the norm!

8.3,212 This the number of bicycles we’ve sold since opening. Although bicycle retail isn’t our primary focus, we always believe in giving good advice and matching the customer’s needs to the right product. We’re happy that we have been able to help so many people find their new bike.

9.10595 This is the address of our current “bicycle adventure center”. In 2014, we had the opportunity to move to a new space, and help the shop grow. The new facility gave us the chance to hold better classes, better rides, better community events, concerts… and even create a business incubator! We’re really proud of this accomplishment.

10.100+ … is how long we’re planning on sticking around! We know that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. It’s a weird way to celebrate – together, separately. However, let’s get over this hump, and we’ll look forward to another 100+ years of birthday celebrations.

Free Emergency Bike Repair UPDATE

Shaun Bhajan of Hometown Bicycles in COVID-19 face mask

Our free emergency bike repairs have definitely been a value add to our community. There have been a tidal wave of repairs coming in that we’ve been able to address immediately to keep people riding.

With Governor Whitmer’s most recent Order update, and with stricter rules in place, we are going to have to slightly modify how we are able to help.

1. Please REMAIN IN YOUR CAR. We will take your bike off and put your bike back on your car. We don’t want anyone congregating at our front door – any lingerers will be asked to leave!

2. Absolutely NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE STORE. We’ve had a few people sneak in. We get it – you love us. We love you, too, but please – even if our front door is unlocked, we’re trying our best to comply with the Governor’s mandate, and follow the CDC guidelines. Hang tight in your cars – we promise we’ll come out and help you.

3. Service is limited to EMERGENCY REPAIRS ONLY. We’ve had a few tune-up requests, and as much as we’d love to help, we are not able to perform “regular spring tune-ups” until after the mandate is lifted. Our goal is to simply make sure your bike is safe, and you are safe.

4. We’re limiting repairs to ONE BIKE PER CUSTOMER. We’ve had multiple people come down with a truckload of bikes. We love your enthusiasm, but our goal right now is to help as many customers as possible. Please help us do that by respecting this rule. (Note: If you have multiple emergency repairs, we will try our best to help you, but will only work on one at a time. In other words, 2 bikes = 2 visits.)

WHAT WE DEFINE AS EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Flat tires
Broken cables
Broken spokes
Brakes not functioning
Gears not functioning

There is NO CHARGE for labor – this is a volunteer effort. You will be charged for parts, if needed. We’d rather see you cycling safe than attempt a repair yourself that could have catastrophic results.

EMERGENCY REPAIR SERVICE: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 10AM-2PM

We are still offering online ordering – please see details below.

We’ve got your back, Hometownies

Hometown-to-You Ordering is Still LIVE!

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

It’s really simple:

STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-3pm every day – (810) 225-2441.

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

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

Easy peasy!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: #stayHTBstrong, 10 year anniversary, 10th Anniversary, 10th birthday, Aluminum Anniversary, bicycle repair, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike shop, bikes, chris buddingh, COVID-19, emergency bicycle repair, emergency bike repair, Executive Order update, free emergency bike repair, gofundme, Governor Whitmer, Hometown Bicycles, QBP, retail to home ordering, Shaun Bhajan, Steve Reed, Tax Day | Leave a comment »

Free Repairs + HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Hometown!

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Shaun

(Above: Celebrating Hometown’s 9th Anniversary in 2019)

The Big 1-0…
Celebrating “Social Distancing” Style

What a ride! From a one-man service shop wanting to do something no other shop has done before, to 10 years later, 18 crew members, 14,000-square-foot building, and being awarded Michigan’s Best Bike Shop by THREE different organizations IN THE SAME YEAR!

April 15, 2020, Hometown is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. While we’ve been known to throw some awesome parties, this year is obviously different. It’s tough to celebrate with you – the people who made us who we are – when we’re required to keep our distance. But just know that we’re grateful for your loyalty, and we’re forever honored that you support us.

#stayHTBstrong

Free Emergency Bike Repair

Over these past couple weeks, we’ve been swamped with Facebook messages and phone calls of riders in distress – needing quick fixes and emergency repairs to keep them safe and to keep them cycling.

So, in the interest of your wellbeing, during these unprecedented times Shaun is doing something unprecedented himself…

Starting TODAY (April 6th), Shaun will personally be offering FREE EMERGENCY REPAIRS every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-2pm.

He’ll have a SAG station set up in front of the shop. You will simply drive up, Shaun will handle your bike following all CDC safety protocols, he’ll ensure your bike is safe to ride, and send you on your way. We ask that you stay in your vehicle.

Please understand, the shop is closed, this is a volunteer effort, and it is for CRITICAL, SAFETY-GEARED repairs only. There is NO CHARGE for this. We’d rather see you cycling safe than attempt a repair yourself that could have catastrophic results.

We’ve got your back, Hometownies

GoFundMe

With limited resources, and frustrating layers of bureaucracy, we need your help, Hometownies. Please consider supporting and sharing our GoFundMe:

Stay active. Stay strong. Stay pedaling, Hometownies.

With continuing love and gratitude,

Shaun, Dawn & Your Hometown Crew

Hometown-to-You Ordering is Now LIVE!

It’s really simple:

Easy peasy!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: #stayHTBstrong, 10th Anniversary, bicycle repair, bicycle shop, bike repair, bike shop, free bicycle repair, free bike repair, gofundme, happy birthday, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, QBP, retail to home, Shaun Bhajan, social distancing | Leave a comment »

Countdown to Tour + Hometown’s a finalist for LMB’s Shop of the Year Award!

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Shaun

ONE WEEK COUNTDOWN to Tour de Livingston!

Sunday, October 6th

Look out, world! Our very own Shaun is a radio star! On September 16th, he was part of a WHMI broadcast to promote the event, along with Jacob Andrews, Tour de Livingston Co-Chair. Shaun says he has always had a face for radio!

Listen up, peeps! We are ONE WEEK away from the 2019 Tour de Livingston! This is our FAVORITE ride of the year!

Hometown loves, loves, loves this event, and has been its Major Bike Shop Sponsor since the beginning! We will be there to provide bike support, to ride, and to man our much-loved bike corral, where riders can leave their bikes while they enjoy the food and festivities indoors. Be sure to stop by the Hometown Bicycles tent on Tour day for any/all of your cycling needs!

This fully supported ride includes hospitality tents, a full breakfast, snacks along the route, and a hearty meal prepared by the chef at Mt. Brighton.

All proceeds from this event help to: bridge the gap for local hardworking families struggling to meet their most basic needs; prepare every child to be ready for success; and build a healthy community for all residents via the Livingston County United Way Basic Needs Programs. Since its start in 2008, the Tour de Livingston has raised over $400,000 to address the community’s most critical needs. The Tour de Livingston is organized and run by the Howell Rotary Club.

Check out the schedule!

Registration Starts at 7:00 am

Course Opens at 8:00 am

Breakfast is Served 7:00 am – 9:00 am
* All riders must report to Mt. Brighton for packet pickup and breakfast

Announcements and Bike Giveaway (donated by Hometown!) at 7:50 am – 8:00 am

Group Start 8:00 am
* All riders must start by 9:00 am

Lunch is Served from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

GM Proving Grounds closes by 12:00 pm

Century Ride Celebration (100 Mile Riders) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

* Please Note that All Rider Services End at 5:00 pm

All Riders MUST wear a bicycling helmet

Location:
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, 4141 Bauer Road, Brighton

Check out the routes!

FAMILY FUN LOOP, ISLAND LAKE ROUTE & RECREATIONAL RIDES
An easy novice route consisting of paved bike paths, low to no traffic and neighborhoods. Some routes with ice cream shops near the halfway point. Estimated 5,10 or 20 miles.

ISLAND LAKE ROUTE
This is bike-friendly with paths and park roadways within Island Lake and Kensington. Great for families, beginners, or those that prefer to ride on roads less traveled. Routes will include 5, 10, and 20-mile options with hospitality stops every 6 miles. Island Lake route riders must register at Mt. Brighton, drive to Island Lake for ride and return to Mt. Brighton for lunch.

EXPERT ROAD BIKE ROUTES
Spend the day enjoying the countryside of Livingston County. Three different expert level loops begin and end at Mt. Brighton. Choose from 38-mile Parks Loop, 62-mile Metric Century, or combine to ride a Century Route. All distances are approximate!

NEW THIS YEAR
GRAVEL GRINDER ROUTES
New this year, our Gravel Grinder routes to “Hell and Back” will consist of 2 routes approximately 36 miles and 50 miles from Mt. Brighton to Hell, Michigan. These routes will take you on paved and unpaved gravel roads and will inspire the adventure seeker in you!

LMB Awards: Hometown’s a FINALIST!

Celebrate with the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) as they recognize the outstanding contributions of cycling advocates from around the state and experience a night of exciting indoor cycling races on October 19th at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit.

The 64,000 square foot, $4 million Lexus Velodrome is the most talked-about venue in the U.S. cycling world – and it’s right here in Michigan!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES IS UP FOR SHOP OF THE YEAR!
Hometown is one of five bicycle shops in the running for the Shop of the Year Award, alongside Pedal Bicycles – Portage, Brick Wheels, Sweet Bikes, and Kids Repair Program.

Winners will be announced during a pre-race reception at 5 PM (heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar), followed by the Velodrome’s Saturday Night Rumbles at 7:30 PM.

Get in on the action, and buy your tickets HERE!

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES