A Bikes & Books Adventure + A Team Sponsor Who Rocks Bass!

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Shaun

(Photo courtesy Lindsay Root, who spotted Shaun on a rainy day walk – thanks, Lindsay!)

As part of the Howell Carnegie District Library‘s BIKE MICHIGAN series, Shaun was invited to present Bike Types, Tips & Tricks to an enthusiastic crowd hungry for information on cycling at a beginner/intermediate level.

We would like to extend a big thank you to Margaret Bigham, Information and Technical Services at Howell Carnegie District Library (and one of our Team Hometownies!), for inviting Shaun to speak and represent Hometown Bicycles in his usual friendly and knowledgeable fashion!

Would your community group like to schedule a speaking engagement/presentation with one of our bicycle aficionados? Contact events@myhometownbicycles.com to discuss!

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 27th
Hometown’s 9th Birthday Bash & Roll-n-Rock Fundraiser!

Your Hometown Events staff is actively planning a fun-filled day to celebrate Hometown turning NINE YEARS OLD! Our baby is growing up!

There will be food, games and prizes, music, and all-around positive energy flowing both inside and outside the shop! And no Hometown birthday would be complete without a Birthday Ride!

After-hours, enjoy the bluesy rock and roll of Hometown’s purveyor of extraordinary bike knowledge, Dan “CycloDan” Tribble and his Progressive Blues & Rhythm band. We’ll open up the dance floor, mix and mingle, and have an overall awesome time while raising money for a great cause!
APRIL 27TH: Details will be forthcoming in the next few newsletters so stay tuned!

And because we like to celebrate birthdays ALL MONTH LONG…

We proudly present Vinnie Baylerian’s band, DoL (Descendants of Levon), on Saturday, April 13th from 6-8:30 PM!

As most of you know, Vinnie Baylerianof Pro-Motion Physical Therapy is the Title Sponsor of Team Hometown Bicycles. While we majorly value and appreciate his vast expertise in physical therapy and bike fitting, we were also thrilled to discover that he plays in the band, DoL, alongside his cousins and other family members.

So, who wants to see our lead Sponsor jammin’ on bass and ROCKING THE SHOP?!

Express your interest HERE!

This will be a FREE family-friendly concert with music, dancing, munchies, and an overall awesome time to help Hometown kick off our 9th Birthday Month! We hope to see you all there!

HELLOOOOOO SPRING!

It’s ALMOST here! Get excited for spring cycling season! Can we get a WOOT WOOT?!

Time to get your bikes ready for the beautiful weather around the corner. Schedule your tune-ups and repairs NOW so you will be ready to roll in April when the majority of our Shop Rides kick off.

Make sure to print or pick up your Shop Ride schedule!

Team Hometown makes its mark at Waterloo!

We didn’t need Wellington to battle THIS Waterloo – way to go, Team!

At least 10 Team members, ablaze in new Hometown gear, competed in the Waterloo G&G Gravel Road Race on Saturday, March 6th in Grass Lake… Joe Ostervik, Brad Allen, Erik Fraser, Ron Szumski, Doug Lapp, Jacob Henriksen, Shannon McKay, Christine Jacob, Lorelei Smith and Scott Simpson.

Brad Allen blasted into 2nd Overall and Erik Fraser into 6th Overall in the Men’s Open 100K Fat Bike, while Team Co-Captain Joe Ostervik(right) placed 4th in age group (of 24) and 47th overall (of 221).

Congratulations, everyone!

Check out those new kits! Don’t they look sharp?

More Girls on Bikes!

Attention all girls! Bring your favorite board/card game and a dish or snack to share… and, ideally, a friend who is new to MiSCA! The evening will be a casual social mixer with no agenda, just fun and camaraderie. Parents welcome! Come hang out with old friends and make some new ones. MiSCA will briefly discuss some upcoming girls’ events.

What is MiSCA? The Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association, a nonprofit organization focused on the coordination of youth mountain biking teams and student-only races.

Sign-up for the More Girls on Bikes event at Hometown HERE.

Hometown’s Business Incubator Rental Space!

We have a major project going on in Hometown’s back room – a buildout that includes a new business incubator rental space!

What is a business incubator? Business incubators are organizations that offer startups shared operation space. In short, they offer fledgling young companies a warm, safe place to grow and prosper.

Our incubator will be ideal for:

Business meetings
Networking groups
Fitness classes
Startup churches
Kids programs
Arts/crafts programs and classes

Hometown’s business incubator will be available for hourly rentals. If you would like to learn more, contact Dawn at office@myhometownbicycles.com.

Grand Opening coming SOON!

CURRENTLY SEEKING FULL-TIME SERVICE TECHS
Monday-Friday, 9-5

Stop by the shop for an application.

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Cardio Drumming | Wednesdays 6 PM
$5 drop-in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf |Click to learn more

Power 30 | Wednesdays 7 PM
$5 drop in – With Martha Soraruf | Click to learn more

Zumba | Mondays 6 PM & Thursdays 9:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $60” punch card – With Leslie Barrett | Click to learn more

Zumba GOLD | Fridays 9:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Tresa O’Rourke | Click to learn more

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

Did you know? Brighton ATA Martial Arts has set up shop in Hometown’s Community Room 2-3 evenings/week. Sign up for your free trial and learn martial arts at your own pace. Click to learn more.

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle rentals, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike clinics, bike rentals, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, Brad Allen, Brighton, Brighton ATA Martial Arts, business incubator, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Gaden, Descendants of Levon, DoL, Erik Frazier, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, fitness classes, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, Howell, Howell Carnegie District Library, intenSati, joe ostervik, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, misca, More Girls on Bikes, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band, shop ride, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tresa O’Rourke, Vinnie Baylerian, Waterloo Grit and Gravel, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

THIS SUNDAY (4/15): Eat Cake at Hometown’s 8th Birthday Party!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Shaun

YOU’RE INVITED TO HOMETOWN’S 8TH-YEAR CELEBRATION!
Eight eventful years ago, we propped a hand-painted sandwich board in front of a pint-sized service shop, and called Hometown Bicycles officially “OPEN”. Fast forward eight years, and just look what you’ve helped us create, Hometownies!

That’s why we want you, a member of our Hometown family, to party hearty with us on April 15th between noon and 6pm for a day of family-friendly birthday games and prizes, presents (for you!), and a 3pm birthday bike ride with food and cake to follow! Read on for details or click here for party updates on our Facebook page!

___________________________

Shop Hours for this Sunday, April 15th
Hometown’s 8th Birthday: NOON – 6PM

GAMES, PRIZES, AND MORE SURPRISES!
What birthday party would be complete without games and prizes?? Starting at noon, you and your family will enjoy birthday game classics with a cycling twist, like “Pin the Pedal on the Bicycle”, “Tricycle Tug-of-War”, “Guess How Many”, and “Bicycle Tire Toss”. Winners take home a prize!

BIRTHDAY PRESENTS FOR YOU!!
Listen, your loyalty over the years and continuing support are truly gift enough – I mean that, Hometownies! That’s why, at THIS party, the birthday presents are for YOU! Beginning at noon, you’ll receive your very own, wrapped birthday gift with any purchase of $20 or more. (One per person while they last!)

A BIRTHDAY BIKE RIDE FOR THE BIRTHDAY BIKE SHOP!
If Hometown could talk, we know it would ask us for a birthday bike ride. That’s why our shop exists, after all – for the love of cycling! This casual road ride will leave from Hometown at 3pm (arrive by 2:45pm) for a spin around Island Lake’s famous “Green Dumpster loop”. All bikes welcome – there will be riders of all types, skills, and paces to make this fun for everyone! Just be sure to work up an appetite…

BIRTHDAY GRILL-OUT WITH A SIDE OF BIRTHDAY CAKE!
We’ll be wrapping up Hometown’s 8th-year birthday bash with food on the barbie, compliments of your appreciative bike shop. Be sure to do some post-meal vocal runs – gotta warm up those pipes for a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to You”! Birthday cake will top it all off for those of us with a sweet tooth.

___________________________

See you this Sunday, Hometownies!!

Yesterday is a beautiful reflection. Today is a new beginning. Tomorrow is limitless possibility.

~ Anonymous

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: 8th Anniversary, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike ride, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, birthday bike ride, birthday cake, birthday games, birthday party, birthday presents, Brighton, cycling, cyclists, food on the barbie, grill-out, group rides, happy birthday to you, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Michigan, prizes, shop ride, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles | Leave a comment »

Where the Action is…

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Shaun

By now, I know that YOU know that Hometown’s where it’s at! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been prepping you for a line-up of Hometown rides, events, and intel to make these last few weeks of hard-core winter blur into insignificance…

Immediately on deck is the fundraising Roll & Rock Concert for the Brighton High School Mountain Bike Team, starring our very own CycloDan Tribble‘s PBR Band, this Saturday night at Hometown. Next, it’s a triple-whammy with our midday Cycling Nutrition Clinic, followed by ZUMBA, then Hometown’s first Women’s Self Defense class, all on February 13th. Ladies Night Out on February 20th is the next doozy of an event, riding hot on the heels of a weekend “field trip” shop ride. Our March 1st, Winter Clinic Series wrap-up Potluck Partywill put a memorable exclamation point on the end of February. And then Spring Cycling Season 2018 begins…

You can read up on all of these events below. Just know that when it comes to passing time, Hometown is where the action is!

FINANCING, SWEET FINANCING

Point of note – we’ve had so many people ask us recently about financing that I’m going to give it a quick spotlight here. The concept is simple enough – 12 months without interest – but here’s a couple bonus bytes for you to chew on…

1) Can I only use it to buy bikes? Nope! Any purchase up to $1000 qualifies for 6 months deferred interest, and any purchase of $1000 or over qualifies for 12 months deferred interest, whether you’re buying a bike, a new cycling wardrobe, or a truckload of inner tubes.

2) Do I apply in-store? Sure, if you want to. But you can also save yourself time, if you pre-apply in the privacy of your own home. To do that, CLICK HERE or on the graphic above.

Let us know what other questions we can answer – it’s a great program, and we’re proud to tell you more!

(Photo courtesy and © Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band)

THIS SATURDAY: ROLL & ROCK
A ‘funk’y fundraiser for the Brighton High School Mountain Bike Team

***NOTE: We’ve had a few questions regarding whether this event is kid-friendly. So, to clarify, the Roll & Rock is geared toward adults – later hours (7-10pm), classic jazz and blues tunage, BYOB (I suspect many will bring beer) – with proceeds supporting youth cycling. Consider it a date night with good karma!

On Saturday, February 10th, we’re clearing our floor of bikes for a LIVE CONCERT AT HOMETOWN, starring our very own CycloDan Tribble’s Progressive Blues & Rhythm Band. On the agenda – crazy awesome music, dancing, BYOB, snacks, socializing… and knowing that half of your $10 cover charge goes directly toward gearing up the BHS Team for their 2018 cycling season!

Enjoy the show from 7pm-9pm, then hang with the band at the after-party. It’s laid back, funky fun that will wow your ears and tickle your tastebuds, all while supporting youth cycling. Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan for enough refreshments!

BAND BIO: The Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band is Brian “BK Big Fish” King, drums, Doug “Bird Dog” Percha, guitar, Theo “Dr. Thee” Smith, bass and Dan Tribble aka “Shoocat Hopkins” on vocals and harmonica. All have been active members of the S.E. Michigan music scene mostly dating back to the mid 70’s. The PBR Band intends to bring you a brew of blues, rock & funky R&B for your listening and dancing enjoyment! Contact Brian at 330-806-1710 for booking info.

SAT, FEBRUARY 10 | 7PM-10PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$10 cover charge, payable at the door – cash or checks only, please.

CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN ATTEND!

FEBRUARY 13: DANCE BEFORE DEFENSE

Ladies, make it a full evening of fun, fitness, and self-betterment on February 13th! That Tuesday only, Hometown’s much-loved ZUMBA maven, Leslie Barrett, is bringing her regular Tuesday class to Hometown. Running 5:45-6:45pm, you’ll enjoy an invigorating ZUMBA session on the shop floor, before taking your stimulated mind into the Community Room for a powerful lesson in Women’s Self Defense. $8 ZUMBA drop-in – details below!

(Photo courtesy and © Live Safe Academy)

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN (2/13)

A POWERFUL, information-packed class for ALL of the women in your life – including you!Tuesday, February 13th marks the first ever Women’s Self Defense class at Hometown Bicycles, led by the highly skilled Ian Kinder, founder of Live Safe Academy. In this life changing, 2-hour session, you’ll learn “simple, life saving skills from programs designed to increase your safety after only one class! Our hands on courses teach time-tested, realistic methods that are easy to learn and remember… No previous training required.”

Valentine’s Day safety, solo bike rides, peace of mind – whatever your interest, COME! For ages 12 and up. I’ll be there – will you?

TUES, FEBRUARY 13 | 7PM-9PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$40 payable at time of registration. Minimum 15 participants required – tell your friends and family!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
FOR WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE AT HOMETOWN

LADIES NIGHT OUT: SPRING EDITION (2/20)

***EVEN MORE NEW ADDITIONS!***

Ladies, at this point, our Ladies Night Out: Spring Edition is exploding with incredible new opportunities and crazy-fun activities! Let’s see if I can bring you up to speed…OVERVIEW: Ladies Night Out at Hometown Bicycles: Spring Edition runs Tuesday, February 20th from 6-9pm. This Edition combines the best of yoga, wine, refreshments, goodie bags, door prizes, quickie bike clinics, chair massages, jewelry trunk shows, art exhibits, and suh-weeeeet deals on women’s cycling necessities. Registration is $40, for which you will receive…

30-MINUTE BEGINNER YOGA SESSION:
Stretch away the day’s stress with Terri Mushong of Hamburg Fitness Center. Wear comfy clothes, and bring a mat if you have one.

WINE & REFRESHMENTS:
Sample a wonderful array of filling, post-yoga snacks and treats to compliment your Hometown-provided wine selection!

COMPLIMENTARY CHAIR MASSAGE:
The wonderful folks at Kor Chiro Studio are generously providing on-site, courtesy chair massages to take you to the next level of pampered! (Tips welcomed.)

MINI-CLINICS:
Expand your bike knowledge with 15-minute bike clinics covering Flat Tire Fixes and Shifting Demystified. Both will run repeatedly over the course of an hour, for hands-on learning, and even second viewings!

JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW:
Peruse a full selection of exquisite bike-chain-and-bling jewelryfrom Echo Lake Steel, hand-stamped, industrial-chic-meets-tongue-in-cheek pieces from Cool Hedge Creations, and cleverly recycled bike chain and inner tube earrings crafted by Sunshine Design.

ART EXHIBITION:
Meet artists Peggy Kerwan and Lauren Patrell of LPbyLP, and view their respectively stunning collections of artwork and monotype prints and impeccably crafted purses, wallets, and keychains.

GOODIE BAGS:
By far the most popular take-away from last year’s event, our Spring Edition goodie bagswill absolutely rock your world!

DOOR PRIZES:
Drawings for wonderful gifts and prizes – including a bracelet donated by Echo Lake Steel and a bracelet and necklace donated by Cool Hedge Creations – will take place throughout the evening.

AWESOME DISCOUNTS:
Shaun and I (okay, mostly me) have been having a field day finding great deals for you on ladies’ cyclewear, shoes, helmets, gloves, and more!

There’s SO much to be excited about… can I count on you to be there with friends and family? Please register now! We’ve got some planning to do to make this the best ever!

TUES, FEBRUARY 20 | 6PM-9PM | AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
$40 payable at registration. Click the link below!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR LADIES NIGHT OUT!

2/13 & 2/15: CYCLING NUTRITION CLINIC

We’ve run our Winter Clinic Series since opening in 2010… not to toot our own horn, but *toot* we’re really good at it! All clinics are FREE – click the links below for details and to register:

Cycling Nutrition Clinic
Tues, Feb 13th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 15th, 7-8pm

Cycling Gear & Wear Clinic
Tues, Feb 20th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 22nd, 7-8pm

Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party
Thu, March 1st, 7-9pm

<< Click the image at left for a printable Clinic Series flier!

2018 HOMETOWN WOMEN’S WINTER CLASSES

Ladies, Hometown’s women-only, winter class series is going strong to KEEP you strong over the winter. Click the registration links for details and to sign up:2/13 WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE with Live Safe Academy
REGISTER for Self Defense | 7PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registration

2/20 LADIES NIGHT OUT: SPRING EDITION at Hometown Bicycles
REGISTER for Ladies Night Out | 6PM – 9PM at Hometown | $40 at registration

2/27 WOMEN’S PILOXING BARRE with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for PILOXING | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, FEB 10 | 10:00AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM DTE TRAILHEAD
This week we’ll be meeting off-site at the DTE Trail for 10-16 miles of adventuring. Group A advanced riders will ride fast and pack in the miles. Group B intermediate riders will ride as skills determine. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Many of you are familiar with the rockin’ beats and great cardio that take place weekly on our showroom floor. But for those who haven’t yet experienced fitness classes at Hometown, or simply want to get a high-energy start to their New Year’s resolutions, here are a few classes you’ll absolutely want to try!CARDIO DRUMMING | Wednesdays at 6:00PM
$5 drop in / $5 equipment rental – With Martha Soraruf
Click to learn more

ZUMBA | Mondays at 6:00PM & Thursdays at 9:30AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Leslie Barrett
Click to learn more

Start taping your socks on again…

~ Shaun & Dawn

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: beginner yoga, BHS MTB Team, bicycle ride, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike art, bike clinics, bike ride, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, Brighton High School, Cardio Drumming, chair massage, Cool Hedge Creations, cycling, cycling nutrition, cyclists, CycloDan Tribble, Dan Tribble, discounts, door prizes, DTE Trail, Echo Lake Steel, financing, fitness classes, goodie bags, group ride, hamburg fitness center, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bicycles logo, Ian Kinder, jewelry trunk show, Kor Chiro Studio, ladies night out, Lauren Patrell, Leslie Barrett, Live Safe Academy, livingston county, LPbyLP, Martha Soraruf, Melissa Rudberg, Michigan, mini-clinics, mountain bike team, Peggy Kerwan, potluck party, Progressive Blues and Rhythm Band, Roll and Rock concert, shop ride, Spring Edition, Synchrony Financial, tape your socks on, Terry Mushong, valentines day, where to ride in michigan, wine, womens self defense, zumba | Leave a comment »

10 Reasons You’ll be Glad You Shopped at Hometown

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Shaun

A Hometown Holiday Heart-to-Heart

Someone asked me a simple question the other day about whether we’ll do our Christmas shopping online or at the stores, and it got me thinking. We’ve all done our fair share of online shopping – Shaun and I included. We live in the digital age after all.

But does this mean that the whole “Be Loyal, Buy Local” thing is just about keeping mom-and-pop shops afloat? Not really, although we do enjoy being able to pay our bills as much as the next person. The truth is that there is a place – and will always be a place – for brick and mortar, and it has everything to do with relationships and service. And in that arena, Hometown shines.

So, as you’re puzzling over what to buy Dad, Aunt Betty, or little Timmy this Christmas – and where it should come from – I invite you to chew on this…

The Top 10 Reasons You’ll be Glad You Shopped at Hometown Bicycles

We’re all about relationships. That means we invest the time and energy in getting you what you need, not what we need to move.

We’re an anti-snob operation. Whatever kind of cyclist you are or bike you ride, we will always treat you with respect and gratitude, because we appreciate that you chose to shop with US. No belittling. No showboating. No snobbery. Period.

We are 100% about bicycles. That means we have nothing else to do except be your number one resource for all things bike.

We create opportunities for you to use what you buy. Between shop rides, Team memberships, classes, and events, we make sure you get your money’s worth out of your purchase.

We are a family-run, family bike shop. We think families are cool. Kids aren’t inconveniences – they’re future cycling advocates. And when you’re a customer, you become our family, too.

This is our livelihood. You make it possible for us to make a career out of something we love, so we’re highly motivated to make your experience awesome.

We live here. We’re as likely to run into you at the grocery store as at the shop, which means we’ll always treat you ethically and respectfully… so we don’t have to hide behind the fruit bin when we spot you.

We give back to the Community you live and work in. It supports us, so we proudly return the favor.

We advocate for the sport you love. The success of cycling benefits us all, so your support of Hometown translates to a direct, positive impact on our ability to sponsor, volunteer, educate, and spread the love for cycling.

Your fellow shoppers said to!
Hometown’s Google Reviews
Hometown’s Facebook Reviews

When it comes right down to it, the internet can’t take you for a ride to learn how to shift on your new bike. We can. The Internet won’t pick you up if you get a flat at Island Lake. We will. The Internet won’t celebrate with you when you conquer your first century. We will. And the Internet could care less if you use what you buy. WE DO.

So, do we feel secure and superior in our brick-and-mortarness? Never, and that is why we work every day to be the type of place you not only love to shop, but are proud… no, make that EAGER to share with friends and family.

Thanks for being Hometownies, and for giving us the opportunity to make your holiday shopping experience something truly special,

Dawn Bhajan
CEO | Hometown Bicycles

CHRISTMAS ORDERS & HOURS

The final day to place ANY order, so that it arrives by Christmas, is

December 18th

CHRISTMAS HOURS:

OPEN: Christmas Eve 9AM – 3PM
CLOSED: Christmas Day – January 1st

We’ll reopen January 2nd, normal hours!

THIS SATURDAY: FAT BIKE FRIENDLY RIDE

MEET AT HOMETOWN AT 9:45AM – WE ROLL AT 10AM Bring your Fat Bikes for a pedal through Island Lake with your Hometownies. This is an Intermediate (No Drop) Ride through hills, sand, and snow (exploring behind “the pond”). We estimate 12-16 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather! CLICK HERE for weather updates.

** Fat Bikes are available for rent at the shop, if you don’t yet have your own! **

HELP WANTED: PERSONAL ASSISTANT

HOMETOWN BICYCLES Part-time Personal Assistant needed. Must be highly organized, available week day mornings and afternoons, and excellent with children. Writing, design, and web skills a plus. If interested, pick up an application at the shop, and return it to Dawn.