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    Brighton, MI 48116
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What’s a Yoga-Bike-Beer-athon?

Hometown Bicycles at Poses, Pedals and Pints in Downtown Brighton
(Hometown Bicycles ran the “Pedals” portion of the event, including bike valet, route design, and quite possibly the world’s best route marking job!)

LAST WEEKEND’S POSES, PEDALS & PINTS WAS A RAGING SUCCESS…  
…with an invigorating Vinyasa yoga start courtesy of Tocca Massage & Yoga, a Hometownified fun roll through the subdivisions of Brighton, and a cool pint at Brewery Becker to bring it all home.

Our love and gratitude to the fantastic Team peeps that made this event possible, manning Hometown’s bike valet, keeping participants on course, greeting, registering, you-name-it-they-helped… you are a credit to your jersey!! Thanks, too, to Ride Coordinator Jean for orchestrating the volunteer participation!

Team Hometown Bicycles at Poses, Pedals and Pints in Downtown Brighton
(Team Hometown Bicycles raised the awesomeness bar – and a glass – for a job very well done!)

Shout out to Terry McNamara, who took fantastic photos of the event, and is offering them HERE for download, free of charge!

Hometown proudly donated its share of the event proceeds right back to the Yoga Strong Scholarship, founded by Ashley of Tocca, that annually supports the collegiate ambitions of highly driven female athletes from Brighton High School.

Yoga run by Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage and Yoga at Poses, Pedals, and Pints
(Give this gal a hug! Ashley Knuth, owner of Tocca Massage & Yoga and founder of Poses, Pedals & Pints, kicked it all off with the yoga portion of the event.)

Missed out? You’ll be SO glad to know that we’re already planning a September 30th revisit for Poses, Pedals & Pints. Stay alert – when registration opens, spots will go fast!

Brewery Becker in Downtown Brighton hosted Poses, Pedals, and Pints
(Team Hometownie Marilyn – left – greeted participants at the door of the gorgeous Brewery Becker of Downtown Brighton, owned by Brewmaster Matt Becker – right – and wife Christina. What a perfect location for this event!)


Adam Shinabarger of Walled Lake with his Hometown Bicycle's donated Jamis bike at the Eric Hartwell Foundation Spring Snowman Run/Walk

SPRING SNOWMAN PUTS A SPRING IN ADAM’S STEP

Adam, congratulations, you’ve won… (cue Bob Barker) A NEW BIKE!!!
For the past several emails, you’ve seen us promote the Spring Snowman Run/Walk. It’s hosted annually by the Eric Hartwell Foundation, a remarkable organization created by the much-loved 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.”

We’ve donated a bicycle to this deeply worthy event for years now. Our congrats this year goes to Walled Lake’s Adam Shinabarger, who is head-over-heels for his new ride! Welcome to the Hometown and Jamis families, Adam. We wish you many, many miles of adventures!

And congrats, too, to the Eric Hartwell Foundation for another phenomenal event! Your next chance to win a bike will be at next year’s race on May 12, 2018. Start training!


THIS SUNDAY: ISLAND LAKE CHALLENGE MTB RACE

Island Lake Challenge MTB Race LogoIf Island Lake is your mountain biking mothership, the Island Lake Challenge Mountain Bike Race on Sunday, May 21st is SO for you!! You’ll be lapping the locally-loved Yellow Loop for a chance to win home-turf bragging rights. Be sure to keep a weather eye out for the unmissable Team Hometown jerseys. We wouldn’t miss an opportunity to race in our own backyard!


MCMBA KEEPS ‘EM COMING – MILFORD BIKE FEST

Milford Bike Festival flierHot 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!


Hometown Bicycles Service Lead Rocco Mularoni
(Images at left courtesy Rocco Mularoni)

MEET THE CREW: ROCCO MULARONI

Rocco is another returning rockstar, who’s stepping up this summer to co-lead our Service Department to new and glorious heights. With a heart of gold and strong family values, Rocco is an extremely welcome addition to our Hometown Crew. Rocco says:

I’ve been riding bikes since kindergarten, when I used to spend weekends at Waterford Oaks racing BMX. My dad got me into mountain biking around that time as well and I always enjoyed riding with him. Sports began consuming most of my time, with football, hockey, and lacrosse so I had less time for riding. In high school I was playing football and lacrosse for Detroit Catholic Central. Senior year I decided to drop football and was looking for something else, so I picked up mountain biking again and have only gotten more passionate since. I am playing lacrosse at Hope College now, but still enjoy getting on my road or mountain bike as often as possible. Besides bikes I also enjoy working on cars, a skill that I learned from countless late nights in the garage with my dad. I love working at Hometown because it allows me to work on bikes which I’ve always loved, and it allows me to do it with some of my closest friends which is even better.


Hometown Bicycles Friday Night Lights GoPro Video by Kevin M.
(This Friday Night Lights GoPro video came by way of Kevin Machuga – thanks, Kevin! No FNL this week, but we meet up again next Friday for a night loop of Brighton Rec – stay tuned!)

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL RIDE (5/18)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome. Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

NO FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – Join our Brighton Rec night ride next week!

SUNDAY HARTLAND GRAVEL GRINDER (5/21)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
Scenic, very HILLY dirt roads with a few miles of pavement for connectors. Expect to venture across a changing route of 25 to 40 miles at a 13 – 15 mph pace. (Did I mention it was hilly?)  All types of bikes are welcome on this NO DROP RIDE. Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) 2655 Clark Rd, Hartland, MI 48353

SUNDAY EXPLORING TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE (5/21)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases.  Expect to venture out past Island Lake throughout the season to Brighton’s Murray Lake, Milford, Maybury, and Waterloo’s DTE Trail. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season!  Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail with the Hometown crew. NO DROP RIDE.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (5/22)
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  (5/23)
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 (5/24)
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!

THURSDAY MORNING SOCIAL RIDE  (5/25)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
Join us as we explore our local park roads, paved paths and sometimes – a bakery! All bikes welcome.  Expect to average 10 mph for 1.5+ hours as we cover 13 – 18 miles. NO DROP RIDE.

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


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

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN

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

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

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

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


Team Hometown Bicycles' jersey rider at Island Lake Recreation Area

Not all those who wander are lost.

– J.R.R. Tolkien

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

Happy Mother's Day from your Hometown Bicycles Crew!

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!


Amy Gluck teaching a Triathlon 101 Clinic at Hometown Bicycles
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


Team Hometown Bicycles at Mud, Sweat, and Beers - Paul Andres, Scott Simpson, and Mike Dyer
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!

Team Hometown Bicycles at Fort Custer Stampede
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.


Poses, Pedals and Pints tshirts

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!


Hometown Bicycles at the MCMBA Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day

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

Milford Bike Festival flierHot 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!


Hometown Bicycles Bike to School Day flier for the Howell Parks and Rec

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!


Hometown Bicycles Crew
(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…


Hometown Bicycles Tim Bart

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 Friday Night Lights shop ride

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

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

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


Fred and Kelly Purol doing Vinyasa Yoga with Tocca Massage and Yoga
(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.


Team Hometown Bicycles' jersey rider at Island Lake Recreation Area

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

– Susan Sontag

MI’s Best, Thule, and Triathlons 101

One of MI’s Best Bike Shops!

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

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

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

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

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


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

TEAM TIME TRIAL AT YANKEE SPRINGS

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


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

“TRIATHLON 101” CLINIC WITH AMY GLUCK

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

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

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


Hometown Bicycles is now an Authorized Thule Dealer

WE’RE NOW YOUR AUTHORIZED THULE DEALER

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


Brighton Bulldogs 9U Travel Baseball Team ScheduleBASEBALL AND BICYCLES

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

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


Howell Rotary's Tour de Livingston Save the Date

TOUR DE LIVINGSTON SAVE-THE-DATE

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


Body Within team

COMING THIS SUMMER TO A FRONT LAWN NEAR YOU…

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

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


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

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY SOCIAL ROAD RIDE (4/27)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Hometown Bicycles
If the rain holds off, come check out the popular Thursday morning Social Road ride as we hit the back entrance to Island Lake and explore the park roads. The plan this week is to ride 1-1.5 hours at a 10 mph average pace. Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


Hometown Bicycles' Gravel Grinder Shop Ride

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

– Henry Rollins

Easter Egg Hunt at Hometown, Tri Training, and Bike Patrol

APRIL 15: Hometown’s 7th Birthday

Hometown Bicycles 7th Anniversary Celebration Easter Egg HuntEASTER EGG HUNT, DOOR PRIZES, DEALS, FAMILY RIDE, FOOD & COMPETITION
We’ve had some exceptional events in our time, but a 7th birthday for Hometown Bicycles… now THAT deserves something on the scale of momentous!

Details are coming in next week’s newsletter, but some highlights you can expect for this Saturday, April 15th event include door prizes, an Easter Egg Hunt for kids AND adults, food, a family road ride, announcement of the Jr. Hometownie T-Shirt Contest Winner (see below), deals, the unveiling of the 10 BICYCLES WE ARE DONATING to this year’s 10th Anniversary Tour de Livingston, and a chance to make your mark (literally) on Hometown!!

Did some of that sound mysterious? Good! Come see what all the excitement’s about. A birthday party just isn’t the same without family, and that means we want YOU there!

REMINDER: JR. HOMETOWNIE T-SHIRT CONTEST

Cute kid drawing a bicycleRemember, Hometownies, have your preschool – 5th grader paint or sketch up a fun and colorful t-shirt design (no larger than 8″ x 8″), that includes the following:

  • A hand-drawn or hand-painted Hometown logo
  • The words: “I’m a Jr. Hometownie!” (Mom and Dad can help, if needed)
  • Any other bicycle-related art that your young Hometownie is inspired to create!

Bring in their entry by Monday, April 10th to proudly display in our Community Room for the rest of the month!

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

(Cute kiddie graphic above courtesy www.clipartfest.com)


Brighton Bulldogs Travel Baseball Team meeting in the Hometown Bicycles Community Room

BULLDOG PRIDE AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

At Hometown, we’re big on activities that involve fitness, family, and the great outdoors, so you can imagine how geeked we are to be Sponsors of the 2017 Brighton Bulldogs Travel Baseball Team. Last night, they met in our Community Room to prep for a stellar season, and impressed the socks off of us with their energetic camaraderie and good manners… plus, they were genuinely kind to Liam, which wins them bonus brownie points in this mama’s book! Stay tuned for a list of their games.

So, now we’ve hosted Bulldogs Baseball, Lacrosse, Football, and Art in our Community Room – yep, we’re definitely feeling Bulldog Pride! Have a Team, Troop, or other group that needs a meet-up spot? Email events@myhometownbicycles.com for Community Room reservations – it’s free for non-profits!


Hometown Bicycles Triathlon Club
(Photo © and courtesy Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp)

HOMETOWN ♥s HAMBURG FITNESS TRIATHLON CLUB

We know our tri-geared Hometownies are getting the “brick” bug as the months creep toward triathlon season. That’s why we’re teaming up with Team Hometown Sponsor Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp to take their much-loved Triathlon Club to the next level of awesome!

We’re chipping in gift certificates for motivation, transition training to maximize your swim-to-bike/bike-to-run efficiency, and Hometown’s own Amy Gluck will be imparting expert advice from her Ironman background.

TRI Club Memberships are available for non-members (810-231-4169 for details). You can also join Run Club with Pro Triathlete and Personal Trainer Ryan Rau (call 734-476-4444). I speak from personal experience when I say that his run input can be a game changer!

Join Hometown and your fellow triathletes at the Club’s first informational meeting on April 11th, 6PM at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp.


National Mountain Bike Patrol Training happening at Hometown Bicycles
(Photo © and courtesy Randy Kessler and Motor City Mountain Biking Association)

BE A HERO: BIKE PATROL TRAINING AT HOMETOWN

It takes a first class sort of person to step up and actively seek ways to support fellow cyclists and, as it so happens, that’s exactly what Hometownies are… first class! So, if you’ve got it in you to give back to the cycling community, here’s an opportunity happening right here at Hometown THIS SATURDAY, April 8th (limited space, so register now!):

Like to Ride? Like to help people? The National Mountain Bike Patrol may be for you…

The mission of the Mountain Bike Patrol boils down to:
• Assist in medical and mechanical emergencies
• Educate trail users of proper etiquette
• Inform land managers, land owners, trail coordinators

For detailed requirements and/or to register for training, contact Randy at bikepatrol@mcmba.org.


Hometown Bicycles at The Brighton Nazarene Church (The Naz) Sportsman's Banquet, put on by their Men's Ministry
(Team member Joe [left] and Service Lead Andrew [right] set up and eat up at the Sportsman’s Banquet) 

SHAUN LEARNS TAXIDERMY

Well, not quite – but he sure learned a lot about it from fellow sponsor and skilled artist Tom Stombaugh of Anything That Moves Taxidermy at Brighton Nazarene Church Sportsman’s Banquet.

Brighton Nazarene Church "The Naz" logoOur fellas dined on venison, oggled weaponry, talked taxidermy and bikes, and (I personally suspect) grunted like Tim Allen. It was definitely one of the more unique events in which Hometown has participated. Shout out to “The Naz” for this manly opportunity!


Hometown Bicycles Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride at Island Lake Badlands
(Photo courtesy Jacob Henriksen)

Exploring Trails Mountain Bike Ride – THIS SUNDAY

SUNDAY, APRIL 9TH – 4:30 P.M. – MEET UP AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES
Our Fat Bike Friendly Shop Rides have come to a close for the season to make way for our Spring shop ride, Exploring Trails. This is a NO-DROP, beginner friendly mountain bike trail ride – FAT BIKES WELCOME! – which will encourage riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases. If Poto is your goal, this is the weekly ride to get you there by the end of the season! Save 1.5 hours of your day to cover 12 – 16 miles of trail.

Weather dependent – we don’t want to mess up the trails if they’re mucky! Be sure to FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK for ride confirmation and details.


CRAZY HARE-BRAINED TOUR – APRIL 15TH

Bike Tour Vacations, LLC's Crazy Hare-Brained Tour in MichiganWhat a great name! Hometown is thrilled to be supporting this Michigan cycling event. Hosted by Hometown Winter Clinic Series guest speaker, Bike Tour Vacations, LLC

“The Crazy Hare-brained Tour is a fundraiser to help cover touring expenses for 3 Northern Michigan University students as they cycle 1,400 miles around Lake Superior in May.

Our event is up to 40 miles of 100% traffic-free trail riding for road bikes, and up to 30 miles of 100% traffic-free dirt riding for mountain bikes. All ages are welcome, 9 a.m. at Atchison Park in New Hudson.”

Winning raffle tickets will be drawn at event sponsor Draught Horse Brew Pub around 1PM.Bike Tour Vacations logo


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

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

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


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – ISLAND LAKE BIKE DEMO DAY

Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day hosted by the MCMBAThe MCMBA has put a call out for Demo Day volunteers for this wonderfully popular Spring cyclists’ event. (Hometown will be there!) Running May 6th at the ILRA Spring Mill Pond, you can volunteer for everything from setup and registration, to parking and grilling. They write:

The Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day is now in it’s 12th year. This is the second year the event is put on free of charge by the MCMBA. It’s a great chance to talk face to face with people who live the life: building, riding, and maintaining the bikes you want to own. Take a few out for a test ride on the roads and trails at Island Lake, finding the perfect bike or bikes for you.

CLICK HERE to throw your hat into the volunteer ring!


Team Hometown Bicycles at Waterloo G&G Gravel Road Race

Great minds ride
a bike.

– Anonymous

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