1)  Give yourself a “night off the clock”. You are a mom, a friend, a daughter, a boss, a wife, a girlfriend, a coworker, a role model, or some glorious combination thereof. All of these make you wonderfully and uniquely YOU. But they also come with responsibilities, and those demand energy. Set those duties down for a few hours. Rejuvenate. This event is 100% about YOU!

2)  Meet other active women. One of the world’s greatest motivators is finding like-minded people to enjoy activities with and share accountability. This is your group. These are your gals.

3)  Experience a new level of flattering and comfortable fashion. Comfort does NOT have to come at the expense of looking good. Our new women’s cycle wear line, Shebeest, puts a definitive end to “diaper butt”, boring styles, boxy silhouettes, see-through lycra, and generic fit, at the same time it eliminates bunching, chafing, and raw bums. You’ll LOVE the women-designed patterns and styles, the silky feel, and the EVERY-body-type fits that will make you WANT to ride your bicycle again and again. I know – I have the 2018 Spring line in my office!

Yoga, wine, chocolate, fashion, giveaways, and discounts – this is truly shaping up to be a perfect mid-week get-away. That’s why I am personally inviting you to…

TEAM NEWS: LABOR DAY 30K & BREWERY APPRECIATION  

Milford’s Labor Day 30K was overflowing with Hometownies who captured podiums and placings galore! This annual event is known for its lively combination of running, walking, cycling, and kiddie events from the well-loved home base of Baker’s of Milford. Great attitudes… a great time… great job, Team Hometownies!

(Images courtesy Katherine Rose and MCMBA)

Team Hometown Bicycles also made its way to the MCMBA Sponsor Brewery Appreciation Ride, supporting the local breweries that support our local MMBA chapter which supports our local trails (whew!) Team representatives Jean and Steve Steinberg report:

43 participants pedaled from River’s Edge, through Kensington Park, Island Lake, and ended up at Draught Horse in New Hudson. After fellow riders grabbed food and beverages, we moved on through the railtrail all the way to Drafting Table in Wixom. Some of us enjoyed a quick couple games of Left, Right Center with our drinks – something new I learned was available at the brewery!  Once our hour was up, away we went, back through the railtrail, down Old Plank and back to River’s Edge for more food and fun.

BONUS NOTE: We definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to congratulate Team Captain, Brian Forhan, on coming out of back surgery like a champ AND becoming a grandpa for the second time on the exact same day! Happy healing and enjoy that new granddaughter, Brian!

(Images courtesy Dick Janson: Dick’s trusty steed at left, Dick’s “stick” shift at right!)

RIDING LITERALLY EVERY PAVED ROAD IN MICHIGAN 

… that a cyclist is allowed to be on. That’s the self-assigned challenge of one of the most fascinating customers I’ve ever chanced upon at the front counter – League of Michigan Bicyclists advocate, Dick Janson. He rides year-round, and has already pedaled SIX counties under his belt! His story will put your jaw squarely on the floor:

Yesterday, September 4, I completed the effort I started December 1, 2016, to ride all the paved roads in Livingston County that a bicyclist is allowed to be on.  This included dead ends, cul de sacs, mobile home parks in all their incarnations, state highways, and every other road that I determined had ever been paved, regardless of current condition. If a road was not continuous, I was on the full length of all sections within the county. What I didn’t ride were limited access highways and ramps, gated communities, and paved subdivisions surrounded by unpaved roads. It involved 74 rides and included 1864 miles of riding (or pushing, in the case of some hills).

January of 2015 I looked back on my my accomplishments and decided that I wanted to do something that nobody else had ever done to celebrate my upcoming birthday in July. I determined that nobody had done this in Ingham County. I enjoyed it so much that I moved on to other counties.

Livingston County is the sixth county for which I have done this, since the start of 2015. The other five are Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee and Saginaw, which took 23 months, covered 3,000 square miles, and required over 11,000 miles of riding.

I ride a Tour Easy recumbent I bought used 18 years ago. Since then, I have ridden it over 56,000 miles. I’ve been on self-supported tours that lasted up to 4 weeks, mostly riding alone. Two of them were 1100 miles and 19 days each, using DALMAC rides as an initial springboard. I spent a month in West Virginia, carrying 40 pounds of gear, and still logged 500 miles.

I have come to favor the County Challenges more than the extended tours for several reasons:

1. It forces me to ride roads that are challenging.
2. I can, to a certain extent, choose my geography and weather.
3. I’m not committed to riding the day after a tough day.
4. I get to stop and talk with so many interesting people, and with those that are not that way, I can “get on down the road” without feeling rude.
5. I get to sleep in my own bed.

Dick also keeps up a fun website, Necessary Options, with some of the most useful information I’ve ever seen for self-supported bicycle touring, and it’s entertaining as heck. We hope to invite Dick back over the winter to entertain and instruct us with his tales of touring daring-do… stay tuned!

AMY’S BLOG: 9/8/17

Every week, Hometown’s Amy Gluck – former All-American IRONMAN triathlete, survivor of a horrific accident, and now ferociously determined to return to IRONMAN – shares a piece of her ongoing story. Today, you’ll enjoy Amy’s overview of the much-loved T-Rex Triathlon race series:

… The unusual thing about the T-Rex series is that the races are on weekday evenings. Most people are used to getting up early and racing first thing in the morning, but this race series focuses on a different athlete. For example, when you are training for an Ironman, you can’t give up a whole weekend day of training for one short sprint race. So, this type of race actually works well for the serious athlete. It’s odd, though, because you have to keep your body “race ready” all day long. This is a pretty tricky challenge… READ ON 

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

CHEER ON BRIGHTON CYCLING THIS WEEKEND!  

Just wanted to remind all you supporters of youth cycling that this weekend, Sunday, September 10th from 8am-2pm, you’ll have the opportunity to cheer on your Hometown service crew and their fellow high school racers, as they compete in the second event of their mountain bike race series. The race will be held at Island Lake. Wear your Hometown gear, and get ready to raise the roof!

NEXT TUESDAY (9/12):  LIVINGSTON COUNTY BIKE WAYS FORUM 

Here’s your chance to speak up about cyclist safety and bike paths! This forum, presented by the Livingston County Transportation Coalition is centered around:

• How would a county-wide network of non-motorized paths and lanes impact our communities and our residents?     
• What non-motorized routes would be most desirable in our county or from our county to nearby destinations?

Runs Tuesday, September 12th from 3-4:15pm at 622 E. Grand River in Howell. CLICK HERE for more information.

(Images courtesy Cool Hedge Creations)

NEXT TUESDAY (9/12): BICYCLE SIGN PAINTING PARTY

Melissa of Cool Hedge Creations is offering a class in our Community Room on Tuesday, September 12th from 6-9pm. She says:

Join me for a night of painting! You will create your very own personalized wooden sign.  Your creation can be a selection of one of 4 and will take 2-3 hours to create. You choose your image and the color of stain for your 20″ x 24″ sign, and I will prepare it for you to transfer your image. Then, complete it by painting the image the colors of your choice.  No creative skill necessary to create your masterpiece! (Registration and $50 prepayment required, please – see link below.) 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS SIGN PAINTING PARTY NOW

HOMETOWN BICYCLES APPLE ORCHARD RIDE 

Cider, donuts, bikes, beer… this ride has got it GOING ON! Organized by Team Captain, Jim Cleer, this casual fun ride is a must-do for fellow cider mill junkies!

We’ll roll at 8am on September 23rd from the Block Brewing Company in Howell (1140 S. Michigan Ave.), and pedal scenic back roads to Parshallville Cider Mill. Then it’s on to Markillie Orchard for a cider-and-donut top-off before looping back ’round to the brewery. This no-drop ride is about 35 miles of predominantly dirt roads. We’ll be riding a brisk, conversational pace (think 12-16mph). Come with “WAM” (Walking Around Money!) to enjoy refreshments at each stop. Ride updates be found HERE. Cider fiends, let’s ride!

BE A HERO! BECOME A MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROLLER 

Earlier this year, the upstanding group of outstanding individuals pictured above met at Hometown Bicycles for an intense course in helping riders in distress. Hosted by the MCMBA, the National Mountain Bike Patrol training used our Community Room for classroom education, and our backyard trail for hands-on learning.

MCMBA’s Randy Kessler will be running a second Mountain Bike Patrol training at our shop on September 23rd from 10am-3pm. Click HERE to learn more and to register for this gallant group!

HAMBURG FITNESS CENTER HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

For all of you who will NOT be riding with us at Poses, Pedals & Pints (P3) on September 30th, here’s a free and family-friendly event that’s an absolute blast, run the same day by Team Sponsor, Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp. We LOVE their annual Health & Fitness Expo, and are bummed to be missing out on the fun this year (since we’re the “Pedal” portion of P3).

You do NOT have to be a member to attend!!The public is welcome to enjoy everything from raffles, health and spinal screenings, to massage, laser therapy, kids activities, and special class demos for Cardio Drumming, Aikido Martial Arts, Piyo, PILOXING Barre, and IntenSati. It’s all about giving you the tools to live longer and stronger… and to have fun doing it! CLICK HERE for details.

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS: ONLY 6 SPOTS REMAINING!!

Based out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this Saturday, September 30th event opens with beginner-friendly yoga, courtesy of event coordinator Tocca Massage & Yoga, follows up with a scenic and recreational bike ride with Hometown Bicycles (new route!), and ends with a long, cool pull from the taps of Brewery Becker. Only 6 spot left… hurry!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS  (9/8)
8:30PM (meet at 8:15) from Maltby Intermediate School (4740 Bauer Rd. in Brighton)
*** NOTE THE NEW TIME & LOCATION! *** This week, we’ll ride to the Brighton Recreation trails, accessing them from the gravel roads. This will be an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED pace. Make sure your lights are charged for this ride in the dark! We will re-group throughout the trail. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. Details are HERE.

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE  (9/9)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
*** ONLY 2 PREP RIDES REMAINING! TOUR DE LIVINGSTON IS OCTOBER 8TH! ***
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  (9/10)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
A holiday weekend can’t put a stopper on these gravel road warriors! We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ of climb (which, for MI, is a TON of climb!) on beautiful and EXTREMELY hilly country roads (and limited pavement) – all with wonderful ride companions! This is an intermediate/advanced ride (check out Tuesday’s Gravel Grinding 101 for a less grueling option.) Expect several long, tough climbs at a MINIMUM 14-15 MPH 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  (9/10)
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. This week, we’ll be exploring 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. 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. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE  (9/11)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
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. Stay tuned to Facebook for ride updates!

TUESDAY WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE  (9/12)
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, women-only road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake – about 14 miles of road – at a conversational, 11+mph pace. Road bikes recommended, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate at a behind-the-shop, BYOB bonfire with your new cycling buddies! Stay tuned to our Facebook events page for ride/weather updates.

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE  (9/12)
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Hometown Bicycles  *** EARLIER START TIME ***
Join Hometown service guru, Dan ‘CycloDan’ Tribble, for this unique, gravel grinding adventure ride.  **It’s time to start bringing lights!!**  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 (9/13)
This is a DROP RIDE! 
6:00PM (meet at 5:45) from Island Lake  *** NEW START LOCATION THIS WEEK ONLY & EARLIER START TIME ***

HAMMERFEST:
This Wednesday, the Hometown lot will be packed to the gills for a Tour de Livingston event, so we’re moving our Hammerfest/Son of Hammerfest rides to Island Lake Recreation Area! Check on Facebook for meet up location details.  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 Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph!

SON OF HAMMERFEST:
**For those that would like to build up to the original Hammerfest** Also rolling at 6:00 from Island Lake, this ride includes 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop). Average pace targeted at 17 – 18 mph, with flats of 20+ mph. Check Facebook for ride updates.

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

Only look back to see how far you’ve come.

– Anonymous