tune-ups | Hometown Bicycles

Business as Usual? (mostly)

Posted on June 7, 2020 by Shaun

Business as usual? Our slightly new normal…

We’re excited to welcome our Hometownies back into the shop. It’s June, it’s gorgeous cycling weather, and we have missed you!

After winter – and what certainly feels like a “second winter” – we are pleased to announce that customers are now able to enter our retail and service shops, effective immediately. Yay for some good news!

Here are some things to know as we move forward:

SHOP HOURS

For the remainder of 2020, our hours are Thursday – Monday from 10 AM – 5 PM. We are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

NEW BIKE SALES

For NEW bike sales, please call the shop at (810) 225-2441 to schedule an appointment. Inventory is getting low, all across the country, but we do have some bikes in stock. However, so as not to waste your time or get your hopes up, we prefer that you call in advance for us to assess your needs and ensure we have matching inventory to offer. Appointments allow us to best serve you, which is our main goal!

SERVICE

Our parking lot still has a queuing area. If you are a service customer, please use the middle entry door. If you are a retail customer for parts or accessories, come in the main front door. And if you prefer we come to you, follow the signage to park in the designated area and call the shop at (810) 225-2441 for assistance. We understand that some of our customers are in high risk groups.

UPDATED PHONE AND TEXTING SYSTEM

We’re in the process of updating our phone system. Our apologies for any delays you may experience.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Please practice social distancing while inside the shop by staying 6 feet apart.

Thank you for allowing us to be your hometown bicycle shop. We will be resuming our shop rides soon, so stay tuned for updates!

Resources continue to be limited. We still need your support.
Thank you for your generosity.

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, COVID-19, cycling, cyclists, gofundme, Hometown Bicycles, livingston county, Michigan, stay-at-home order, The League of American Bicyclists, tune ups, tune-ups | Leave a comment »

National Bike Month, Do It for Dan & One Hoppin’ Service Shop

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Shaun

Promotional Materials | League of American Bicyclists

“May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.”
~ The League of American Bicyclists

With the Michigan stay-at-home order changing to allow bicycle service, we’re happy that we can be there for you. Somehow, this National Bike Month feels a little more special, doesn’t it?

Do It for Dan

April 25, 2020 was the anniversary of the tragic cycling accident that took Dan Horal’s life. His memory lives on for all of us at Hometown, his family, and friends, and a tight-knit cycling community that thinks of him often. The Do It For Dan Memorial Ride that would have been scheduled for May 3, 2020 has been moved to September 27, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please like the Do It For Dan Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all of the happenings, to help us celebrate Dan, and to help honor his memory.

Cars lined up down Grand River to get bicycle service at Hometown Bicycles during the COVID-19 pandemic

One Hoppin’ Service Shop

We’ve officially been open 2 days for service operations, and what a whirlwind! We’ve brought in over 200 bicycles, 130 of which are tune-ups. Every day, we’re making subtle changes to our procedures to be more efficient. Thanks for hanging with us while we figure this out.

To speed up the process, we do have a few requests:

1) FOLLOW THE SIGNS: When you come to the shop, you will see signs in the parking lot directing you where to go, depending on whether you’re here for service or retail.

2) SERVICE CUSTOMERS: Please fill out, then print THIS SERVICE REQUEST FORM prior to coming out to the shop, and bring it with you to drop-off.

3) RETAIL CUSTOMERS: Please park against the concrete wall – one of our sales crew will come out and greet you.

4) NEW BIKE CUSTOMERS: If you are interested in purchasing a bicycle, in addition to Step 3 (above), please call ahead and schedule an appointment with Andy: (810) 225-2441, Dial 1.

GoFundMe: We Still Need YOU

We’re not in the clear yet! Although the April 24th Executive Order update gives us an opportunity to generate income going forward, resources continue to be limited.

With this change, we are thankful to be able to lower our ask. But because of the ongoing uncertainty, we are still looking for your support:

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

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-5pm on Monday, or Thursday through Sunday – (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: bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike shop, bikes, Brighton, COVID-19, cycling, cyclists, Do It for Dan Memorial Ride, gofundme, Hometown Bicycles, livingston county, Michigan, National Bike Month, Service Request Form, stay-at-home order, The Horal Family, The League of American Bicyclists, tune ups, tune-ups, tuneups | Leave a comment »

Winter Bike Clinic Series Starts TONIGHT

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Shaun

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t stay active on your bike!

Did you know we have a weekly Fat Bike Friendly Ride every Saturday, trail conditions permitting? We bike snow, cold, wind, and freaky, spring-like, mid-winter weather with the same “ya-HOOOOOOO!!” spirit.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: You never know when those priceless spring-like days will pop up. Don’t get caught short with your bike ride-UNready – have your bike tuned up now. That way, when Mother Nature decides to bestow kindness upon us Michiganders, you will be rollin’ hassle-free!

FYI: This week, we will be riding the trails at Brighton Recreation Area. We will meet at the Bishop Lake trail head at 8:45 AM and rolling at 9 AM. There will be two separate groups to accommodate all skill levels. The A group will be riding the entire system this week. The B group is TBD. If you have not filled out a waiver for 2019, it’s necessary to do so. There will be some available at the trail head, or stop by the shop to fill one out beforehand.

If you don’t follow our Facebook page, you really should! Not only can you get the latest updates on winter rides, but plenty of other awesome information about everything else we have brewing at the shop. Not to mention the many bicycle-related memes shared by Shaun, Leslie and Andy… it’s not official, exactly, but there seems to be a battle for whose posts get the most likes. (Not that we’re keeping track — cough, cough.)

Speaking of Fat Bikes…

Are you familiar with our Rental Program?

That’s right! We rent bicyles! Whether you want to try out one of our Saturday rides, rent for a day, or rent for several days, we can meet your needs. We currently have a fleet of Fat Bikes available… one in every size!

Rental Rates:
$25 for one ride
$50 for one day
$120 for 3 days

Winter Clinic Series

Come one, come all… and invite your friends… to our fun-filled, educational bike clinics. Did we mention they are FREE?

Winter blues? Forget about it! You’ll be too busy learning cool bike stuff!

Our annual winter clinic series is underway starting TODAY!

First up is our hands-on Flat Tire Fix clinic with Shaun, running this evening and again on Saturday morning. Bring along your wheel for some hands-on practice, or use one of ours. Required: Please bring along tire levers, patch kit, inner tube, and hand pump and/or CO2 inflator. Don’t have ‘em – don’t worry! You can purchase them here at a discounted price prior to class. Sign up here!

And here is the schedule of upcoming clinics! So that we can plan ahead to make things awesome for everyone, early registration is appreciated. Click each registration link for the clinic(s) you’d like to attend.

Emergency Bicycle Repair Hands-On Clinic
Thursday 1/17 from 7-8 PM or Saturday 1/19 from 10-11 AM

Bike Maintenance – Before the Ride Care
Thursday 1/24 from 7-8 PM or Saturday 1/26 from 10-11 AM

Bike Maintenance – After the Ride Care
Thursday 1/31 from 7-8 PM or Saturday 2/2 from 10-11 AM

Bike Fitting Basics with Vinnie Baylerian
Saturday 2/9 from 12-1:30 PM

Cycling Nutrition
Thursday 2/14 from 7-8 PM or Saturday 2/16 from 10-11 AM

Fitness Classes at Hometown Bicycles

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

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

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

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: best bicycle repair, best bicycle service, best bike repair, best bike service, bicycle clinics, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycle tune ups, bicycles, bike clinics, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bike tune ups, bikes, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Fat Bike Friendly Shop Ride, fat bike rental, fitness classes, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, mountain bike ride, shop rides, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tresa O’Rourke, tune-ups, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

Best Time to Tune Your Bike + Women’s Winter Classes

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Shaun

Q: SO, WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET A TUNE-UP?
A: A lot earlier than you would think…

…………………………………..

Hometownies, I know January has a way of seeping under your skin – the leafless trees, the chill winds, the desaturated skies. It all takes a toll on your zen.

A growing population of you are laughing in the face of this winter reality, thundering through the snowy trails on the Clydesdales of the bike world. But if winter cycling just isn’t your M.O., here’s a ray of sunshine to lift you out of survival mode…

We’re just 48 days away from the launch of Spring Cycling Season – March 1st!

With that in mind, customers ask us with surprising frequency about the optimal time to bring their bikes in for a tune-up. The answer is… NOW!

50 days will already disappear like smoke, but remember last year, when Spring made a cameo appearance in February? Guess who beat the rush of suddenly urgent tune-up requests, and got to hit the roads and trails before everyone else? You guessed it… the early bird cyclists, whose new year prep primed them for first dibs!

In Michigan, you should tune-up with the Boy Scouts motto in mind: “Be Prepared.”

Again, 48 days left ’til Spring Cycling Season…
48 days!

That’s nothin’ – a handful of “Hump Day”s, a pittance of paydays, a smidgen of snowfalls… peanuts. Don’t get caught short – you deserve to enjoy every glorious moment.

4 DAYS LEFT TO HELP MAKE MI SAFER FOR CYCLISTS!

Hometownies, here’s a cause worth signing for! From League of MI Bicyclists (LMB):

Legislation to enact a statewide 5-foot passing law is in danger in the House and we need your help! A specified distance (5-feet) could be stripped out of the legislation if we don’t speak up now.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will likely act on HB 4265 on January 16, 2018. We need your help to urge committee members to keep a specific distance in the bill to enact the strongest safe passing law possible. Click below or visit www.LMB.org/engage for details and to sign.

DID YOU KNOW… COMMUNITY ROOM RENTAL

Many of you have enjoyed Hometown Bicycles clinics, parties, classes, meetings, and programs in our spacious and group-friendly Community Room. But DID YOU KNOW that you can rent this space year round for your own personal and business events and activities?

We’ve hosted everyone from clubs, businesses, rotaries, school organizations, and other non-profits, to homeowner’s associations, birthday partiers, fitness groups, and Scouts.

Contact Evan at events@myhometownbicycles.comfor further information and inquiries!

2018 HOMETOWN WOMEN’S WINTER CLASSES

Gals, there’s absolutely no reason why the cold should keep us from connecting and self-actualizing! Hometown’s women-only class series is going strong to make you stronger (click the registration links for details and to sign up):

1/16 WOMEN’S ZUMBA with Leslie Barrett
REGISTER for ZUMBA | 5:30 PM at Hometown Bicycles | FREE

1/23 WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SKIING with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for Skiing | 5:30 PM at Huron Meadows Metropark | $15 ski rental, $5 trail use

1/30 WOMEN’S SPIN CLASS with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for Spin | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

2/6 WOMEN’S HOT YOGA with Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp
REGISTER for Hot Yoga | 6 – 7PM at Hamburg Fitness | $5 (no membership required!)

2/13 WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE with Live Safe Academy
REGISTER for Self Defense | 7PM – 9PM at Hometown Bicycles | $40 at registration
A Note from Dawn: I’ve seen this instructor in action, and he is awesome. This class NEEDS to be shared with the women in your life who are important to you… that’s why I’m sharing it with you. Ages 12 and up – mothers, daughters, wives, friends, and coworkers – ALL women welcome!

2/20 LADIES NIGHT OUT at Hometown Bicycles
Stay tuned… details coming soon!

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

WINTER BIKE CLINIC IN FULL SWING

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 and, this year, we’re also offering some new perks and privileges – click the links below for details and to register:

Flat Tire Fix Hands-On Clinic
Tues, Jan 9th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Jan 11th, 7-8pm

Emergency Bicycle Repair Hands-On Clinic
Tues, Jan 16th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Jan 18th, 7-8pm

Bike Maintenance – Before the Ride Care
Tues, Jan 23rd, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Jan 25th, 7-8pm

Bike Maintenance – After the Ride Care
Tues, Jan 30th, 12:15-1pm & Thu, Feb 1st, 7-8pm

Bike Fitting with Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
Thu, Feb 8th, 7-8pm

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!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES SHOP RIDES

Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Beginner Level
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 | 10AM (MEET AT 9:45AM) | FROM HOMETOWN BICYCLES
We’ll pedal our fat bikes through the roads and trails of Island Lake Recreation Area. This is a BEGINNER (No Drop) Ride! We’ll cover about 10-14 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather.Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

**Fat bikes are available for rent at the shop!**

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Fat Bike Friendly Ride – Intermediate Level
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 | 2PM (MEET AT 1:45PM) | FROM BRIGHTON REC TRAILHEAD
We’ll pedal our fat bikes through the more challenging trails of Brighton Recreation Area. This is an INTERMEDIATE (No Drop) Ride – NOT an easy ride for beginners! We’ll cover about 12-16 miles of adventure. Come dressed for the weather. Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

**Fat bikes are available for rent 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