Hometown Gets the Hollywood Treatment

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Shaun

Lights, Camera… Action!! Hometown goes Hollywood

Team Hometown helpers (above, left to right): Joe Ostervik, Suzy Graham, Keith Cowgar and Steve Wortley we’re willing extras on set. Elaine Atallah was there, too, but was being filmed when this photo was taken!

As many of you know, Hometown Bicycles has something brewing in its backroom. You may have heard the hammering and sawing in the early stages, or perhaps you have caught a glimpse of its potential recently, after months and months of slow-but-steady progress.

What you may NOT know is that Hometown won a $25,000 Elevate (Small Business) Grant in 2018 from Federal Home Loan (FHL) Bank of Indianapolis. Elevate is a grant program that assists the growth and development of small businesses, their workforce, and the communities where they are located.

Above: Steven Walsh of FHL Bank of Indianapolis oversaw production set-up in the Community Room.

Lake Trust Credit Union‘s Commercial Services team had learned about this grant opportunity last year, worked with Shaun and Dawn to apply, and were instrumental in helping Hometown be one of the chosen grant recipients. We couldn’t be more grateful to Lake Trust and FHL Bank of Indianapolis for their support.

Which brings us to this week — on Monday 7/22, FHL Bank of Indianapolis sent a videographer to Hometown to spend the day capturing footage of the shop, customer interactions, shop activities and interviews.

Above: Leslie Barrett, Events Coordinator, is interviewed about teaching Zumba at Hometown.

Our Community Room served as interview central, Team acted as willing extras, and our evening Zumba class was excited to show that Hometown is more than your typical bike shop.

This video, once complete, will go out to hundreds, possibly thousands. What an honor to be chosen for this spotlight!

Upcoming Events at Hometown!

We have all sorts of good things brewing at the shop and in the community — mark your calendars for one or all of the following!

Work Out to Benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Monday, August 5 from 6-7 PM

Join Cardio Drumming’s Martha Soraruf and Zumba’s Leslie Barrett for a donation-based class to raise money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. No set class fee; just donate what you’d like. All proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Baylerian’s Bagels, Bikes & Brew: Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
Sunday, August 11 from 9 AM-1 PM

Join Team Hometown Bicycles’ Title Sponsor, Vinnie Baylerian, for a morning chock full of fun. Kick things off at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy with coffee and bagels, head out on a guided bike ride, and wind down after at Brewery Becker.

There will be two groups for the ride: An A group for faster riders and B group for everyone else! Team Hometown’s Jack Riddle will lead the A group and Vinnie Baylerian will lead the B group. CLICK HERE for more details!

Gravel Ride + Monkey Loob Mixer
Wednesday, August 14 from 6-9 PM

Join us for a 13-mile Gravel Ride around and through Island Lake and back to the shop! We will then have a Monkey Loob Mixer — demonstration, Q&A about this amazing product, and time to socialize with Lyndsay Stiles, competitive mountain biker and inventor and owner of Monkey Loob, with fellow cyclists.

Women’s Entrepreneurship: Fitness
Thursday, August 22 from 6-8 PM

Save the date! Our Women’s Entrepreneurship Series continues, this time with a focus on FITNESS. For new business owners in the fitness industry as well as those considering this career path. Spend the evening with inspirational women who will share their journeys, followed by a Q&A session. More details to come in our next newsletter!

In Team Hometown News…

Big congratulations to Lorelei Smith (above) who placed first in her category for the 15 mile race at the Traverse City Trails Fest on Saturday, July 20th. The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, this event supports trail maintenance and advocacy efforts.

Way to go, Lorelei!

Big thanks to Tom Hermann and Doug Lapp for volunteering their time to help mountain biking newbies at Island Lake’s Intro to Mountain Biking event on Wednesday, July 14th. In conjunction with Becca, the park’s Explorer Guide, riders learned the basics of mountain biking as a recreation activity, including safety and trail etiquette. Doug created a video to show how much fun was had — watch it HERE!

Team Hometown’s Mark Cook has been on quite an awesome adventure at the 2019 RAGBRAI (The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). Check him out here, dunking his back tire in the Missouri River (above) and posing with Uncle Sam (below)!

He’s also been enjoying John Wayne’s hometown, Christmas in July, and Beekman’s fresh ice cream, made in the field by diesel-powered churns.

In 44 years, RAGBRAI has passed through 780 Iowa towns, spent the night in 125 different overnight towns, and has been in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. It is the longest, largest and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world!

Thanks, Mark, for sharing your journey with us!

FITNESS CLASSES AT HOMETOWN BICYCLES

Cardio Drumming | Wednesdays 6 PM and Saturdays 9:45 AM$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 and 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 and Sundays 10:30 AM
$8 drop in or “10 classes for $50” punch card – With Tresa O’Rourke  |  Click to learn more

Sati Yoga | Tuesdays 6:30 PM beginning August 13
$7 drop in – With Dawn Gaden, RYT  |  Click to learn more

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Baylerians Bagels Bikes and Brews, 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, Brewery Becker, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, cycling, cyclists, Dawn Gaden, Doug Lapp, Dr. Bill Horal, Elevate Grant, Elevate Small Business Grant, fat bikes, fat tire bikes, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, FHL Bank of Indianapolis, fitness classes, fitness entrepreneurship, group rides, Hollywood, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Hometownies, intenSati, Island Lake Intro to Mountain Biking, Lake Trust Credit Union, Leslie Barrett, livingston county, Lorelei Smith, Louise Horal, Lyndsay Stiles, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Mark Cook, Martha Soraruf, Michigan, Monkey Loob, Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, RAGBRAI, shop rides, Steven Walsh, Team Hometown Bicycles, The Horal Family, Tom Hermann, Traverse City Trails Fest, Tresa O’Rourke, Vinnie Baylerian, Walk to End Alzheimers, wish a mile, womens entrepreneurship, zumba, Zumba Gold | Leave a comment »

BIG Surprise Announcement at This Weekend’s Potluck Clinic

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Shaun

YOU ARE INVITED! Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck Party
PLUS BIG Surprise Announcement!!

THIS SUNDAY – MARCH 3RD – from 5:30-7:30 PM

Can you believe it’s finally March?! We are so stoked to kick off the spring cycling season with you at our FREE information-packed party on Sunday, March 3rd from 5:30-7:30 PM. Whether you are new to cycling, a member of Team Hometown, or anywhere in-between, you are welcome to attend!

Why you’ll be SO glad you came:

You will be the FIRST to hear our BIG SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!
And when we say big, we mean…
BIG!

Other exciting reasons to come!

Learn all about Michigan trails, tours and groups.
Take home trail maps, websites, and other valuable resources.
Become knowledgeable about youth cycling, charitable events and groups, and volunteer opportunities galore.
Join Team Hometown! This event marks the last day to join for 2019.
And the very most important reason? Shaun’s FOOD! Your very own bike whisperer will be tantalizing our taste buds with Trinidadian-style spicy curry shrimp! (Come on, people, you know you want to eat ALL the shrimp)

We have some fantastic speakers lined up to share a wealth of knowledge with you:

Team Hometown Captains, Mike Dyer & Joe Ostervik – Learn about one of the most active and positively influential cycling Teams in Michigan!
MiSCA – Discover the power of youth cycling, coaching, and volunteer needs.
Tour de Livingston – Hear all about one of our favorite community rides EVER!!
Tom Hermann – Get introduced to the best rails-to-trails, gravel routes, local singletrack, and organizations (like MCMBA and PotoMBA).
Jim Plaunt with Bike Tour Vacations – Be transported through the municipal, metro, and state parks; scenic regions; bike clubs; and smart phone navigation.

Also, Make-a-Wish will be in attendance! Stop by their informational table to learn about Wish-a-Mile and Wish Ball.

Bring a dish to pass, meet other cycling enthusiasts, feast and have fun!

SIGN-UP HERE!

Join Team Hometown Bicycles!

The Where to Ride in Michigan Clinic & Potluck on March 3rd offers up one last opportunity to join Team Hometown for the 2019 year. We are currently 70 incredible Team members and growing! Join us for rides, races, camaraderie, events, and all-around FUN.

How to Join: Download our Team Application. Drop it by the shop or bring it to the Potluck! Our Team Store is NOW OPEN, and will remain open through March 15th. Order your kits to make your membership OFFICIALLY official!

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, bicycles, big announcement, big news, bike clinics, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, Bike Tour Vacations, bikes, Brighton, cycling, cyclists, group rides, Hometown Bicycles, Hometown Bikes, Jim Plaunt, joe ostervik, livingston county, Make-A-Wish Michigan, MCMBA, Michigan, mike dyer, misca, Potluck Clinic, PotoMBA, shop rides, surprise, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tom Hermann, Tour de Livingston, Where to Ride in Michigan Potluck Party, wish a mile, Wish Ball | Leave a comment »

Birthday Photos, Barry Results, and Earth Day Activities

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Shaun

A VISUAL HAYRIDE THROUGH HOMETOWN’S 8TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Last Sunday’s BIG Hometown birthday bash was a thing of beauty… full-out Spring and over 100 in attendance! It was a sight to be seen, so I’ve pulled together a few photo highlights to give you a flavor for the fun that was had! (Special thanks to Team member, Paula Zimmer, for good-naturedly stepping into the role of event photographer!)

ABOVE: The day kicked off with birthday gifts, games, and prizes for all of the loyal Hometownies who came to celebrate with us!

ABOVE: No Hometown party would be complete without a birthday bike ride! This one was hopping with eager beavers who’d been just itching for warm weather to hit.

ABOVE: Grill Master Mike worked his behind-the-grill wizardry yet again, serving up a delicious stream of hot dog after burger after hot dog to a whole lotta hungry Hometownies. Birthday cake added a sweet finale to a perfect party picnic.

ABOVE: Helena was a personable and welcome addition to our family event, spreading the word and answering questions about Make-A-Wish’s famous Wish-A-Mile charitable bike tour. We also had a Hometown first, courtesy of the Andres family – first baby tooth to fall out at one of our events! (Hope the tooth fairy was generous!)

ABOVE: The best part of any Hometown event is the friendships forged and memories shared.

Hometownies, I told you presents weren’t necessary, but you went ahead and gave us a tidal wave of loyalty, love, and other heart-warming sentiments to remind us of why we do what we’re doing and who we’re doing it for anyway. Thanks so much for coming out to celebrate with us. Happy 8th Birthday, Hometown Bicycles!

DAWN GETS TO THINKIN’…

If you’ve been a regular reader of these newsletters, you know that, every now and then, I get bit by the contemplation bug. Turns out, eight years of awesome makes your newsletter correspondent reflective…

I’ve been thinking – vanity or not, I’m button-busting proud of our shop. Intensely proud. Hometown is unmatched for loyalty. We may be “small”, but we’re resourceful. We may be young, but we’re hard-core committed. We may be boat-rockers, but we’re changing the landscape of what customers should and do expect from their bike shop. We’re fake-free, we operate with integrity, and we roll with a strong belief in karma.

I consider it a reality of Hometown that for every ounce of pride I feel, YOU should carry it in equal measure. We are, to a large degree, a reflection of you! Shaun and I and the Crew can give it all we’ve got, but Hometown doesn’t amount to diddly without you giving it wheels to roll on.

Every time you tell a friend to shop here, share our fliers, and bring someone along on a shop ride, you’re literally growing Hometown… AND your ownership in it. Every time you spend a dollar here, you’re making an investment in developing a resource – YOUR resource – for all things cycling. You’re basically telling the world what kind of shop you deserve, and building it along the way!

I really believe that’s the coolest thing about Hometown – in so many ways, its a by-the-people-for-the-people type thing. You’re “the people”. You’re HOMETOWN people. And that is definitely something you can be proud of.

Thanks again for supporting us eight year’s strong, Hometownies… here’s to the next eight!

(A few of the happy Hometownies who enjoyed the great weather at this year’s Barry Roubaix!)

TEAM NEWS: HAVING A “BARRY” GOOD TIME

An extraordinary 28 Team Hometown riders (that’s over a quarter of our Team! WOW!) raced last Saturday at the world’s largest gravel road bike race, Barry-Roubaix. They left their mark on the course, and I’m not just talking about tire tracks in the “plush”, freshly graded roadways!

Seven times, our Team took the podium. Congratulations go to Meghan Terbush and Jordan Richter, placing 2nd and 4th consecutively in their division; Roger Pelkey nabbed 5th place in his age group; Colin Chisholm owned his age group’s 3rd place position; Jack Riddle and Joe Ostervik killed it with 1st and 2nd in their division; and Jack Riddle podiumed again in 4th place OVERALL, thanks to his 5 minute lead!

We are “Barry” proud of you, Team! (Ok, ok – I’ll stop!) Be sure to check out the race photos on our Facebook page. Now, it’s on to Mud, Sweat & Beers – tally-ho!

HOMETOWN HELPS WITH MiSCA LEADERSHIP TRAINING

We’d also like to give a shout out to avid Team Hometownie and cyclist, Jean Steinberg, who gave up the chance to party hearty with us last weekend, so that she could advance the future of youth cycling!

Jean worked with about 20 MiSCA coaches on Ride Leading and Teaching MTB Skills as part of the new 2018 Coach Training program, which was held in a small local park in East Grand Rapids. Way to support the future of our sport, Jean!

HOMETOWN DOES EARTH DAY AT THE MILLPOND

With the weather creeping back towards lovable, last Saturday’s Downtown Brighton Earth Day expo found Hometown Service Tech Joe running Tire Toss in a t-shirt at this environmental awareness event. Our thanks to Dave Richardson and the Greater Brighton Area Chamber Environmental Council, for the opportunity to participate!

(Between kayaking the Millpond with Heavner Canoe & Kayak Rental, eating flowers – no joke! – with Stone Coop Farm, meeting the green folk at Whatever It Takes Sanctuary, and admiring the owl and fowl brought by Howell Nature Center, the kids and I had an absolute blast!)

WE’RE HIRING – STOP IN AND APPLY!
Creating the magic of Hometown is no small thing, and we don’t hire lightly, but we do offer positions that are meaningful and make a real difference in the lives of customers, our community, and the cycling industry. We currently have openings for:

Part-Time Social Media Specialist
Helps market and share the Hometown culture on social media. Must be social media savvy, highly organized, an excellent writer, and skilled in photography. Graphic design skills a plus.

Part-Time Events Coordinator
Coordinates and manages on- and off-premises shop events of all types. Must be highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, sociable, and enthusiastic.

Full- and Part-Time Service Techs
Provides reliably outstanding technical bike service. Some technical knowledge preferred. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, focused, and a quick learner.

Full- and Part-Time Sales Associates
Provides reliably outstanding customer service, including sales, cashiering, and shop organization and cleanliness. Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, sociable, enthusiastic, and a quick study.

Drop by our shop, introduce yourself, and pick up an application. You’ll never know unless you try!

THIS WEEK’S SHOP RIDES

Pop-Up Mountain Bike Ride – Intermediate/Advanced
SATURDAY, APR 28 | 10AM (MEET BY 9:45AM) | FROM JANOWSKI FIELD TRAILHEAD
Join us as we explore some brand new trail in Proud Lake, riding a new connector around the campground that links Proud Lake to Hickory Glen. We will also head into the hidden gem of Milford Trail. Plan for ~15-20 miles. Meet at Janowski Field Trailhead, 301 Peters Rd., Milford (between GM and Commerce Roads). Check Facebook for Ride confirmation and changes!

………………………………………………..

Hartland Gravel Grinder – Intermediate/Advanced
SUNDAY, APR 29 | 9:00AM (MEET BY 8:45AM) | FROM HARTLAND TWP HALL
Come enjoy beautiful, HILLY country roads and wonderful ride company. Expect several TOUGH, LONG CLIMBS, at an average 14 – 15 MPH pace for all 28.2 miles. The group may split into 2, with the front pack averaging > 15 mph. (Check out Dan’s Gravel Grinding 101 ride for a less grueling option.) Cross/Gravel, Mountain and Fat bikes are welcome. Meet in the Hartland Twp. Hall lower parking lot (turn right once in the drive) at 2655 Clark Rd. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

***Rent a Fat Bike at the shop!***

………………………………………………..

Beginner Friendly Road Ride
MONDAY, APR 30 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
This one’s for the beginner rider who wants to increase mileage and speed. We’ll ride the well-known “to-the-Green-Dumpster-and-back” loop (~12-15 miles), or more for those who are ready. A and B groups will average 10-15+ mph. Road bikes only! Please have some experience on your bike, along with basic shifting and braking skills for the safety of the group. Beyond that, we’ll share some tips to make the hills easier and the flats faster! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

………………………………………………..

Advanced Skills & Drills
TUESDAY, MAY 1 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Want to learn to ride with a peloton? This ADVANCED, road warrior training is led by our Team racers! You’ll learn and practice: draft lines, hill repeats and intervals. Come ready to work hard. Bring a cadence sensor, speed sensor, and heart rate monitor. No Drop! Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

………………………………………………..

Ladies’ Road Ride
TUESDAY, MAY 1 | 6:30PM (MEET BY 6:15PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, this one’s just for you! This weekly, road ride is for gals of all ability levels. We’ll ride the well-known “green dumpster” loop at Island Lake (~14 miles) at a conversational, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, NO DROP RIDE. Afterward, relax, connect, and rehydrate with your new biking friends. BYOB!Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

………………………………………………..

Gravel Grinding 101
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 | 6:00PM (MEET BY 5:45PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ride with your Hometown bike guru, CycloDan Tribble! Front and rear light required, as we end at dusk. This ride weaves through and around Island Lake, covering 13+ miles of pavement, dirt trails and gravel roads (a few hills just for fun!) at an average 12-13 mph. Expect a “puddle” or two of sand and a few face slappers on the trails this time of year. Nothing our gravel, adventure or mountain/fat bikes can’t easily handle. Skinny tire bikes will NOT work for this ride. All levels welcome – NO DROP RIDE. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

………………………………………………..

Ladies Only Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
THURSDAY, MAY 3 | 6:30PM (MEET BY 6:15PM) | FROM HOMETOWN
Ladies, come learn beginning mountain bike skills! We’ll tackle the trails in manageable bites, with the empowering support of skilled and supportive Hometown women. We’ll ride together to Island Lake Recreation Area, and focus on taking the fear and uncertainty out of riding the trails! No Drop. Check Facebook for ride confirmation and changes!

CLICK HERE for our 2018 Spring/Summer Daily Shop Rides Schedule!

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 a high-energy pick-me-up, 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

I have a thing for tools. (So do we, Tim!)

~ Tim Allen
Be sure to check out the limited edition Home Improvement bike on loan from Bruce & Betsy of Advanced Metal Alloy when you drop your bike off for a tune-up. One of only 201 in the world!

Filed under: Hometown Bicycles | Tagged: Andres family, Barry Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race, bicycle repair, bicycle service, bicycle shop, bicycles, bike repair, bike rides, bike service, bike shop, bikes, birthday cake, birthday party, Brighton, Cardio Drumming, coach training program, Colin Chisholm, cycling, cyclists, earth day celebration, fitness classes, Greater Brighton Area Chamber Environmental Council, grill master, group rides, Heavner Canoe and Kayak Rental, Helena Hunt, Home Improvement, Hometown Bicycles, Hometownies, Howell Nature Center, Jack Riddle, joe ostervik, Jordan Richter, Joy Andres, Leslie Barrett, Make-A-Wish Michigan, Martha Soraruf, Meghan Terbush, Michigan, Mike Hoffner, Millpond, misca, Mud Sweat and Beers, party pics, Paul Andres, Roger Pelkey, shop rides, Stone Coop Farm, Team Hometown Bicycles, Tim Allen, Whatever It Takes Sanctuary, wish a mile, zumba | Leave a comment »

New Women-Only Rides & Saturday Singles Road Ride

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Shaun

From One Gal to Another…

INTRODUCING WOMEN-SPECIFIC RIDES & EVENTS
As a gal, which I am, in the cycling industry, which I also am, I see it all the time… women who won’t participate in group rides because they A) don’t believe they’re “skilled” enough, B) don’t want to be competitive, c) don’t want to hold anyone back, or D) don’t want to embarrass themselves in front of the fellas.It’s true – I’m telling you just as it is… and it’s a crying shame, because we women are depriving ourselves of some serious fun!

Many of our rides are designed with novice, recreational, and fitness riders in mind, but I totally get that what might be intimidating in a mixed group can sometimes be EMPOWERING with fellow females.

Hometown’s Social Media Guru, Team Hometownie, and “girl power” defined, Meghan Terbush is leading up the charge on our new and improved women-only rides and events program. Starting with a series of Tuesday evening social road rides, we’ll wrap up the summer cycling season with a Ladies Night Out event at Hometown, and then pack the winter with women-specific activities, including a women’s self defense course, spinning, fitness classes, craft classes, field trips, and other gal-geared awesomeness.

Ladies, if this sounds like your kind of fun, come ride with us at our inaugural, weekly Women’s Road Ride on Tuesday, August 8th at 6:30pm from the shop (details below in our “Shop Rides” section). We’ll wrap up this recreational ride with BYOB and a bonfire at the shop!

From one gal to another… let’s rock our gender!

SATURDAY SINGLES ROAD RIDE: AUGUST 19TH

Turns out there are a whole lotta singles in the area who like to cycle… which means our Singles Ride is a definite GO, rain or shine!

On Saturday, August 19th, we’ll meet at 4:30pm at the shop for a conversation-friendly, recreational road ride over the well-loved roads of Island Lake. (Crummy weather? No problem! We’ll switch it to movie night at the shop!) We’re manning this “no drop” ride with (single!) Team members and Hometown crew. Be sure to pack a lawn chair and beverage for a post-ride, campfire, singles mingle behind the shop!

Details can be found HERE. You must be single and 18 or older in order to participate. If you’d like to be kept in the loop about future Hometown singles rides and activities, send me an email: office@myhometownbicycles.com. And please be sure to share our Facebook event with all of your friends – the more cyclists we get, the better your odds!

FINAL DAY TO REGISTER! 21 DAYS OF ACTIVE PLAY

Fitness… family time… fun… and it’s the final day to register! Here’s the scoop:

More than $2,000 in prizes are up for grabs, and all you have to do is PLAY! Sky Zone Brighton, Hometown Bicycles, and Body Within Personal Training have teamed up to bring you the FREE 21 Days of Active Play Challenge. We are challenging Livingston County families to commit to 21 Days of Active Play this August. From going on walks together, to riding bikes, to jumping around on trampolines, families will pledge to spend a minimum of one hour per day being active.

Be sure to read up on the amazing prizes, mid-challenge incentives, and final wrap up party. Register HERE!

WISH-A-MILE CONGRATS TO DR. BILL & LOUISE HORAL

Did you know your Team Hometown dental sponsor could lay down mileage with the best of them?? We’re proud to be associated with a couple that puts their passion for cycling to work for Make-A-Wish children, year after year after year!

Congratulations, Dr. Bill & Louise Horal, on another successful Wish-A-Mile voyage!

PLEASE VOTE HOURLY THROUGH AUGUST 13TH!

Finally on the trail! (left); My prize! (top right); What I wore and what I SHOULD have worn (bottom right)

AMY’S BLOG: AUGUST 3, 2017

Here’s your latest race update from Hometown’s Amy Gluck, an IRONMAN competitor who nearly lost her life, and is now intensely and personally driven to overcome her new physical challenges, and the naysayers who say she can’t, all the way back to IRONMAN:

I followed the course along the paved path, which continued… and continued… and continued. We didn’t hit trail until 2.5 miles in. Half of the course, which I’d expected to be trails, was paved, and boy had I chosen the wrong shoes! The pavement was doing more harm to my recovering leg than my trail shoes ever helped me with my footing... READ ON

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

POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION: IT’S A GO!!

Good news… no, FANTASTIC news!! The uber-successful yoga-bike-beer event that we supported this past Spring has been resurrected for a round 2 on Saturday, September 30th.

Based out of Downtown Brighton’s beautiful Brewery Becker, this 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.

Registration is limited to 50, so if you missed out last time, be sure to hit the link below, like, IMMEDIATELY!
REGISTER NOW FOR POSES, PEDALS & PINTS – FALL EDITION

REGISTER NOW FOR DOC MAY MELON RIDE ON 8/19

Hometown’s been proud to be the ongoing sponsor of this charming and delicious, Doc May Memorial Melon Ride on Saturday, August 19th at 9am.

Our Team and Crew marks off the route, leads off and mans the ride, provides on-site SAG support, and also offers bike valet service until 2pm, so you can enjoy the Festival without worrying about your two-wheeled babies!

Now’s the time to lock in your registration – which gives you a chance to win the sweet Jamis cruiser bike that we’ve donated to the cause! REGISTER NOW!

HOMETOWN BICYCLES UPCOMING SHOP RIDES

THURSDAY BAKERY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (8/3)
10:00AM (meet at 9:45) from Wal-Mart in New Hudson – **Special Start Location**
It was so fun, we’re doing it again! Bring your wallet for a tasty treat or coffee as we pedal from New Hudson to a Bakery via the rails-to-trails system. It will be a mostly flat, 5 mile ride at a 10 mph average pace! This route does include crossing a busy road with a crosswalk (no light). Ride whatever bike will work for the pace and your desired exercise level. This is a NO DROP ride. Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather. ****NOTE: Next week we switch to a 9:00 a.m. start for the rest of these hot summer social rides!****

SATURDAY TOUR DE LIVINGSTON PREP RIDE (8/5)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles
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 (8/6)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hartland Township Hall
We’re up to nearly 36 miles with approx. 2,000′ 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 a 13-15 MPH “NO DROP” 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 (8/6)
4:30PM (meet at 4:15) from Hometown Bicycles
This is a Beginner Friendly mountain bike trail ride which encourages riders to visit new trails as their skill level increases! This week, we’ll explore 9 – 15 miles of the Island Lake Mountain Bike trails. All levels of riders are welcome – NO DROP RIDE. We do ask that riders under 15 remain with their guardian throughout the ride. Be mindful that the trail has several hills and some minimum level of fitness will be helpful to make for a positive experience for this planned 1.5 hour ride. Mountain and Fat Bikes are encouraged to join this ride. You can find this Facebook event here.

MONDAY BEGINNER FRIENDLY ROAD RIDE (8/7)
Sponsored by Pro-Motion Physical Therapy
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
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. Click to check out the Facebook event page!

Please make sure you have some experience riding the bike you bring to this ride and are comfortable with the way it handles, including basic shifting and braking, for the safety of all. Beyond that, our friendly ride support are delighted to share tips on how to make the hills easier and the flats faster – just ask!

TUESDAY GRAVEL GRINDING 101 WITH ‘CYCLODAN’ TRIBBLE (8/8)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
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.

**NEW RIDE!** TUESDAY WOMEN’S ROAD RIDE (8/8)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
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, 10mph pace. All bikes welcome, 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.

WEDNESDAY HAMMERFEST & SON OF HAMMERFEST (8/9)
This is a DROP RIDE!
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles

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 Island Lake roads. Expect the flats pace to range 24 – 28 mph! Check Facebook for ride updates.

SON OF HAMMERFEST:
For anyone who would like to build up to the original Hammerfest, this ride also rolls at 6:30 from Hometown. It’s 25 miles (1 lap of ILRA & the Kensington Loop) at a target pace of 17 – 18 mph, with flats exceeding 20 mph. Ride updates can be found here.

WEDNESDAY SLOW ROLL (8/9)
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
6:30PM (meet at 6:15) from Hometown Bicycles
Dial it back on this social, slow paced road ride (~ 8-10 mph). If you have a need-for-speed, this is NOT the ride for you! Bring your cruiser or whatever you like as we Slow Roll down sidewalks and streets. Expect to cross Grand River, possibly a couple climbs/descents, and beautiful park landscape. May not be suitable for young, unseasoned kids. Parents, please decide what is safe for your family, as there are no lights or designated crosswalks for Grand River or Academy. This is a NO DROP ride. Check HERE for ride details.

THURSDAY SOCIAL MORNING ROAD RIDE (8/10)
9:00AM (meet at 8:45) from Hometown Bicycles – **NEW START TIME**
This conversational morning ride will find us exploring Island Lake’s beautiful 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. Check back for ride confirmation/changes due to weather.

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

DYNAMIC YOGA | Fridays – August 4, 11 & 18
$10 drop in – With Ashley Knuth of Tocca Massage & Yoga
Click to learn more

Zumba with Leslie Barrett at Hometown Bicycles 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