A couple weekends ago, the Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) hosted the 10th Annual ElliptiGO Winter Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona which took place January 13-15. We had 30 riders from nine different states attend. ElliptiGO HQ team was represented by our CEO, Bryan Pate who drove our ElliptiGO van out to Scottsdale and provided rentals for several of the attendees from out of state. Curious about what GO gatherings like the Winter Classic entail? Here’s a recap of this year’s event.
The event got kicked off Friday evening on the patio of the newly opened Home2 Suites by Hilton, where most out of town attendees stayed. Participants were able to reunite with old ElliptiGO friends and meet new ones over a GERC hosted happy hour! A special 10th anniversary commemorative shirt was given to all attendees of the event.
Big Earl’s, a favorite for all attendees, was once again the meeting spot for the Saturday group morning ride. Riders had their choice of two routes. The “Seven Springs” route was an out and back, covering 25 miles and 2100 feet elevation gain! The “Lone Mountain/Legend Trail” route featured 19 miles of riding and 950 feet of elevation gain. Both groups rode out at 9:30am to enjoy the beautiful desert views in Cave Creek, Arizona.
After the ride everyone gathered at Big Earl’s large outdoor patio once again. Here they recapped their rides, soaked in the nice weather and refueled with Big Earl’s delicious burgers. Our community maven, Jane LeGore says, “Big Earl’s has welcomed our group for the past eight years. I honestly think Big Earl’s has become one of the reasons people look forward to coming back year after year. “
Participants reconvened on Saturday evening for another meal at ProteinHouse, a new restaurant in North Scottsdale. Participants enjoyed a variety of bowls, wraps and salads while filling the restaurant with lively conversations and lots of laughter. If you have ever attended a GERC event you know there are always lots of laughs.
After some rain throughout the night, they got a break in the weather Sunday morning. Participants were able to gather for the group ride at Apache Wash Trailhead in North Phoenix. The ride covered an 8 mile loop, allowing riders to customize their riding distance! There were paved paths for all and even non-paved trails for MSUB riders. Riders took photos of the picturesque desert under a mysterious and cloudy sky.
After the ride, GERC provided a tailgate style lunch of Streets of New York pizza, cookies and beverages at the trailhead. It was a perfect post-ride hangout with the weather holding off so a nice lunch and each other’s company could be enjoyed. The hula hoop is pretty infamous now but a few years ago, it became a tailgate tradition. Riders can show off their skills with full size hula hoops and two smaller arm sized hoops.
A new tradition was born this year, the addition of the GiBoard! ElliptiGO is now the exclusive distributor in North America. It’s a balance trainer that offers a portable, safe, fun and challenging workout. Bryan brought all three boards out to demonstrate and give participants a chance to experience. Learn more about the GiBoard at giboardus.com.
One of the many great moments experienced was shared by Jane LeGore during the Saturday morning ride. She was riding with first time attendees, Britt Brewer and Judy van Raalte. During the ride she discovered that they were in the process of moving from Massachusetts to Sedona, Arizona. Britt drove for three days from Massachusetts directly to the Winter Classic picking up Judy at the airport along the way. Their car was still packed full with their belongings and they hadn’t even seen their new home yet. Not only was this their first Winter Classic but this was their first outdoor ElliptiGO ride EVER! We at ElliptiGO HQ, like Jane, are in awe of you Britt and Judy. A 20-mile, 1,000 feet of elevation ride is an epic start. Kudos to you and welcome to the ElliptiGO family!
Our inviting and inclusive community can be experienced both virtually and in person through events like this one. We hope you join GERC and we see you out at an event this year.
January 12-14th, 2024 will be the 11th Annual ElliptiGO Winter Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona. We’re looking forward to another great turn out next year!