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Most people wouldn’t ride 100 miles in a monsoon. But most people aren’t Alexandra McCallion.

During the final weekend of the 2022 Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) September Team Tournament, a tropical storm swept through eastern Pennsylvania. Rain poured from the sky. But Alexandra had already completed two century rides in two days, and her competitive spirit wouldn’t let her stop short of a third. She put on a poncho, hopped on her ElliptiGO bike, and rode 100 miles through the storm.

“It wasn’t something I had planned,” she says, “but finishing that ride felt incredibly rewarding.”

That rainy-soaked century ride speaks volumes about Alexandra: She’s resilient, adventurous, and always ready for a challenge. But a recent health setback brought a different kind of challenge, and her ongoing recovery helped her rediscover the joy of feeling the wind on her face. Read on for a story of resilience from Alexandra McCallion, our August 2025 Rider of the Month.

Life in Motion

Alexandra grew up in Sweden and moved to the U.S. in 1993, where she met her husband. Today, they live in Havertown, Pennsylvania, and have four children. As a family, they share a love of activity and the outdoors.

“I’ve been active and into sports for as long as I can remember,” she says. “I played soccer in Sweden and continued in adult leagues after moving to the U.S. I love challenging myself.”

Alexandra has participated in everything from trail marathons to weightlifting, hiking, dragon boat racing, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), swimming, and skiing. But her favorite way to move is riding her ElliptiGO bike.

Discovering ElliptiGO

In 2020, Alexandra was training for a marathon. Plantar fasciitis forced her to stop running. Due to the COVID pandemic, fitness centers were closed, so gym workouts weren’t an option.

“I needed a new way to stay active,” she recalls. “I was browsing the internet and happened to see a video of someone riding an ElliptiGO. I decided to try it, and I was sold instantly! The ride felt light, fun, and unlike anything else I had tried—and I could tell right away it was something I could do without pain.”

She quickly purchased her first 8C, and not long after, bought another one for her husband. ElliptiGO rides became their weekend routine, with Friday evening rides and long Saturday GO adventures. They even keep two 8Cs in Sweden for rides during their summer travels.

Alexandra shares, “I’ve been able to continue training through plantar fasciitis, sprained ankles, lower back pain, and an old soccer injury that kept me from riding a traditional bike. Riding my ElliptiGO helps me reset, adds variety to my routine, and gives me a great workout with zero joint pain.”

She’s also found support and friendship in the ElliptiGO community, as well as motivation and connection in GERC. The annual Get out and GO (GOGO) September Team Tournament, in particular, ignites her competitive spirit. Additionally, Alexandra is an ElliptiGO Enthusiast and offers free ElliptiGO test rides in the Havertown area.

Her favorite accessory is her road repair kit. “And honestly, the support from Keri (ElliptiGO’s Service Manager) whenever I need help fixing or replacing parts has been just as valuable,” Alexandra adds.

Today, Alexandra owns three 8Cs, an MSUB, and her favorite model, the 11R. “It’s lightweight, responsive, and has the extra gears I love for both speed and climbing,” she says. “I can ride for hours, whether I’m cruising on flat trails or chasing elevation.”

An Unexpected Challenge

Earlier this year, Alexandra faced one of her most difficult personal challenges. In February 2025, she was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that paralyzed the right side of her face and neck and caused severe vertigo and brain fog for weeks.

Alexandra worked on healing from the inside out, committing to a clean, organic diet, eliminating alcohol and refined and artificial sugar, and embracing holistic practices like meditation, fasting, facial massage, visual healing, lymphatic drainage, and practicing daily gratitude, all of which she feels has played a huge role in her recovery.

“I believe the body has an incredible ability to heal itself when given the right environment,” Alexandra says. “I’m about 75 percent healed.”

In July, she took her first long ElliptiGO ride since the diagnosis. “Feeling the wind on my face again as I rode through the county was emotional and empowering,” she says. “The ride brought out my new slightly crooked smile.”

Looking Ahead

After her unexpected health setback, Alexandra’s goal for the coming months is simple: She’s ready to get back out there. She’s looking forward to participating in GERC’s GOGO challenge and she plans to do the Philly Bike Ride in October.

For anyone considering an ElliptiGO, she offers this advice: “Give it a chance. It’s unlike anything else out there. I haven’t found another form of exercise that lets me go for hours without pain, all while being outdoors. It’s truly the best fitness investment I’ve ever made.”

Alexandra approaches every ride—and every challenge—with focus, resilience, and optimism. Her dedication to health, community, and finding joy in the journey makes her a standout in the ElliptiGO community. Congratulations on being Rider of the Month, Alexandra! Keep smiling. We’ll be cheering you on as you climb hills and chase goals!

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