The first-ever GERC Club Championships had everything: competition, camaraderie and a world record! Held alongside Calvin’s Challenge in Springfield, Ohio, on May 16, 2026, the event attracted fourteen members of the Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) to compete.
Calvin’s Challenge is a well-known, long-standing ultra-cycling event run under the auspices of the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA). This year, Calvin’s Challenge included the inaugural GERC Club Championships, featuring three competitive categories — the Century, the 15-Mile Time Trial and the 6-Hour Team event. Two ElliptiGO bike riders also took on the 24-hour ride as part of Calvin’s Challenge, and one of them walked away with a record.
Better Than Her Best: Teresa Sets a New World Record
Teresa Fukumoto-Beebe came to Springfield with a goal: to surpass her own 24-hour world record of 307 miles. She did exactly that, covering an incredible 314 miles on her ElliptiGO. Despite challenging winds, rain and a sneaky little hill that humbled even the most geared-up cyclists, Teresa just kept going — and even picked up her pace in the final hours as the skies opened up. She is a phenomenal ambassador for the ElliptiGO and her performance was an inspiration. Teresa says, “It was a privilege to share the event with so many others, and I look forward to many more to come!”
Didi Hendricks Schenck also competed in the 24-hour event, logging 125 miles. She notes that her accomplishment was a testament to grit, strategy, encouraging friends and the occasional restorative nap in the back of a Subaru Outback.
Century Results
In the Century, Teresa set the pace early and won gold, crossing the finish line in a blazing 7 hours and 20 minutes — then she kept GOing to complete the 24-hour event. ElliptiGO CEO Bryce Whiting took gold for the men in approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes, while Steven Hay earned silver in roughly 9 hours and 23 minutes. Deanna Kiesel claimed the women’s silver with a strong effort of 9 hours and 52 minutes. Didi earned bronze, completing the century as part of her 24-hour effort.
15-Mile Time Trial Results
The time trial was a quick and decisive affair. Kaye Lengerich and Cindy Geyer claimed gold and silver for the women, GERC President Jim Cremer and Lewis “Lefty” Leftwich earned first and second for the men. With their racing done early, this crew transitioned seamlessly into their next critical role: armed with cowbells, they cheered on their fellow ElliptiGO riders for the rest of the day.
6-Hour Team Results
Two teams battled it out over the 6.9-mile loop in the six-hour team event. Team Can-Am — Jeremy Hoffman, Britt Brewer and Mark Berger — covered an impressive 104 miles to claim gold. Team Giddy Up and GO, with Valerie Christoff and Guy Berkebile alternating laps, finished with 86 miles. Drafting is allowed in this event, though as Didi notes, keeping up with these speedy riders is a challenge all its own!
The Community That Makes It Special
The course for most of the events was a well-designed 6.9-mile loop with all right turns and easy pit access, perfect for a lively and social event. The time trial took place on a separate 15-mile course. The weather threw everything it had at the competitors, including crosswinds, rain and 20+ mile per hour gusts, but the ElliptiGO crew rode on.
What made this weekend truly memorable wasn’t just the competition; it was the people. Riders came from California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and Canada. “The winds out there humbled me,” says Bryce Whiting, “but the community inspired me — the performances, the perseverance and the genuine way everyone showed up for each other. That’s what I’ll remember most about this weekend.”
Cheerleaders kept spirits high, including Jane Cremer, Amy Hoffman and Teresa’s mom, Sheila Schill. Kaye brought chairs and an excellent cowbell symphony. Valerie brought her sunny smile and cookies. Lefty kept Didi company for a lap or two. Steven Hay brought great energy to the weekend. And the camp atmosphere, with frequent rider shout outs, cowbells ringing and GO stories being shared, was everything you’d hope for from this community.
A Vision Realized
This inaugural event was the brainchild of Britt Brewer, who proposed it after attending a previous Calvin’s Challenge. It was, by every measure, a tremendous success.
Best of all, this event is appropriate for riders of all abilities. You don’t have to be an ElliptiGO cycling powerhouse to participate. The format, with its century, time trial and team options, has something for everyone. You can chase a personal record, tackle your first hundred-mile attempt or simply soak up the energy of a full day of riding alongside people who love ElliptiGO bikes as much as you do. Keep the GERC Club Championships at Calvin’s Challenge on your radar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and cheer on your fellow riders. Visit the GERC Events Calendar to learn about more upcoming challenges and fun group rides.
Congratulations to all of the participants! And thank you to Didi Hendricks Schenck for her enthusiastic reporting!
The Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) is a nonprofit community dedicated to fostering enthusiasm and connection among ElliptiGO riders worldwide. Learn more and join at elliptigoclub.org.
