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Scott Hermes approaches life the same way he approaches riding: stay upright, keep moving, and enjoy the journey. His story has been shaped by a career that took him across the country and a lifestyle built around staying active. And like every good story, his is still being written with every ride. Get to know our January 2026 Rider of the Month, Scott Hermes!

Born and raised in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Scott spent more than four decades in the hospitality industry, working with major hotel brands and moving from city to city across the country. His career path ranged from Connecticut to Washington to Chicago to California. He worked throughout The Golden State, in San Clemente, San Francisco, and Newport Beach, as well as multiple stints in San Diego.

Scott has been married for 36 years to his wife, Jane, and they are the proud parents of a 31-year-old daughter and 29-year-old son. Scott has always valued staying active and making the most of wherever life takes him. He and Jane decided to settle in Solana Beach, California, which also happens to be the location of ElliptiGO’s headquarters. That’s where Scott’s next chapter began.

A Weekend That Hooked Him

Soon after moving to Solana Beach, Jane spotted a rider cruising on an ElliptiGO bike and waved him down. That rider happened to be Brent Teal, ElliptiGO’s co-founder. Before Scott knew it, Jane had rented him an ElliptiGO bike for the weekend.

Jane had a hunch Scott would love the upright, seat-free design. “We both had traditional bikes and I always complained about the seats,” Scott says. “She was intrigued by the concept and thought I might like it. She was spot on!”

“I absolutely loved the freedom of standing upright, eliminating being hunched over on an uncomfortable seat,” Scott recalls. “And the long stride motion that made me feel like I was floating.”

Finding the Perfect Ride

Scott first bought an 8C. While he was running a hotel on San Diego’s Harbor Island, he also bought a couple of 3Cs to display at the front entrance so guests could try them out (thanks for sharing the ElliptiGO joy, Scott!).

When ElliptiGO introduced the 11R, Scott knew he’d found his match. He’s been riding his 11R since 2011, and he added the Electric Bike Conversion Kit three years ago. Now his bike gives him both a strong workout … and a little extra help when the terrain or the coastal winds demand it.

“By selectively using the electric pedal assist, it allows me to get a terrific workout and reserve the boost for when I really need it, like elevations and headwinds,” Scott explains.

His favorite accessory is the suspension stem with handlebar shim, which provides a ride-dampening effect that enhances comfort. “It was game changing in the way it smoothed the ride,” Scott shares.

Coastal Miles and Climbing Challenges

Scott is a member of the Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) and an avid participant in Get Out and GO. GOGO, as it is more commonly known, is an eight-month program of individual and group riding activities where riders rack up personal achievements and points that can earn them swag. During GOGO, which begins on March 1, Scott is out riding four or more times a week. In the off-season, he still logs three to four rides weekly, often along the Southern California coast.

One favorite route is the ride from Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach to the Oceanside Pier. It’s a 32-mile roundtrip with mild elevation and sweeping ocean views along the Coast Highway.

For a tougher challenge, he heads from Fletcher Cove to La Jolla Shores. The 20-mile route packs in about 1,500 feet of elevation, including the climb up Torrey Pines’ challenging hill and the ascent out of La Jolla on the return. “It’s a great workout,” he notes.

And then there’s Rally Weekend — an annual highlight on Scott’s fall calendar. Riders from across the country and beyond gather in Solana Beach for three days of riding, the ElliptiGO World Championship competition, and socializing. “It’s a blast!” he says. While riders must qualify for the championship event, there are plenty of events for riders of all levels. Dates for the 2026 Rally Weekend will be announced soon. Enjoy the 2025 recap.

Riding for Life and Longevity

Scott’s commitment to ElliptiGO isn’t just about scenic rides and GOGO points. It’s about staying fit for the long haul. Youth sports left him with bad knees, but Scott credits his ElliptiGO bike with helping him maintain an active lifestyle.

He shares, “It’s been particularly beneficial helping me get ready for the ski season. Training on the ElliptiGO in the fall has materially extended my hours on the slopes. I can also keep up with — and occasionally outlast — my son!”

As a frequent traveler, he used to use hotel gyms for early-morning weights and cardio. Today, his routine includes a range of activities, including riding, skiing, golf, beach walks, paddle boarding, and weekly assisted stretching. Scott also has a goal of returning to light weight training this year.

Building Community on Two Wheels

In addition to staying fit, Scott helps keep the local ElliptiGO community rolling. Alongside Eric Korevaar, he leads monthly ElliptiGO group rides in San Diego, bringing riders together for shared miles along the coast. Some of the familiar faces on those rides include Jim Pringle, Jim Cremer and Jane Cremer, Rick Bienias, Denise Bienias, Kathi Gabriel-Karen, Jorge Lee, and Jim Maher, plus Bryan Pate, the CEO of PT Motion Works, ElliptiGO’s parent company, and Bryce Whiting, ElliptiGO’s CEO.

Scott and Eric have also organized the upcoming 2026 La Jolla ElliptiGO Day event on Saturday, February 21, which includes a ride along San Diego’s coast with a stop for coffee or a pastry, a tour of Eric’s home, and an optional post-ride lunch. All levels are welcome. The ride is free but pre-registration is required. Sign up today!

Additionally, ElliptiGO owners can find local groups and organized rides  that bring ElliptiGO riders together throughout the country.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Scott’s goal for the year ahead is simple: more days, more miles, and more elevation than 2025. For him, every ride is another chapter in a story that started with a weekend rental and turned into a lifestyle.

For anyone on the fence about buying an ElliptiGO bike, Scott offers thoughtful advice: “Take the time to try the various models on a good ride. You might need more than one day to decide which model is for you. I’m a huge fan of the long stride elliptical bikes. Others prefer models like the MSUB and RSUB that feel more like a traditional bicycle while still being upright. Some riders even mix it up with several models.”

But no matter what bike you choose, Scott believes you will love it. He says, “Getting my ElliptiGO bike was one of the best decisions I could have made … and there are many more chapters to be written.”

We can’t wait to read those new chapters, Scott! Congratulations on being our January 2026 Rider of the Month!

 

 

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