To celebrate the 20th anniversary of International Elliptical Cycling Day (IECD), we invited riders to share how ElliptiGO bikes have impacted their lives in the “Stories That Move Us” contest. We received powerful, personal tales from ElliptiGO riders about overcoming injuries, rediscovering the joy of movement, chasing goals, finding friendships and more. Your stories reminded us that these bikes are more than a way to stay fit. They provide a path to healing, connection, and transformation.
Of the many incredible stories we received, one stood out among the rest—and it began with a glance across the road.
A Love Story on Two Wheels
For Kevin Shroyer, a longtime runner and five-time Boston Marathon qualifier, life took an unexpected turn in 2020. Working out was an important part of Kevin’s life. In addition to running, he regularly lifted weights, did yoga, and cycled. But then he began experiencing alarming symptoms: loss of balance, loss of coordination, and changes in his gait. For a competitive runner of 30 years, these symptoms were completely foreign. And they weren’t going away.
The diagnosis was hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up on the brain. To treat it, Kevin would have to have brain surgery to implant a shunt to draw off the fluid buildup. In September 2021, he underwent the surgery. The procedure was a success, and just weeks later, in November 2021, he was cleared by his neurosurgeon to resume running. Kevin had already qualified for the upcoming Boston Marathon, so he set his sights on running that race in April 2022.
That’s when fate—and ElliptiGO—intervened.
While out training one day, Kevin spotted a woman riding an ElliptiGO Stand Up Bike (SUB) through his neighborhood. She was stunning. “I stopped dead in my tracks,” Kevin recalled. He watched her ride away. He didn’t know her name, but he couldn’t forget the moment.
Eventually, through a little persistence and some social media sleuthing, Kevin connected with the woman—Allison, or “Ali” for short. The two began talking, then riding together. To keep up with her, Kevin bought his own RSUB, which he nicknamed “Orange Demon.” He even upgraded Ali’s original bike to a new RSUB, “Black Beauty II,” so they could ride side-by-side in style. Their shared rides soon turned into shared lives.
Alas, Kevin’s health troubles weren’t over. He had to have two more brain surgeries in 2023 due to shunt malfunctions. Then, in May 2024, he suffered a life-threatening colon rupture. Through it all, Ali never left Kevin’s side. She was his rock, his nurse, and his biggest supporter.
After recovering from the surgeries, Kevin slowly regained his fitness. Now, he and Ali run races together and ride together. They’ve logged countless miles on their ElliptiGO bikes—from local loops to memorable rides, like touring Gettysburg’s historic battlefield.
Kevin realizes he may never again be able to run at the level he did just a few years ago. But that’s okay. “I’m still here, alive and kicking, thanks to Ali and ElliptiGO,” he says. “I cannot imagine my life without them.”
A Community Full of Inspiration
Kevin’s story is one of many we received during the Stories That Move Us campaign. We heard from riders who found new strength after surgeries, rediscovered movement after years of chronic pain, and found joy and community through every pedal stroke. Some stories made us cheer. Others made us tear up. Every single one reminded us why we do what we do. Here are a few more stories our customers shared …
We were thrilled to hear that New Milford High School cross-country coach Gile attributes his program’s fifth straight conference title to his runners’ ability to cross-train on an ElliptiGO bike. Gile shared, “This has been a game changer for our team, as we are always looking for ways to build our mileage base without the stress of road miles. The best part is that an injured runner who has to avoid impact training can join their team on a run rather than being isolated indoors on a stationary bike.” Let’s hear it for cross-training and teamwork!
After a surgery or an injury, getting back on your bike is a milestone. Eva shared, “I recently had knee surgery but I am so excited to get back out there and GO!” Go, Eva, GO!
Terry and Lois said, “Because the ElliptiGO bikes virtually eliminate the pounding experienced during running, both of us are experiencing less knee and foot pain. This is a ‘WIN-WIN’ biking experience for both of us.” We love that!
Former Olympic cyclist Robert says that the ElliptiGO 8C checked all the boxes on his wish list: a no-impact, full weight-bearing, excellent outdoor aerobic workout that promotes good posture. He adds, “For everyone who has neck, back, knee and Achilles problems, the ElliptiGO bikes may be just the thing to get you moving again.” We couldn’t agree more.
Each day offers an opportunity to GO farther and faster. Andy noted that he took on the Every Day in May challenge and rode 393 miles over 33.5 hours in one month! “The fact that I did this during what turned out to be one of the busiest months of my life makes me even prouder of the achievement,” says Andy. Way to go!
Felice summed up the joy of riding ElliptiGO bikes, sharing, “That’s the thing about my ElliptiGO bike—it makes me feel ten years old again, high above the world, practically flying. I couldn’t imagine life without it. Sometimes the best purchases are the ones that make you feel like a kid again.” So true, Felice!
Keep Riding. Keep Sharing.
To everyone who shared a story: thank you. You’ve inspired us with your determination, passion, and joy. And to every rider out there with a story still unfolding: Keep GOing! You never know who you might inspire—and who you might meet—on the ride ahead.
