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Thomas Russo has been riding ElliptiGO bikes since 2013. With an 8C, 11R and SUB, adventure is never far away from Tom. He loves taking his cardio workouts outside and ElliptiGO bikes, he says, were exactly what he was looking for.

“I’m 54 and my ElliptiGO bike makes me feel like an athlete!” Tom says. “I may not compete, but it gives that adrenaline.”

Recently, Tom and his girlfriend Tammie took a trip to Mackinac Island, MI. This unique vacation spot sits between Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas and has good eats (they’re famous for their chocolate fudge,) historic sites and beautiful views.  What better way to enjoy this destination than on the GO? They brought along their ElliptiGO bikes for their long weekend getaway.

Do you love to travel? Curious about how to incorporate riding into your trip? We asked Tom to share his top tips for exploring a place you haven’t been before both on and off the bike:

Be prepared!

Before you head off on your adventure, make sure your equipment is in great shape. Visit your local bike shop or ElliptiGO HQ for a tune-up, or check out ElliptiGO’s online support videos to learn how to perform some maintenance and checks on your own.

Do your research.

If you’re looking for great places to visit or ride during your trip, there are excellent resources available – especially within the ElliptiGO community. Hop into the ElliptiGO Facebook Group or consult fellow members of the Global ElliptiGO Riders Club with questions. Consult the state or city’s local bicycle associations, trail websites, and tourism centers. Some key things you’ll want to take note of are the elevation gain on your planned rides and if there will be water or restrooms available along the route.

Also, it never hurts to look up the local bike shop in case you forget something.

Bring the right gear.

In Michigan, we say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes!” No matter where you’re traveling, consult the weather report and consider bringing different layers and clothing options. There is no bad weather, only bad preparation! Be mindful when you’re packing so you don’t end up in your hotel room when your whole goal was to be on the GO.

Clothes aren’t the only things to think about. Pack the right bike accessories and fuel that will make your exploring successful.

Check the calendar.

Group rides and events might be happening in the area. See if a race or cycling crew will be taking to the streets for an even more local experience.

Select the right lodging.

Hotels are typically bike friendly, but you may want to ask if they have amenities for bikes such as racks or alternate storage areas. ElliptiGO bikes are portable enough to store in your hotel room. Once, we encountered a hotel that wouldn’t allow us to bring them into our rooms, so we kept bike right on the car rack with a lock.

Rock your swag.

ElliptiGO bikes always turn heads and traveling with your bike is a great way to introduce more people to these bikes and our community of riders. Pack your ElliptiGO gear and spread your love for stand up cycling.

Have you traveled with your ElliptiGO bike? Share your photos and experiences with us on social media. You can find ElliptiGO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.