For Rick Gonzalez, riding an ElliptiGO isn’t just about fitness—it’s about giving back, and it’s about embracing a community that shares his passion. From charity rides to helping others discover the joy of stand-up cycling as an ElliptiGO Enthusiast, Rick is always GOing strong. Meet our February 2025 Rider of the Month and see what fuels his ride!
Rick Gonzalez grew up in the Midwest and spent his last two years of high school in Minnesota. He later served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, living in Portugal, the Philippines, and Oklahoma, before transitioning into a career in high tech. Today Rick and his wife live in Austin, Texas, where he’s a residential realtor. Rick is happily surrounded by family—his adult son and daughter followed Rick and his wife to Austin, and his daughter has graced them with two grandsons. His dogs, Honey and Bandit, are his steadfast hiking companions.
In the military and for years afterward, Rick was an avid racquetball and softball player. After moving to Austin, he focused on golf and running. He even completed three Spartan obstacle course races.
But one July day in 2020, severe hip pain ended Rick’s trail run. While exploring treatment options, he stumbled across ElliptiGO bikes. Rick took several test rides and was pleased to find that he could ride ElliptiGO bikes without aggravating his hip. “I couldn’t walk to the mailbox without a lot of pain, but I could ride with little or no pain,” he recalls. He decided to buy an 8C to maintain his fitness while he couldn’t run.
What started as a solution to stay active while injured has since turned into a full-fledged passion. Rick now owns multiple ElliptiGO bikes: three 8Cs, two 11Rs, and an RSUB. “N+1,” he jokes, referring to the cycling term about always needing one more bike.
Rick eventually needed a hip replacement, but riding ElliptiGO bikes allowed him to maintain his fitness before and after surgery. He’s also had arthroscopy on both knees, but Rick says, “Riding my ElliptiGO bikes allows me to feel like I’m running without feeling the negative effects of running.”
When it comes to his favorite accessory, Rick picks his Fluid 365 Stationary Trainer. It’s his go-to option for riding when Texas weather turns extreme and during recovery periods.
In addition to maintaining fitness, Rick enjoys riding for a good cause. He is a cancer survivor, and after he purchased his Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) 11R, he was determined to ride it in Austin’s Livestrong cycling event. “Even though I hadn’t ridden further than 30 miles on my GO, I decided to do the 62-mile event—and I completed it!” he says proudly. (The SU2C 11Rs are sold out, but a limited number of SU2C RSUBs are available for purchase.)
Rick regularly participates in Texas Mamma Jamma and PinkStrong rides for breast cancer awareness, as well as the Rosedale Ride, which supports a special needs school in Austin. He does own a traditional bike—you know, a bike with a seat!—in addition to his ElliptiGO bikes. But for 2025, Rick has made a bold commitment. He says, “This year, I commit to riding every organized ride on an ElliptiGO.” Way to GO, Rick!
He also values the support and motivation he finds in the Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) and enjoys connecting with fellow ElliptiGO riders from around the world. “I find that the worldwide community of riders is very enthusiastic and supportive. I’ve met and ridden with people from around the country,” says Rick. “GERC, with its events and challenges, is the motivator to ride more than I usually would.”
Rick is more than a rider. He’s an ElliptiGO Enthusiast. He offers test rides to Austin-area residents and visitors, and he answers questions about ElliptiGO bikes. He’s always eager to introduce new riders to seatless bikes. “I enjoy getting out to meet interested parties to let them experience the joy of riding an ElliptiGO,” he says. (Learn more about becoming an ElliptiGO Enthusiast.)
For those considering an ElliptiGO bike but still on the fence, Rick’s advice is simple: “Take another test ride, arrange to rent or borrow an ElliptiGO for an extended trial, and/or make the purchase, and use the 30-day return policy to ride, ride, ride!”
We love that advice! Congratulations, Rick—keep inspiring and keep riding!
You can contact ElliptiGO with nominations to Rider of the Month or share your own story. It may just be the next feature!
One Response
Congratulations and thank you for your service 🎉🎊🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸