On January 17-19, the Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) hosted the 12th Annual ElliptiGO Winter Classic in Carefree, Arizona. This year’s event was another fun weekend where memories were made, friendships forged and epic rides conquered. Thirty-two enthusiastic riders joined the weekend from eight states and Toronto, Canada, making it a truly international gathering. The ElliptiGO HQ team was represented by Chief Enthusiast Bryce Whiting and Service Manager Keri Cleeremans. Here is a recap of the event.
Friday Evening: Warm Welcomes
The weekend kicked off on Friday evening at the new Hampton Inn on Easy Street in Carefree, AZ. Participants gathered around the large gas firepit on the spacious patio for a lively happy hour hosted by GERC. The excitement was palpable as old friends reunited and new connections were formed. Following happy hour, over 20 riders continued the festivities with dinner at Athens on Easy Street, located just across from the hotel and the iconic Carefree Sundial.
Saturday: A Day of Riding and Delicious Food
Saturday morning dawned crisp and chilly, but the energy was high as riders gathered at Big Earl’s, the annual meeting spot for the group ride. Similar to years past, participants had the choice of two scenic routes, both showcasing the breathtaking desert landscapes of Cave Creek and Carefree. With clear skies, calm winds and plenty of sunshine, it was near-perfect riding weather.
After their rides, participants returned to Big Earl’s for a celebratory lunch on the sunny outdoor patio. This beloved spot has hosted the group for the past ten years, serving up mouthwatering burgers, fries and adult milkshakes. The patio games and lighthearted antics added to the festive atmosphere, making it a highlight of the day.
The day concluded with a group dinner at Pizzicata, a locally owned Italian restaurant on Ho Hum Road in Carefree. More than 30 attendees enjoyed homemade Italian dishes and flatbread pizzas in a cozy, casual setting. The restaurant provided exceptional service and accommodated the group beautifully, earning unanimous praise as one of the best dining experiences in Winter Classic history.
Sunday: Desert Rides and Fun-Filled Farewells
On Sunday morning, riders reconvened in the hotel parking lot to embark on a new group ride route through the stunning desert terrain of Carefree. Though the route featured more elevation than anticipated, the riders tackled the challenge together, stopping to regroup, encourage one another, and take photos along the way. For next year, organizers plan to add a gentler, flatter option to the Sunday ride.
Post-ride festivities included personalized box lunches from Firehouse Subs, enjoyed back at the hotel on the sunny patio. The group embraced the Winter Classic tradition of playful post-ride activities, including balancing on the GiBoard, hula hooping and donning tutus, colorful headbands and goofy glasses. Bryce Whiting, a first-time attendee, was inducted into the group’s fun-loving spirit by sporting a rainbow tutu and impressing everyone with his “skip-it” skills.
Sunday evening wrapped up the weekend with a casual dinner at the Tox Bar Lounge, another local favorite. About 12 participants stayed to enjoy pub fare and friendly games of pool and darts while watching the Buffalo Bills secure the AFC Division win, ending the weekend on a high note.
Looking Ahead: The 13th Annual Winter Classic
Mark your calendars for January 16-18, 2026, as the ElliptiGO community returns to Carefree, AZ, for the 13th Annual Winter Classic. With another year of unforgettable memories on the horizon, we can’t wait to see you there!
A huge thank you to Jane and Jim Cremer for putting together another amazing event. We wouldn’t have this thriving community without all their hard work.
For more photos from this year’s event, check out the Google album here. You can also find even more snapshots of the fun—including goofy glasses, hula hoops, tutus and wax lips—on the ElliptiGO Riders Facebook group.
