The draft agenda is below. Sunday ride and lunch details will be updated soon.
Join ElliptiGO riders of all levels from across the country for a weekend of riding, socializing and FUN!
(See who will be there!)
Important steps:
1. Pre-registration is required. Registration fee is $40 for 2026 Global ElliptiGO Riders Club members. If you do not choose to become a full-year Club member, you can register for the Winter Classic for $60, which includes a short-term Club membership for the event. Register for the event here: Winter Classic Registration
2. If you plan to reserve a hotel room, please do so early! The Winter Classic weekend is during peak season in Arizona. Hotels will fill up and prices will increase as the date approaches. As an option, we have a block of rooms reserved for our event at:
Hampton Inn Carefree
2 Easy Street
Carefree, AZ 85377
The direct booking link for our group is https://group.hamptoninn.com/s5xuyr. Guests can also call the hotel (480) 476-9200 to book. Just mention the dates and “ElliptiGO”. Guests have until December 15, 2025 to book under the group rate.
The charming Town of Carefree is just north of Scottsdale, with many interesting shops and restaurants nearby. The Hampton Inn Carefree will be the central hub for all of the weekend’s activities:
- This is the location of the social gathering on Friday evening.
- Only 1.5 miles to the start of Saturday’s ride and lunch spot.
- A 5-minute walk to Saturday’s dinner location.
- The start and finish location of Sunday’s rides.
- Guest rooms big enough to bring in your ElliptiGOs.
- Free parking, WiFi, and breakfast included.
3. If you would like to rent an ElliptiGO, there will be a limited number available to rent.To reserve an ElliptiGO, please send email to keri@elliptigo.com.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, January 16, 2026
5:30-7:00PM – SOCIAL MEETUP: Stop in for a casual Happy Hour with the group to kick off the weekend! (guests of participants are welcome, hosted)
Pool-area fire pit 
Hampton Inn Carefree
2 Easy Street
Carefree, AZ 85377
Directions: here
Tip: To avoid congestion from the Art&Wine Festival, we recommend approaching the hotel from the west side via E Carefree Dr off of Tom Darlington Dr.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
8:30-9:00AM Participants gather at our ride meet up location
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
6135 East Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Parking is available behind Big Earl’s. Please park in the rear lane of the lot, leaving spots closer to Big Earl’s available for other customers. Or, if you are staying at the Hampton Inn Carefree, you can simply ride to and from the start.
Note: unless you are riding from the hotel, rented ElliptiGOs will be transported to/from the rides each day. If you are picking up your ElliptiGO at Big Earl’s, please be there no later than 9:00am.
9:30AM-12:30PM: Group #1 (Medium Distance/Intermediate Route) leaves Big Earl’s at 9:30AM
“Seven Springs” out & back: 25 miles / 2300 feet elevation gain / moderate climbing, rolling hills & a few short steeper hills in the 4 miles before the turn around point. Long, beautiful descent on the way back!
9:30AM-12:30PM: Group #2 (Shorter Distance/Casual Pace) leaves Big Earl’s at 9:30AM
“Lone Mountain/Legend Trail” loop: 19 miles / 950 feet elevation gain / low grade incline first 4-5 miles. More stops to rest along the way and we’ll take our time!
For an even shorter ride with a little less climbing, participants staying at the Hampton Inn Carefree can wait at the hotel and join this ride after its first 1.5 – 2 miles and finish at the hotel on the return. Total distance: 15 miles / 725 feet elevation gain
12:30-2:30PM – Lunch & socializing on the back patio at BIG EARL’s (guests of participants are welcome, non-hosted)
3:00-5:00PM Enjoy Carefree!
- Visit the Carefree Desert Gardens surrounding the famous Sundial.
- Check out the 33nd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival.
- Explore the many one-of-a-kind shops and galleries.
- Hang out with ElliptiGO friends by the hotel pool.
Note: For participants not staying overnight in Carefree, consider bringing a day bag with a swimsuit and change of clothes. You can freshen up, shower and change in one of our hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn. We’d love for you to make a full day of it: morning group ride, lunch at Big Earl’s, explore Carefree, hang out by the hotel pool with friends, and group dinner!
6:00-8:00PM – Group Dinner (guests of participants are welcome, non-hosted)
Pizzicata
7212 Ho Hum Rd
Carefree, AZ 85377
Pizzicata provides a full Italian menu (appetizers, salads, pasta, entrees, pizza, desserts and a full bar). It is a short 5-minute walk from the hotel.
We’ll arrange for some group tables. We will also request separate checks, but as a courtesy to your tablemates, please be prepared to pay for your portion, including tax and tip. For convenience, cash is recommended.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
10:00AM – Participants begin arriving at our ride meet up location
Hampton Inn Carefree
2 Easy Street
Carefree, AZ 85377
Directions: here
Tip: To avoid congestion from the Art&Wine Festival, we recommend approaching the hotel from the west side via E Carefree Dr off of Tom Darlington Dr.
10:30AM-Noon – Group Ride
On Sunday, we will offer two ride choices (still being developed). One will be an intermediate, fairly challenging route with moderate elevation gain. The second will be a gentler route of 12-20 miles with a more casual pace, no steep hills.
Noon – 2:30PM – Lunch at:
To be determined
CAREFREE, AZ 85377
6:00-8:00PM – Casual dinner for locals and all those not traveling home until Monday (guests of participants are welcome)
To be determined
CAREFREE, AZ 85377
NOTE: Drinks and snacks will be provided at the Friday Social Meetup. Other meals are the responsibility of the participants & attendees.