Theme Ride Thursday: Say Hello to World Hello Day! 🌍👋

World Hello Day, celebrated annually on November 21, is all about spreading positivity and promoting peace through the simplest of gestures: a greeting. The day was established in 1973 as a response to conflict between Egypt and Israel, proving that a friendly “hello” can be a powerful tool in bridging divides and fostering understanding. The goal is to greet at least 10 people—so get ready to spread some smiles and warm vibes. 🌞

People from over 180 countries participate, from students to world leaders, all embracing the spirit of open communication and unity. It’s a wonderful reminder of the importance of personal connections and the role a simple greeting can play in making the world a friendlier place.

Bring this spirit of connection to your indoor cycling class! Why not have some fun by naming intervals after greetings from different languages? Try a “Hola Sprint,” the “Guten Tag Gringd,” and a “Bonjour Hill Climb” for a global twist that’ll keep your class engaged and smiling. Here is a list of how to say “hello” in 100 different languages to get you started.

We’ve got two bucket playlists on Spotify to help you craft your ride:

• Hello, Welcome, Nice to Meet You – With over 85 songs, this playlist isn’t just for World Hello Day. Use it when you’re teaching or subbing a class for the first time. It’s a great way to introduce yourself musically and start off on a positive note. 🎶
• Hey There! – A more casual, everyday greeting playlist filled with over 100 tracks featuring the word “Hey.” You could even create a ride purely on this playful theme. 

Here are a few of our favorite songs with greetings in the lyrics

Vertigo, U2, 3:13, 140 bpm
The iconic lyrics: “Hello, hello, I’m at a place called Vertigo.” This song is a killer choice for a steady climb at 70 rpm. It’s an energetic way to greet your class with a dose of adrenaline.

Everything Has Changed, Taylor Swift, 4:05, 80 bpm
A simple hello can change everything! Taylor sings, “Cause all I know is we said, ‘Hello.’” Use this as a warm-up or a gentle flat road for a tempo ride—it’s a lovely way to ease into your class and set the tone.

Hey There Delilah, Plain White T’s, 3:53, 105 bpm
“Hey there!” This warm and casual greeting is a perfect icebreaker, setting a friendly, laid-back vibe. It’s a great song to kick off your ride and get those legs moving with a smile. (Side note: If you want your heart to melt, check out this YouTube clip where Tom Higgenson, the lead singer of Plain White T’s, surprised a young girl named Delilah who was battling cancer and loved this song. It’s a truly touching moment.)

Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones, 114 bpm, 6:18
“Please allow me to introduce myself” and “pleased to meet you” embody the spirit of World Hello Day by emphasizing the power of a polite introduction. Turn this classic into a challenging climb or ramp it up for some intense HIIT intervals.

Telephone, Lady Gaga & Beyoncé, 122 bpm, 3:41
It starts with “Hello, hello, baby, you called?” Use this at 61 rpm for a slow, grinding climb, with two chances to surge: 0:47–1:17 (30s) and 2:13–3:00 (47s). This song may capture the frenzy of constant communication, but World Hello Day reminds us of the value of simple, meaningful greetings.

My Name Is, Eminem, 86 bpm, 4:28
“Hi! My name is, what?” Eminem’s introduction is bold, memorable, and attention-grabbing—just like your warm-up should be! Ride this at 86 rpm for your warm-up or a steady pace on a flat road as you greet your class with energy.

Hello There, Cheap Trick, 1:41, 173 bpm
This hard-driving, sinister track is the perfect introduction to your first high-intensity effort. It’s a relentless push into Zone 6 (anaerobic) at 86 rpm, leaving no room for mercy. Before the song starts, give your class a mischievous grin and say, “Hello there, ladies and gents, are you ready to rock?” Then let the song take over as you crank up the effort and drive those legs hard—this effort will definitely leave you breathless! 😈

Give these tracks a spin and let World Hello Day be the inspiration for a fun, positive, and connected ride. And don’t forget to say hello to your riders via your song choice—your greeting might just make someone’s day! 🌟

💬 Got a favorite greeting song we missed? Drop it in the comments—we love hearing your suggestions!