The Canyon Ride—An Out-and-Back Profile

Originally posted in 2014, The Canyon Ride remains one of the most popular profiles in the ICA archives. This simulation offers a delightful blend of vivid visualization and outdoor-inspired coaching, immersing your riders in the experience of cycling through stunning desert landscapes. As with all great outdoor simulations, this profile captures the essence of outdoor riding without alienating those who may not ride outside. Everyone, from seasoned cyclists to indoor enthusiasts, will feel the thrill of this journey.

Why is it called “The Canyon Ride”? After cresting the first hill, the profile plunges into a picturesque canyon, where riders are treated to sweeping vistas of rugged desert terrain. The climb out of the canyon and the return journey offer fresh perspectives and challenges, perfectly simulating the dynamic nature of an outdoor out-and-back ride.

The Power of Outdoor Simulations
Outdoor-inspired profiles like this one are a powerful way to add variety and realism to your classes. Each time you teach this ride, it can feel completely different, depending on how you choose to frame the experience. Maybe it’s two friends riding together, sharing encouragement and laughs. Perhaps it’s a competitive hammerfest with a local cycling club. Or, as is often the case for me, it’s a solo journey—allowing space for self-reflection, motivation, and the freedom to ride at your own pace.

What makes an out-and-back ride particularly engaging is how the elements and topography shift depending on direction. A smooth downhill stretch on the way out becomes a challenging climb on the way back. What were steep ascents earlier transform into thrilling descents. Even the scenery changes; the view behind you may reveal details you missed the first time.

Weather and wind also add an extra layer of authenticity. Any outdoor cyclist knows the unpredictability of wind—it’s not always your friend! That headwind you fought on the way out doesn’t necessarily transform into a tailwind on the return. Instead, it might shift entirely, challenging your resilience and motivation once again. These unpredictable variables make every out-and-back ride a unique adventure.

Music to Match the Journey
Music plays a vital role in bringing this profile to life. Over the years, I’ve tailored and evolved the playlist for The Canyon Ride, yet one song remains constant: Bruce Springsteen’s “Rosalita.” It’s my go-to track for the rolling hills on the final stretch back. Its infectious energy is perfect for short, punchy rollers, and I can always count on a few riders to sing along, bringing a smile to the entire room.

EDIT 2025: A few of the songs from the original playlist are no longer available on Spotify, so in addition to the original master class profile at the end of this post, I’ve also created an Express Profile (spreadsheet) and Spotify playlist with new songs to replace the missing ones. I also updated the cool-down song. (Make sure you download both versions so you have the in-depth cueing from the original.) 

Summary
The Canyon Ride is a versatile, engaging profile that celebrates the essence of outdoor riding while keeping the experience accessible for all. Whether you frame it as a solo journey, a team effort, or a competitive challenge, this profile invites riders to connect with the rhythm of the ride, the shifting terrain, and their own inner drive. Pair it with a thoughtful playlist and vivid coaching cues, and you’ll have a class that your participants will remember and request again and again.

Bonus: Photos to Guide Your Visual Cueing

The featured photo at the top of this post shows me riding in the stunning Colorado National Monument, a breathtaking national park located on the western edge of Colorado near the Utah border. While this profile doesn’t replicate that specific ride (the monument is actually a 35-mile loop, not an out-and-back), the dramatic landscapes and winding switchbacks inspired many of the visualizations and scenery cues in this ride. And yes, those switchbacks are just as thrilling to descend as they look!

I’ve included a few more photos below to help you bring the desert topography to life in your class. Feel free to use these images to describe the scenery and enhance your riders’ experience.