I’ve always had a soft spot for out-and-back rides—they’re immersive, dynamic, and full of storytelling potential. One of ICA’s earliest and most popular profiles, The Canyon Ride (LINK), debuted back in 2014 and remains a favorite among instructors. This profile takes riders on a stunning journey: after cresting the first hill, the road plunges into a picturesque canyon, where sweeping vistas of rugged desert terrain unfold. The climb back out and the return journey offer a fresh perspective on familiar terrain, capturing the essence of a true out-and-back experience.
In 2020, ICA contributor Susan Lafond reimagined the classic Canyon Ride with a creative twist. She paired each song on the “out” portion of the ride with its cover or remix for the “back,” transforming the journey into a musical adventure. Susan dubbed her profile Groundhog Day, making it the perfect choice for February 2. The use of cleverly chosen covers keeps the ride fresh and fun, perfectly mirroring the spirit of reliving the same day, just like in the iconic movie. Explore Susan’s ride along with a treasure trove of song options by clicking here.
Building on Susan’s concept, I created my own variation with a fresh approach to terrain. Instead of a traditional out-and-back format, my profile takes riders out along one side of a river and back along the other, introducing slight variations in the terrain while maintaining the theme of originals and covers. Some of the covers even change tempo, transforming a high-cadence flat road into a powerful climb in the remake. This subtle shift not only keeps the ride engaging but also highlights how different the same song can feel. The covers I’ve chosen are distinct enough from the originals to add excitement and variety, with riders eagerly anticipating the second version of each song.
I call my profile Cover Me: A Musical Out-and-Back Adventure. While it’s a fantastic option for Groundhog Day, like Susan’s profile, its appeal isn’t limited to a specific date—both rides work beautifully any time of year. And with Susan and me using entirely different songs, you’ve got two unique rides to pull from. You could even teach them a month apart to keep things fresh for your riders.
Let me know how your classes enjoy this musical adventure!