What if you could step into a cycling profile that nicely captures the essence of Groundhog Day—that sense of repeating yet subtly evolving? That’s the genius behind our Groundhog Day theme ride, inspired by the movie where Bill Murray’s character relives the same day over and over again. It’s the ultimate déjà vu experience, and what better way to bring it to life in your cycling class than with music?
This profile builds on the structure of my popular Canyon Ride, one of the early classic and most popular profiles on ICA, originally posted over 10 years ago. The Canyon Ride introduced the concept of an out-and-back format, simulating the experience of riding out on a road and then returning along the same terrain in reverse. It quickly became a favorite among instructors for its simplicity, versatility, and the opportunities it provides for creative cueing.
ICA contributor Susan Lafond first introduced this clever Groundhog Day Out-and-Back Profile variation in 2020, turning the classic Canyon Ride into a musical adventure. Her innovative approach pairs the original version of a song for the “out” portion of the ride with its cover or remix for the “back.” These covers are different enough from the originals to keep things fresh, entertaining, and anything but repetitive. This twist brings a whole new layer of fun to the ride, perfectly capturing the spirit of reliving the same day—just like in the movie.
New this year, I created my own variation of this ride called Cover Me: A Musical Out-and-Back Adventure. 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. You can find my ride here and Susan’s at the end of this post. Between Susan’s and my profiles, you have plenty of inspiration to offer two distinct versions of this ride to your classes a few months apart.
Why These Profiles Work Year-Round
While the theme ties beautifully to Groundhog Day in early February, you don’t need to wait for the holiday to try it. An out-and-back “covers” ride works any time of the year, and the dual-song concept brings an extra layer of excitement to your playlist. Plus, you’ll find that students appreciate the creative way you’ve woven music and movement together.
Expand Your Playlist with Two Bucket Lists
To help you find the perfect pairings, we’ve curated two expansive bucket playlists for cover songs (ICA members can access these playlists at the end of this post):
- Originals and Covers Playlist: From our Step Outside Your Musical Box (SOYMB) series, this playlist includes both the original songs and some of our favorite covers, with multiple versions for certain tracks to give you options.
- Covers-Only Playlist: Originally created with the help of the ICA Facebook group five years ago, this playlist has grown into an expansive collection of more than 1,300 cover songs—and it’s still growing! I’m continually adding to the playlist as I discover new covers, which have become increasingly popular among artists in recent years. Whether you use it as a starting point to find originals for a Groundhog Day–themed ride or dive into a playlist made entirely of covers for any time of the year, this resource is a treasure trove for creative instructors looking to mix things up.
ICA members can access these two bucket playlists below, along with Susan’s profile and playlist.
Your Turn to Create a Ride
With so many options at your fingertips, you can take this concept and make it your own. Whether you re-create Susan’s classic Groundhog Day profile, adapt my river-themed ride, or craft an entirely new journey, the possibilities are endless. And if you discover an incredible cover we’ve missed, let us know in the comments!
So, grab these playlists, embrace the déjà vu, and make your next class an unforgettable ride through originals and covers. After all, who says repeating yourself can’t be fun?