October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many instructors use this time to bring awareness and support into their classes. You could:
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Organize a fundraiser ride to benefit breast cancer research or local support groups.
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Host a specialty event, such as a team-taught class with fellow instructors.
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Or simply dedicate one of your regular rides to the theme, offering a tribute to survivors, fighters, and loved ones.
đź’— Tip: Encourage riders to wear pink, decorate the studio with pink ribbons or lights, and create a visible show of solidarity. Even small touches can make the ride feel special and supportive.
👉 For music inspiration: Did you know we have a collection of 35 inspirational bucket playlists with a combined 3,100+ empowering songs? This trusted resource is packed with songs about perseverance, empowerment, and hope, a perfect fit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ICA members can find that amazing resource here.
🎗️💗 Theme Ride Idea: Strength, Hope, and Resilience
This ride celebrates courage and community, reminding riders that even the steepest climbs can be faced with perseverance and heart. Frame it as a journey:
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Warm-up: Acknowledgement and reflection. Invite riders to dedicate the ride to someone meaningful or set an intention for the session.
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Climbs: Represent the uphill battles. Cue riders to embrace challenge, focus on strength, and push through resistance.
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Sprints: Bursts of determination and energy. Encourage riders to give everything they have for short, powerful intervals.
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Recovery moments: Space for remembrance and dedication. Invite riders to ease their effort, breathe deeply, and hold in their thoughts survivors, those currently fighting, or loved ones lost. These pauses honor the “why” behind the ride.
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Final push: A collective ride of unity and hope. Rally the group with motivational cues, emphasizing perseverance and community support.
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Cool-down: A time for closure and renewal. As the intensity winds down, encourage riders to feel proud of their effort, release any heaviness, and leave with a sense of hope and strength to carry into life beyond the bike.
🎶 Song Ideas and How to Use Them
Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Lovers (National Breast Cancer Foundation), Mistram, 3:27, 160 bpm
Use as a pre-class or post-class song, or during warm-up while explaining the purpose of your ride. A beautiful way to honor those affected by breast cancer.
Fight Song, Rachel Platten, 3:24, 87 bpm
Warm-up or mid-ride anthem. “This ride is for those who’ve fought, those who continue to fight, and those we carry in our hearts.”
Unbreakable, Birds of Tokyo, 3:14, 138 bpm
Ideal for a climb. Emphasize resilience and inner strength. “When you’re standing tall, you’re unbreakable.”Â
Brave, Sara Bareilles, 3:40, 92 bpm
Steady endurance flat. “With every pedal stroke, you’re building courage. Let your bravery shine.”
Rise Up, Andra Day, 4:13, 118 bpm
Reflective warm-up or slow climb. “Feel the strength rising within you. This climb is a tribute to resilience.”Â
Titanium, David Guetta ft. Sia, 4:04, 126 bpm
Strong climb. Gradually add resistance as the vocals soar. “You are unbreakable. Push through the resistance with power.”
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), Kelly Clarkson, 3:41, 116 bpm
Challenging climb or surges. “With every push, you’re proving your strength.”
Beautiful Day, U2, 4:06, 136 bpm
Moderate climb or recovery. “Even in struggle, there is light. Find it here.”
Unstoppable, Sia, 3:37, 174 bpm
Tempo flat. “No obstacle can slow you down today.”
Survivor, Destiny’s Child, 4:14, 116 bpm
Sprint intervals or slow climb. “Channel fierce determination—ride with strength and fire.”
The Climb, Miley Cyrus, 3:56, 148 bpm
Inspirational climb; use it as a metaphor for life. “It’s not just about getting to the top, it’s about the journey.”
Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey, 4:08, 118 bpm
Group anthem. “Together, we believe. Together, we ride.”
Defying Gravity, Wicked soundtrack or Glee version, 2:21, 80 bpmÂ
Final push. “Defy the odds. Give everything you have in this final push.”
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, 5:08, 85 bpm
Cool-down. “Hold space here for gratitude, reflection, and love.”
🗣️ Empowering Messages to Weave Into Your Ride
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“This ride is for survivors, fighters, and loved ones we remember.”
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“You are not alone—every pedal stroke is part of something bigger.”
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“Strength comes in many forms. Today we show that resilience, hope, and love carry us forward.”
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“Every climb represents the uphill battles. Every sprint is the determination to keep fighting.”
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“Dedicate this effort—a climb, a sprint, or the entire ride—to someone special in your life.”
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“Together, we are stronger. Together, we ride with hope.”
✨ Share Your Story
We’d love to hear how you’ve used your classes to make an impact, whether it’s through a fundraiser, a tribute ride, or a special class dedicated to a cause or loved ones. Share your empowering ideas and experiences in the comments. Your stories may inspire other instructors to bring connection, courage, and hope to their own communities.