As we transition into the autumn equinox on September 22, it’s time to celebrate this magical season that brings a sense of change, beauty, and reflection. For many of us, autumn is arguably the best time of the year. The intense heat of summer has waned, leaving behind cooler days that invite us to get outside and enjoy nature. The changing colors of the foliage surround us in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating breathtaking landscapes that seem to paint the world with warmth and comfort. There’s a certain coziness in the air as we prepare to bundle up in our favorite sweaters and sip on something warm.
Autumn is not just about the visual feast, though; it represents a time of transition and change. This is especially noticeable in locations like where I live in Colorado, but even in places where the leaves don’t dramatically change colors and snowy months aren’t in the forecast, like in the southern part of the US, there’s still something in the air. The days grow shorter, the evenings arrive earlier, and there’s a subtle coolness that hints at something new. This shift from the energetic vibe of summer to the more introspective mood of fall can be deeply felt, making it a perfect theme for our cycling classes.
This change in the weather and shorter daylight hours also have a magical effect on indoor cycling studios around the world. As autumn settles in, you start to notice fuller classes as outdoor athletes find their way back indoors. The earlier sunsets and cooler temperatures signal a natural change in routines, making it a perfect time to welcome these riders back. Creating an autumn-themed ride is a fantastic way to acknowledge the change in the air with your regulars and make new riders feel at home.
As we’ve shared posts for winter, spring, and summer themes over the years, it’s only fitting that autumn now gets its time in the spotlight! To help you create the perfect autumn-themed ride, we have a special bucket playlist of ~70 songs that capture the essence of this season. In addition to the “Autumn” playlist, our “Change” bucket playlist, featuring 172 songs, provides a wealth of tracks that can add depth to your theme ride. To mix things up, you can also work in other seasonal tracks from our “Back to School” bucket playlist with 175 songs.
Below are some song ideas from our playlists to get you started.
September, Earth, Wind, and Fire, 3:35, 125 bpm
Is there anyone whose face isn’t covered with a big smile when this song comes on? Its infectious rhythm and joyful lyrics capture the essence of celebration and change, making it a rite of passage from summer to fall. This track is an awesome climb—add gear and stand on the chorus to let your riders feel the groove. Let the uplifting beat and iconic “Ba-dee-ya” lyrics bring out the energy in your class, encouraging everyone to savor these last warm days while welcoming the cooler ones ahead.
The Last Day of Summer, The Cure, 5:35, 150 bpm
This moody track is perfect for an introspective climb. With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, it captures the bittersweet feeling that comes as summer fades into autumn.
Ramble On, Led Zeppelin, 4:23, 102 bpm
The opening lyrics say it all: Leaves are fallin’ all around, time I was on my way. This classic rock anthem embodies the spirit of change and movement. Fans of Lord of the Rings will appreciate the nods to Mordor and Gollum, making this track a journey both literally and figuratively. To ride this song, break from the beat and take a strong, steady climb somewhere in the 60s rpm.
Wind of Change, Scorpions, 5:12, 151 bpm
A powerful fast climb, this song embodies the winds of change sweeping through. Its soaring melody and iconic whistle intro will resonate with your riders. As the chorus kicks in, invite your class to add resistance and feel the wind at their backs, symbolizing the fresh start that autumn brings.
Season of Change, Layup, 3:05, 120 bpm
Use the lyrics to motivate your class up a steep climb: Can’t stop me now! Season of change is coming, can you feel it?
This modern track has an upbeat tempo and inspiring message, making it a perfect addition to your autumn-themed playlist. Encourage riders to dig deep, feeling the strength that comes from embracing change and pushing through challenges.
Changing, Sigma, Paloma Faith, 3:25, 175 bpm
This drum ‘n’ bass track delivers the perfect fast flat tempo of 87 rpm, making it ideal for a high-intensity interval or a moderate flat between harder segments. Encourage your riders to use the driving beat to push themselves as they ride to the rhythm.
Autumn Leaves, Ed Sheeran, 3:20
A beautiful and heartfelt serenade for your cool-down track, this song wraps up your ride with a sense of reflection. Ed Sheeran’s soothing voice and the gentle melody provide the perfect backdrop for cooling down and stretching off the bike. Let your riders take a deep breath, savoring the beauty of the moment, just as autumn encourages us to slow down and appreciate the changes around us.
ICA members, don’t forget to explore the full bucket playlists that can be found below to craft a ride that resonates with the fall season’s charm. Be sure to let us know if we are missing your favorite song of the season so we can add it to our playlist(s)!