Theme rides devoted to a worldwide cultural event are becoming more and more popular in cycling studios around the world—especially when they are accompanied by fun and engaging music and coaching. They show the class that this instructor is not only up on current events, but they are willing to put the hours (and hours and hours!) it can take to curate the songs, the story and the gossip, the history and trivia, and the time it takes to put it all together into a well-thought-out ride that makes sense not only from a musical perspective, but more importantly, from a cycling and training perspective.
King Charles III will be coronated as the King of England on May 6, 2023, at London’s Westminster Abbey. The last time this happened was over 70 years ago when his mother, Elizabeth, was coronated as Queen after the death of her father. While it’s a momentous event that will be closely watched all over the world—it’s not supported by everyone; people aren’t as keen about kings and such as they used to be. Not to mention, scandals have plagued the Royal Family for decades (one might even say, centuries), and some famous artists have refused to play at coronation events when asked by the Royal Family. As of this writing, we don’t even know if Prince Harry, Charles’ son, and his wife Meghan will even attend the event. Their children, the King’s grandchildren, were not even invited.
One thing is certain—all of this intrigue makes for a perfect excuse for an indoor cycling theme ride, and there are some delightful tunes to go along with it!
Not able to take the hours (and hours and hours!) needed to do all that research but still want a fun and timely profile to celebrate this event? Well, we have you covered. Our newest profile designer at ICA, Fern Stancer, has done that for you. Fern has been teaching for over 15 years and her specialty is creative and fun theme rides.
You and your riders are going to absolutely love this amazing theme ride. And, as usual, we give you everything you need to make any modifications, including a bucket playlist of more than 180 royal-themed songs if you want to switch any out.
The King Charles III Coronation Ride’s training purpose is to work on increased stamina, endurance, and VO2 max (the rate at which oxygen is utilized within the body) through hard work followed by sections of recovery for HR stabilization.
Concept Behind the Profile
The songs in this profile are chosen to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Each song in the order it is played tells the story of King Charles III from his titles of the Prince of Wales to the King of England.
A coronation is both the symbolic religious ceremony during which a sovereign is crowned and the physical act of placing a crown on a monarch’s head. It is also a solemn religious ceremony and one that has stayed basically unchanged for more than a thousand years. It formalizes the monarch’s role as the head of the Church of England and marks the transfer of their title and powers. Two thousand guests are expected to attend the ceremony with millions more around the world watching on TV.
There will be various events for the weekend, including a star-studded concert and laser light show. People across the UK will hold street parties and be invited to take part in volunteer activities.
This profile provides interesting and fun history and trivia to add to your ride. For example:
Things you didn’t know about King Charles III and Camilla:
Charles is the first heir to hold a bachelor’s degree.
He can play the cello, piano, and trumpet.
He’s a skilled painter.
There’s a frog named after him.
Camilla, the Queen Consort, has been married to King Charles III since 2005.
She came from an aristocratic family with royal connections.
She has two children from her previous marriage, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.
The Official Coronation Playlist
Did you know that the Department for Digital, Cultural Media and Sport for His Majesty has put out an official Coronation Celebration Playlist?
You do now! A few of these songs have found their way into Fern’s playlist below.
Wow! Thanks for all the good music, profile and so many interesting facts to go along with them!!
It will be a great way to celebrate the King’s Coronation.