At the Indoor Cycling Association, we’ve long been dedicated to supporting and celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day with special rides and playlists. We even have a rock ‘n’ roll bucket playlist devoted to female artists. It’s time to recognize the men in our lives and celebrate the importance of embracing such occasions and the awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide. What better time to do that than in November, a month dedicated to men’s health, and International Men’s Day on November 19?
One way to do that is to create a men’s theme ride using tracks from our bucket playlist of songs that include the words “man,” “boy,” “boyfriend,” or other iterations of that theme. I’ve curated a playlist that you can find at the end of this post. It’s currently at 150 songs but it’s eager to grow—you know, just like facial hair!
Another way is to slap one of those fake ‘staches on your upper lip* and throw some songs into your playlist from artists who sported the most recognizable iconic mustaches and celebrate Movember! (*With a special nod to the male instructors reading this who may already sport one or who decide to grow one just for this month. If that’s you, can you send us a photo?!) 👨🏻
What’s Movember, some of you might ask?
It’s that time of year when upper lips worldwide embark on a hairy adventure known as Movember. This brilliant concept, born Down Under in Australia back in 2003, has spread its fuzzy wings to numerous corners of the globe. It’s all about rockin’ the ‘stache, and yes, the name is a mash-up of “mustache” and “November”—pretty cool, right?
But here’s the twist of that handlebar mustache: while it may seem like a worldwide party celebrating face stubble on our beloved men, there’s a deeper mission. Beyond the stylish facial hair, Movember’s heart is all about sparking conversations and taking action on men’s physical and mental well-being. It’s like a global party where mustaches are the secret handshake to talk about the stuff that really matters—men’s health in all its glory! 🎉💪😄
Musicians have been known to sport some accessories that have become a trademark for them. They’ve popularized single gloves (Michael Jackson), sunglasses (Bono), and funky hair (The Weeknd), but there is one adornment that trumps them all. The mustache. Facial hair can be stylized in countless ways and some artists have had it down to a science to the point where the ‘stache was just as memorable as the song.
Here are a few of our favorite songs from artists with memorable facial hair; throw a few of these tracks into your men’s tribute playlist this month!
Freddie Mercury
Probably sporting the most iconic ‘stache in rock and roll, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was not only a musical icon, but he had facial hair to aspire to.
We Will Rock You, Queen, 2:02, 81 bpm
This song is a classic anthem for coming together and making a difference. Great for a warm-up or a hard effort on a flat road with optional standing intervals. At 2 minutes long, it makes a fabulous anaerobic interval; when the guitar kicks in at 1:35, ask your riders to recommit, even if it’s uncomfortable. (I did just that in this profile, “Three-Peat Intervals—Rock and Roll Version.”)
Prince
Prince was meticulous about everything, including his mustache. He used an ultra-thin beard to accentuate his cheekbones and give himself a slightly drag-ish appearance that was so essentially Prince.
Let’s Go Crazy, Prince, 4:40, 196 bpm
This song is a perfect high-cadence effort. You can use the energy to sustain a hard push for the duration of the song or start at a lower cadence and use the chorus as intervals to surge the legs close to 100 rpm.
Dancing on the Ceiling, Lionel Richie, 4:31, 133 bpm
A fun tune with a strong climbing beat at 63 rpm.
David Crosby
His whiskers are fashioned in a style called the walrus—a look also worn by Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain. Crosby is best known as a member of the Byrds and also from the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Carry On, Crosby, Stills & Nash, 4:26, 119 bpm
For those of us who love the music from the ’60s, this is a banging climbing song.
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana has had his trademark mustache for his entire fabled career.
Oye Cómo Va, Santana, 4:18, 128 bpm
“Oye Cómo Va” has come to represent “the interconnectedness, hybridity, and transnationality” of Latin music in the United States. The melody and rhythm are infectious, making for a perfect climb.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s mustache is almost as legendary as his ability to play the electric guitar. Hendrix redefined the electric guitar approach and sound during his generation and is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
All Along the Watchtower, Jimi Hendrix, 4:04, 113 bpm
This recognizable version of this song is hailed by Rolling Stone as the greatest cover of all time. From the first few notes, riders will be hooked and it can be used as a hard heavy but slow climb. You can dissociate from the beat and use it as a driving flat road. It is also a good warm-up.
Taylor Hawkins
The late, great Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had an impressive horseshoe mustache.
Everlong, Foo Fighters, 4:10, 158 rpm
Ramp up the intensity of this fast climb (79 rpm) as the energy in the song builds.
Below you’ll find my bucket playlist with 150 songs to choose from to help you celebrate all things Movember and the men and boys in your life. Please help us expand this playlist with your favorites that I might be missing.
ride using tracks from our bucket playlist of songs that include the words “man,” “boy,” “boyfriend,” or other iterations of that theme. I’ve curated a playlist that you can find at the end of this post. It’s currently at 150 songs but it’s eager to grow—you know, just like facial hair! Another way is to slap one of those fake ‘staches on your upper lip* and throw some songs into your playlist from artists who sported the most recognizable iconic mustaches and celebrate Movember! (*With a special nod to the male instructors reading this who may already sport one or who decide to grow
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