December 13 is National Violin Day—a day to honor one of the most versatile and emotive instruments in music history. Whether it’s the soaring notes of a rock ballad, the haunting strains of an indie track, or the rhythmic energy of an EDM anthem, violins (and strings in general) have a magical ability to stir the soul. In cycling classes, they can evoke a range of emotions—powerful, melancholy, joyful, or triumphant—that align beautifully with the varied efforts we ask of our riders.
Violins can lead the charge in a song, driving intensity, or they can weave gently in the background, adding depth and nuance. Their dynamic nature makes them perfect companions for everything from steady-state endurance rides to intense climbs or cathartic recovery segments. And let’s not forget the cello and other string instruments, which lend their own richness and drama to the mix.
Why Strings Shine on the Bike
Violins and other string instruments have an unparalleled ability to mirror and amplify the effort and emotion of a ride. Whether climbing a steep hill, cruising through a flat, or recovering from an intense interval, strings provide a soundtrack that resonates with your riders’ physical and emotional journey. Their versatility means you can adapt them to any segment of your ride.
To help you celebrate, we’ve created a bucket playlist with 160 songs featuring violins and other string instruments, spanning rock, pop, country, indie, and EDM. ICA members can find that playlist at the end of this post.
🎻 Now, I want to highlight a few of my favorite songs with strings and provide ideas for how to use them in your cycling classes.
One of my top songs ever, this incredible track shatters my heart every time—but I can’t stop playing it again and again. As Mikel Jollett sings, you’ll feel the raw emotion of heartbreak as he lays his pain bare. His story pulls you in—you want to comfort him, to remind him that this too shall pass, just like the climb you’re facing. Your pedal stroke becomes a reflection of the passion, pain, and intensity of his experience, forging a connection between the music and your movement.
Notice how the song’s energy evolves. His voice shifts from hopeful recollection to heartbreak as he sees her leave with someone else. The guitar and violin build masterfully, echoing his anguish. As the story unfolds, use this dynamic to guide your ride; I call it suffering in solidarity. Begin seated, letting the music’s steady progression draw you in. Then, when the violin soars and the guitar crescendos, transition to a standing climb. This isn’t just another climb—”Sometime Around Midnight” transforms it into a shared emotional journey. (This was one of my first song suggestions in 2011 when I launched ICA!)
Bittersweet Symphony, The Verve, 5:58, 86 bpm
With arguably one of the most iconic violin intros in modern music, this song is perfect for a warm-up or a long, reflective endurance ride. The repetitive, hypnotic string theme encourages a meditative state as riders lock into a smooth, consistent cadence. (I’ve used this track in several ICA profiles, including this sweet-spot intervals ride and this tempo/endurance ride.)
Vivaldi, Alexander Popov, Heartbeat, 3:45, 136 bpm
A thrilling EDM rendition of “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi that turns classical violins into a high-energy climb with heavy beat drops. Climb hard—this isn’t your mama’s symphony!
Viva La Vida, Coldplay, 4:01, 138 bpm
Rule the world with this iconic track. Its driving strings will push you to conquer any summit.
All My Love, Led Zeppelin, 5:53, 91 bpm
Even hard-core rockers embraced violins, and this track’s flowing melody is ideal for a warm-up or steady flat. Pair it with “Kashmir” (8:37, 164 bpm) for a more intense, violin-guided ride. (See how I used “Kashmir” in this profile “Three Long, Guitar-Powered Climbs.”)Â
Wonderwall, Oasis, 4:18, 87 bpm
A great choice for a warm-up or endurance flat. If you love the strings here, don’t miss Oasis’s “Champagne Supernova” (7:28, 151 bpm), which works beautifully as a cool-down. (I used “Champagne Supernova” in this Tour de France profile through the Champagne countryside!)
Palladio (Symphony Mix), Silent Nick, 9:44, 142 bpm
If you haven’t added this to your library yet, what are you waiting for? The awe-inspiring violins and driving beat make this the ultimate track for attacks on a climb or rolling hills. Play it loud, and let the energy take over. (This song originally appeared as a Wednesday Timeless Classic in 2016. You can find it in this Progressive Meritage profile.)
Share the Celebration!
We’d love to hear how you incorporate violins and strings into your cycling classes. Share your favorite tracks from our bucket playlist below or your own personal picks in the comments. Let’s celebrate the beauty and versatility of the violin together this National Violin Day!
Stay tuned—there might even be a violin-inspired profile in the works for you to try.
Happy riding! 🎻