Audax
The Red Rose 200k
Join us for our annual 200k audax from Halifax to Glasson Dock and back. Time limit 8 hours. Visit the link for advance tickets and route information.
We are
Halifax Imps
Join us at the oldest running cycling club in Halifax. Rides every Thursday and Sunday.
The cycling club for Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Established in 1924, Halifax Imperial Wheelers is the cycling club for Halifax, West Yorkshire. Join our friendly group for social rides every week. All are welcome, though be prepared for the fact that most of us are middle aged men.
Whatever your ability level or experience riding in a group, we'll give you a warm welcome and offer guidance, advice, or tell you if you're too fast for us!
Regular Rides
Thursday Night
The cornerstone of our club is the Thursday night social ride. Taking place every Thursday come rain, shine, snow or wind, you'll find at least some hardy member present on all but the worst weather days, and even then there'll probably be one or two of us idiots out.
We meet outside Mamil in Halifax at 1930 for a start at 1945. Routes tend to be easy to moderate in terms of hills (by West Yorkshire standards, anyway), and terminate at a pre-nominated pub between 2115 and 2130. Obviously pub attendance isn't mandatory, but it's frowned upon if you don't make it.
Attendance ranges from low single figures if the weather isn't playing ball, all the way up to mid twenties on a glorious summer evening. Depending on the abilities and numbers present, we may split into two groups with one being a slower pace.
Frequently asked questions
We know it can be nerve wracking to ride with a club for the first time! Here are some answers to the questions we're often asked, if you're wondering if we're the right club for you.
What types of riders are welcome?
Every rider is welcome! Our club is made up of a wide variety of age groups and abilities. Admittedly, the majority of our riders are male but we do have a handful of female riders who ride regularly with us, and we'd love to see more! We have folk who race, some who used to race, and some who couldn't think of anything worse than racing. Our social rides in particular are geared towards people who just want to have a bit of exercise and a catch up with friends, to enjoy the scenery of Yorkshire and further afield, and to be united by our hatred of potholes.
Do I need to be a member to ride with you?
Yes and no. When you first join we allow you three rides to decide if we're the club for you. If you decide you like us, then we'll ask that you pay the low annual membership fee of £15.50 to join.
Do I need to get ride insurance?
Yes, you'll need to also obtain third party ride insurance. This is usually through either a British Cycling 'Core' membership, or through Cycling UK membership.
Can I ride my electric bike with you?
Yes! We know that the hills of Calderdale aren't for everyone, and an electric bike can make them more manageable. We believe you should still be entitled to ride in a group and enjoy the benefits that brings. We just ask that you try to keep to the pace of the group and not fly past us when the tarmac starts pointing uphill.
I'm really slow, will I get dropped?
Our Thursday rides are the best option for coming out with us and seeing how you get on. Depending on the abilities of those present, we may split into a faster and a slower group. We'll always aim not to drop riders on our Thursday rides, and we'll wait at the top of hills to regroup. We want new riders to feel welcome and to come back again and again, so trust us — even if on your first ride you feel slow and that you're holding back the group, it won't be long before your fitness increases and you'll be keeping up in no time. It just needs a little consistency and to keep coming out week after week.
I'm really fast, will you be too slow for me?
Sometimes we have people join who are already very fast cyclists — maybe they've moved to the area, or they've always ridden solo. All we can say is come and try it! Our Sunday fast ride should be enough to test you, and if you're finding it easy, well, you can take some more time on the front! Our Thursday social ride is really just that though, so don't expect it to be a training ride where you're pushing yourself to your limit.
Do I need a road bike to ride with you?
You'll certainly find cycling with us easier if you have a road bike in relatively good condition, but if you have a hybrid or a mountain bike, all we can say is give it a go! We have some riders who dabble in mountain biking as well, so you may still find people to ride with outside of the usual club rides.
Do I need to have lycra clothing to ride with you?
Again, it will make your life easier as baggy clothing can be uncomfortable, but ride in whatever you feel comfortable in. If you're interested, decent quality cycling wear at an affordable price is available from Decathlon.
I've never ridden in a group before, what do I need to know?
You'll quickly gain confidence riding in a group, but we know it can be daunting at first. We tend to ride two abreast (though we 'single out' in certain circumstances). As a group we point out potholes using hand gestures and calls (this will quickly become familiar), and we indicate and alert each other to traffic situations. If you feel less comfortable riding in a pair you can start by riding at the back, or some people prefer to be on the inside or outside of the pair.
I don't have much experience of bike maintenance, what if I suffer a mechanical on the ride?
We've all been there! Unfortunately mechanicals are an inevitability if you ride enough, but don't fret! We should be able to help with any basic problems like punctures, dropped chains or gear shifting issues. To lower the risk of mechanicals, keep your bike clean and regularly inspect tyres, chains and components for wear.
Imps in Action
