This year will be the 45th consecutive year of completing this ride. It was instigated by an ex club member John Briant (sadly no longer with us) who lived at Bottlesford near to Woodborough. John regularly rode with my dear old Dad and a small posse of ex Chippenham Wheelers most Tuesday evenings along the Pewsey Vale. Nick Ferris, my brothers and myself along with a number of young teenage Wheelers members from Calne who we used to ride with in the late seventies/early eighties, joined the ride and it has continued ever since.
It was not originally considered as an official club activity but more a bunch of mates meeting on Boxing day to shake of the excess eating and drinking before starting again on Boxing day afternoon/evening………..! However, in later years it has been added to the club calendar as more new club members have taken up the mantle to ensure that the traditional Imber ride continues. Sadly these last few years the MOD have changed the dates that they open up Imber village and as such the route now doesn’t get to the old deserted village but instead traverses along the northern edge of the Salisbury Plain, to rejoin the old route at Markeet Lavington thereby maintaining the spirt of the ride and around 85% of the original route.
No stops are planned so bring food and drink and spare inner tubes. Mudguards recommended (by other riders). This is a tough ride at this time of year, only turn up if you are prepared for it. Last years time taken by the “fast boys” was around 5:30 which equates to around 16.5 mph average over the whole ride. It is a well disciplined group working together and sharing the pace. Often at the start if the weather is miserable it can still be dark and gloomy so lights are required. Typically back for a late lunch. (14:00 – 15:00 – depending on punctures)
Imber is a village in the middle of Salisbury Plain, closed to the public except for certain public holidays. It is used by the military for target practice.
In the last few years we had to ride round Imber on Boxing Day as it was not open to the public. Current information indicates this also be the case in 2024 as the village is not showing any opening dates through December, so we are going to ride around it again.
Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking. Please use this simple booking form.
The form is a mandatory for all riders, so the organiser knows who and how many to expect and so we have a record of everyone riding on the day. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will be much appreciated.
Any issues with the above process can be directed to leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.