Rolling News

July 31, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

We’re heading off-road on Saturday before returning to smoother tarmac for the Sunday Social and the final Evening 10 of the summer on Monday.

We’re christening the Evening 10 “The Celebration 10” as there’s plenty to celebrate: a terrific turnout throughout the series, an increasingly tight points competition and the promise of a free drink for anyone prepared to ride or volunteer.

Elsewhere, the Club Shop is open, we’ve got more member mega-rides, and Michael Renardson discovers that there might be more to mountain biking than he thought.

🌳 Off-Road Ride - Saturday 1 August

Is that the South Downs calling? We’ve got A and B groups heading out this week, so there should be something for everyone.

  • Roll out: 8:30 am

  • Duration: Approx. 4 hours, including the coffee stop.

  • Start Location: Bake Out, Lewes

  • Dress Code: Club kit preferred

☕️ Sunday Social - Sunday 2 August

Ash Preston will be demonstrating his fondness for vineyards (again) with a ride to Rathfinny. Note the start is from The Forge, not Uckfield. Socially paced. No drop.

  • Roll out: 9:00 am

  • Duration: Approx. 4 hours, including the coffee stop.

  • Start Location: The Forge, Ringmer

  • Dress Code: Club kit expected

🏁 Celebration 10 - Monday 3 August

This is the postponed sixth round - and the final Evening 10 of the series. Come down and help us see it out in style.

  • First rider off: 7:30 pm

  • Course: Ringmer/Laughton (G10/89)

  • HQ: Roebuck Inn, Laughton, from 6:30 pm

🏁 TT Series

This Week’s Results

Firle Beacon delivered a near-perfect evening for the club Hill Climb: warm sunshine, clear views, and a stiff breeze waiting at the top, just to keep everyone honest.

A strong field of 23 riders took on the climb, including one from Switzerland - possibly an unfair advantage.

There were some outstanding performances. Hill climb specialist, Daniel Pink from Bigfoot CC, reached the summit in 4:29. First Wanderer to the top, and third overall, was Calum Elms in a rapid 4:45, while Olivia Webb topped the women’s standings in 6:04.

Just as importantly, riders throughout the field embraced the simplest challenge in cycling: one rider, one hill and one clock. Only personal targets mattered, and everyone earned the satisfaction of reaching the top.

Chapeau to you all.

Eve Wright - Eastbourne Rovers - F18 (C2)

Darren Haynes - LWCC - O55

James Hamphire - Brighton Mitre - O45

Steve Barry - LWCC - O55

Points Competition

The Hill Climb has tightened things up nicely at the top.

Calum Elms remains out front in the road-bike competition on the maximum 60 points, but Chris Hurcomb’s strong showing in the Hill Climb, coupled with Dan Street missing the event, leaves the pair neck and neck on 50. Neil Edwards sits fourth on 32.

Peter Baker still leads the TT standings with a perfect 60, while Olivia Webb’s Hill Climb win takes her to 60 in the women’s competition, 12 clear of Alice Gilmore.

There’s plenty still to play for …and time is running out.

Next Week - Celebration 10

The sun is setting on the Evening 10 series on Monday, and what a series it’s been.

28 Wanderers have thrown their hats in the ring for at least one event, and guests have come from far and wide. We’ve particularly enjoyed the competition from Eastbourne Rovers, who have regularly fielded riders.

So, let’s make next week a special one…

Anyone who rides or volunteers will get a free drink in the Roebuck afterwards. Riders, your entry fee has magically become a beer token 🍻.

Come along and give it a try. Just like the Hill Climb, it’s fun and inclusive. You will be supported and applauded for taking part, whatever time you record.

Can’t be persuaded to ride? Come along and marshal instead. 24 members have helped so far, which means plenty of you still have the chance to fulfil your membership promise to volunteer at least once a year 👀.

Roadie by Instinct, Mountain Biker by Accident

A first outing at Afan Forest Bike Park proved to be a revelation for Michael Renardson. Steep climbs, loose descents and unfamiliar machinery awaited. What began as a belly full of nerves quickly became a full day of adrenaline.

Are these the beginnings of a mountain-bike conversion?

Read Michael’s article to find out.

🤩 Rides of the Week

Did everyone see the stellar efforts by Ryan Machin and Nick Miles on the SSX Mystery Tour? This 250 km off-road ride is now established as an annual event and is not for the faint-hearted. We’ve persuaded the guys to give us their thoughts in an article, which we hope to share next week - assuming they’ve recovered in time.

👕 Club Shop

A reminder that the Club Shop is open for orders of the Fractal design until 12 August. The estimated shipping date is 2 October.

🛍️ SCA Jumble Sale

The Sussex Cyclists’ Association is running a cycling jumble sale on Saturday 15 August at Pease Pottage Community Centre.

Doors open at 9:00 am. Entry is £1 (early entry before 9:00 £3).

Get yourself down there and grab some new and second-hand bargains.

Items to sell? Pitch your own table outside for £10, or nab a provided table inside, also for £10. No complete bikes may be sold indoors.

Contact Robin Johnson on 07733 132043 or at [email protected] for more information

😂 Wanderers’ World

‘Til next time,

The Wandering Crew