Rolling News

August 21, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

We’ve reached that slightly awkward point in August when we realise the official Forge Ride is still a week away.

Don’t panic – there’s plenty to keep you busy in the meantime. Paget is leading the way to Seaford Head on Sunday, the Chain Gang is refusing to accept that the days are already getting shorter, Nick Miles wants us to get better acquainted with our rears, and the countdown to our End of Summer rides has begun.

We’ve even found another cycling subscription for you to consider. You’re welcome.

DIY Forge Ride - Saturday 22 August

August is a five-Saturday month, which means we’ve got to wait another week for the official Forge Ride. If you’re not the waiting type, keep an eye on the group chat or put a message out and see who else can be tempted.

  • Suggested roll-out: 9:15 am

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

  • Start Location: The Forge, Ringmer

  • Dress Code: Club kit preferred

☕️ Sunday Social - Sunday 23 August

Cadence at Seaford Head is this week’s destination, and Paget will be on the front. Take note of the Ringmer start. 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

⛓️ Chain Gang - Tuesday 25 August

It’s back, by popular demand. Last week’s impromptu chain gang left you begging for more (or was it mercy?). Either way, you’ve asked and we’ve delivered.

  • Roll-out: 6:00 pm

  • Duration: As long as the light lasts!

  • Start Location: The Forge, Ringmer

  • Dress Code: Club kit preferred

⏱️ Wanderers Against the Clock

While some of us might have been enjoying our “summer recovery”, several Wanderers have been busily pinning on numbers and racing in the last fortnight.

Richard Burchett opened proceedings with a strong fifth place in the SCA 15 on Saturday 8 August. The following morning, David Padwick led Ben Gregory and Emma Simpkins up the Beachy Head Hill Climb in front of a big summer holiday crowd, with Emma finishing third-fastest woman.

Calum Elms then powered to victory in Tuesday evening’s Brighton Mitre 10 with a rapid 22:03. Chris Hurcomb took fifth in 25:13, while the ever-present David Padwick and Emma Simpkins were also back in action, with Emma securing fastest woman in 29:12.

There was more to come from Richard at Goodwood on Thursday. His excellent 22:22 placed him 21st in a massive field of 169 (no, that’s not a typo), as well as 16th out of 75 riders on TT bikes and third in his age group.

Six Wanderers rounded things off at last Sunday’s ESCA 25. Calum clocked 56:05 to finish eighth overall and second in the road-bike category, while Richard recorded 57:16 on his TT bike. Together with Chris Hurcomb, who recorded 1:02:29 on his road bike, they claimed second place in the team competition.

Peter Baker, Neil Edwards and Ben Gregory formed a second Wanderers trio, earning sixth place in the same competition. Not a bad morning’s work.

Read Paget’s full racing round-up for all the times and placings.

Photos in this section courtesy of Bob Taylor

🍑 Get Your Rear in Gear

Want to improve your climbing, cyclo-cross power or endurance?

The answer might not be another ride. Instead, it could be time to get better acquainted with your a*se – or your gluteus maximus as your doctor calls it.

Nick Miles explains why our glutes matter for producing power on the bike and shares five simple exercises we can all add to our training.

 ⏰ The Countdown Begins

Don’t forget, we’ve got our End of Summer rides happening on 12 September.

We’re planning two off-road routes – one of 50 km and one of 100 km – and a road ride.

In a triumph of logistics and planning, they will all end at approximately the same time in Kingston, near Lewes, where beer and pizza will await. You’re welcome to bring the family along for the finale.

Put the date in your diary if it’s not there already.

More details to follow 🤩.

🔎 Spotted This Week

Another Subscription, Anyone?

Because we apparently don’t already have enough apps and subscriptions, Wahoo is taking aim at Garmin and Strava with a revamped training app and three subscription levels.

Basic ride recording, route planning and live tracking will be free.

Training analysis will cost £49.99 a year.

Structured plans, daily workout recommendations and SYSTM access will sit behind the £149.99 Pro tier.

Useful training tool or a subscription too far? You tell us.

😂 Wanderers’ World

‘Til next time,

The Wandering Crew