‘Amber leads the way’
’2012 Hope XC Race Series Winner!’
Round 2 is on Sunday the 7th of July 2013.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
608 miles.
That’s how far Phil Lenney of Team GWB-ACTIV travelled on Sunday to take part in Round 1 of the Brownbacks Hope XC Race Series for 2013.
If you’re going to travel that far you might as well win the thing. And he did.
‘You’ve Come A Long Way Baby’ – our winner, Phil Lenney
But that was only after the race officials had decided that an incorrect choice at a course split meant that Alex Peterson of Alf Jones Race Team, who had actually crossed the line first, had to be relegated to second place.
The Brownbacks ‘Racer’ and ‘Have-A-Go’ hero courses share certain sections of the Lee Quarry trials but part company where matters get a little technical. And so on lap 4, Alex’s taking of a section of the novice’s course meant he gained what was regarded as an advantage.
A similar tough decision had to be taken in the TGStore Premium Sportswear ‘Racing Diva’ category where an incorrect course choice by Alison Rushton meant relegation to the runner-up spot.
Amber Southern had returned with a new sponsor, WXC World Racing, to defend her 2012 crown. And defend it she did. Riding a trick-looking Specialized, both she and Alison consistently lapped at a speed that would have afforded them top ten places in the men’s racer category!
‘Back to her winning ways’ – Racing Diva Amber Southern
A series of nightmare mechanicals decimated the numbers in the TGStore Premium Sportswear ‘Racing Diva’ category but Beate Kubitz put in a strong performance on a tough course.
What is worthy of note regarding the decisions by the officials is that, once matters were clarified and discussed, fair play and the true spirit of ‘grassroots’ racing shone through as all the riders involved took their places on the podium and shook hands.
So what of the racing? One thing Alex Peterson did prove is that he can shift on two wheels. A lightning fast first lap saw him lead out the racers. Phil wasn’t far behind, trailing by a mere six seconds as lap two commenced. This pattern continued throughout the race with both staying within a few bike lengths of each other. Even the punishing climb after the first of the technical sections couldn’t split them. The technique and sheer power of these two riders is obvious when you consider their total race times against the rest of the class. Both were over 10 minutes quicker than their nearest rivals to complete their six laps of the energy-sapping course.
‘Neck and neck’ – the leading pair fight it out
The dogfights continued down the race order with less than three minutes separating Matt Livesey, Nick Shaughnessy and Stephen Hopper in positions three to five.
James Tudor won out in the Big Bear Bikes ‘Weekend Warriors’. The Rossendale CC rider posted a time worthy of a top five finish in the Racer category (time for a move up James!).
‘Climb Every Mountain’ – James Tudor, Weekend Warrior winner
The only other six lap completer in the Big Bear Bikes sponsored category Matthew Holstead was second riding for Custom Sports Clothing. Rob Lihou came in third just edging the next rider off the podium by a matter of less than a minute. There followed a tight cluster of riders all finishing within a minute of each other illustrating the truly competitive nature of this popular class.
The 40+ and 50+ veterans of the Silverbacks, generously sponsored by our friends at Lusso, weren’t to be outdone. Stuart Rider of Riders Cycle Centre proved he carries the name well by posting an impressive overall time for his five laps and finishing almost two minutes ahead of Joff Lazenby of TNFC.
‘By Name, By Nature’ – Stuart Rider, number one in 40+
Martin Corbett was a clear winner in the Lusso sponsored 50+ category with over six minutes between him and Gary Condor of Sherwood Pines in second. Simon ‘Mr Sparkle’ Fox deserves a special mention not only for finishing a creditable third in this category but for doing so on a singlespeed, thereby securing himself yet another of the sought after Charlie The Bikemonger chains!
‘Fast and over 50′ – Martin Corbett
The Hope XC Series is all about inclusion and encouraging people to get involved in mountain bike racing. So no report is complete without highlighting the pOcpac sponsored ‘Have-A-Go Heroes’ and ‘Heroines’ and the Ride On ‘Lads’.
Tom Hindley of Pagemakers laid down a marker for the 2013 Series, finishing his five laps two minutes faster than his nearest rival Simon Hedley in the pOcpac ‘Have-A-Go Heroes’ class. Rob Pilling was third.
‘Have-A-Go’ – Tom Hindley was the Hero on the day
In the pOcpac Heroines Shaunie Mangham proved that not only do you have to be in it to win but that if you are the only person in it you WILL win it (if you finish)! Well done to Shaunie, who had the courage to get back on her bike after a heavy fall. Turning up and having-a-go is what it’s all about and you now have one of our unique Hope brake disc trophies (handed out to all category winners at each race and set in rocks sourced from the Quarry) and an Od-Designs ‘Od-Pod’ stand to prove it!
‘In it and winning it’ – Shaunie Mangham
There may not be a lot to Will Lewis of the High Peak Cycles Race Team but he packs a hell of a racing punch as he proved when coming in first in the Ride On ‘Lads’ category. These guys are the future of mountain bike racing and so a hearty well done to all.
‘The future’ – Will Lewis
Rob Allen, recovering from a serious fall at Phillip’s Park and marshalling for us on the day was on hand to pick up the ‘Trade Team’ trophy for the 2012 Series for Leisure Lakes.
’2012 Trade Team Winners’ – Rob Allen of Leisure Lakes
At Brownbacks we take our commitment to our sport and the local community seriously. As a non-profit organisation we believe in giving something back and so we were delighted to kick off the Round 1 prize giving with the presentation of cheque for £1000 to the good people of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team.
‘Giving Back To The Community’ – Rossendale and Pendle MRT £1000 richer!
I very rarely see what the world looks like at 5am on a Sunday. So when the alarm sounded this morning the temptation to roll over and go back to sleep was strong.
But today was Round 1 of the Brownbacks Hope Series for 2013.
And I was helping out.
So thoughts of slumber were quickly forgotten and it was up and at ‘em at that un-Godly hour.
After a shower and a coffee I was on my way to the trails at Lee Quarry.
There’s a hell of a lot goes into organising a race series and it’s easy to forget all the stuff that has to be sorted before the big day.
And then there’s all the stuff that has to be sorted on the big day.
But at 7am, as the organising crew started to arrive, the great weather matched the mood and we were soon on our way up into the Quarry to start marking the course.
Several rolls of ‘Hope’ tape and some mallet strikes to marker posts later and our section was ready. All over the Quarry people were course marking and making sure the signs were in the right places.
The walkie-talkies started to crackle into life as the marshals took up their positions.
(Worth taking time out from our tale for a few words about the marshals. These people really are the life-blood of ‘grassroots’ mountain bike racing. They give up their precious time to make sure the races run smoothly and that no rider goes without words of praise and encouragement. And today was no exception. So, as always, many, many thanks to those who helped today)
Those who’d been warming up and scoping out the course made their way to the start line.
10.30am came around quickly and after a pre-race briefing the siren sounded and the ‘Racers’ were off and making their way up into the Quarry and onto today’s course.
And they were shifting. The strength and speed of some of these people never ceases to amaze. The main course is ‘technical’ in the truest sense of the word and takes advantage of the riches on offer at Lee Quarry.
The riders reward for all the climbing was a fast downhill section of berms and rock pavements.
But this is the real deal.
And so it wasn’t long before the speedsters hit another climb.
Another long climb.
Another long, rocky, lung-busting, leg-frying climb.
Steep it may be but even on the last lap some hardy souls were still cleaning it. No shame for those who pushed. It’s hard. And it’s about getting stuck in which every rider did. It’s also about enjoyment. And even in the midst of those grimaces and groans there were smiles and plenty of good humour.
The Have-A-Go class started in the Quarry and were soon enjoying the many sections they shared with the main course. Even where they parted company with the more experienced riders there were still challenges aplenty. And whilst these folks are relative novices, there was bags of spirit and effort.
And that pattern continued for each lap. Challenging and exciting. Every year the course organisers try to come up with something new, something fresh. This year was no different. That’s part of the beauty of racing at Lee Quarry. It’s an amazing ‘blank canvas’ for course design.
Before we knew it, the leaders were on their last lap. The contorted faces of many showed how slowly time can go when you’re riding. But the sense of satisfaction at finishing means that’s soon forgotten.
The last riders finished their laps. The timings were checked and we had our winners. At the risk of lapsing into terrible cliché, everyone there today was a winner (even poor old 74 who was plagued with punctures and ran out of tubes and patches. Unlucky mate, see you next time, lightning can’t strike twice….).
Back down at the car park and it was time for swapping ‘war’ stories, well-earned bacon sarnies and the all important prize-giving.
As always, our fantastic sponsors came up trumps and plenty of goodies were handed out. It isn’t just the category winners though. There are masses of spot prizes for riders and marshals at Brownbacks and today was no exception.
And then it was time to go. The clean-up was complete and everyone headed home. Another race done. Another great day at Brownbacks.
The next race is on July the 7th. Be part of it.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
Ask yourself a question. Where would you rather be around 10.30am tomorrow?
The paint aisle of your local DIY store?
Your mother-in-laws’ house?
Or the nationally-acclaimed mountain bike trails at Lee Quarry?
Now we know the prospect of heavily-discounted emulsion or ‘well-done’ sprouts is difficult to resist, but why not come and join us for Race 1 of the Brownbacks Hope Race Series 2013?
Don’t worry if you haven’t signed up already. You can enter on the day!
Following the great success of the 2012 series which saw over three hundred riders take on the quarry trails it’s now time to practice the ‘race face’ and get ready for more action. The quarry as usual has held up well through the winter and there have been a few new additions to the cheeky ‘off-piste’ sections so loved by the organisers.
The Hope XC Series is designed to allow riders of all standards to compete and enjoy themselves so two courses are operated at the same time. The “Have-a-go” course threads its way through the quarry on a smoother, less challenging route than the main course where riders are pushed hard on exciting descents mixed in with lung busting and technical climbs.
The 40+ and 50+ age categories are still with us in 2013 having proved popular with a high standard of racing in 2012. This ‘old enough to know better’ generation push the open categories hard and the series competition looks like it is going to be intense.
Generous prizes (spot and placing) abound all courtesy of our great sponsors, Hope Technology, Leisure Lakes Bikes, Big Bear Bikes, www.TGStore.eu , Ride On (Rawtenstall), pOcpac, Charlie The Bikemonger, Lusso, CRUD and BUFF for our marshalling team. That is all coupled with one of the best XC racing venues around.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us. Just think where it might lead?
It might be heart monitors and carbon wheels, intervals and energy gels. Or it might just be a bacon sarnie and a good giggle, getting off and pushing and a well-earned pint.
What you’re sure to get is a great day with a good bunch of people. And a warm welcome.
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities.
Not riding? Lee Quarry is a compact site and is great for spectators who can see the racing at many places during the event. As always we need lots of volunteers on race day so if you want to get involved and support these events and the team get in touch via the website.
All are guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
Read more here http://www.brownbacksracing.co.uk/race_series/2013/index.html
On the day
17+: per race £20
Lads / Lasses: per race £10
Entry on the day will be available if the event is not full (payment will be cash only).
Follow us on twitter https://twitter.com/brownbacks
And on facebook https://www.facebook.com/brownbacksracing?fref=ts
New Sponsor – Welcome to Lusso!
Sponsors are a huge part of Brownbacks. And so we’re delighted to announce that yet another new sponsor is on board for 2013 (initially for one race only so lets make sure he feels the love and comes back for more).
We welcome Lusso, a local cycle clothing manufacturer based in Radcliffe to the Brownbacks family. I’m sure if you check in your cupboard you’ll have some Lusso kit in there that gets used year in, year out as I do so it’s great to have them on board looking after the Silverbacks!
You can read all about them here http://www.lusso-clothing.co.uk/
The business was started in 1982 by John Harrison who was at the time a clothing designer and ex international racing cyclist along with his wife Dorothy who was a sewing machinest.
After John’s frustration in trying to find a comfortable pair of cycling shorts he decided together they would design something more comfortable than the average shorts with the window cleaners rock hard chamois.
Over 30 years later we are still manufacturing in the UK producing a full range of technical, wicking, breathable, windproof and waterproof garments from the racing to the leisure cyclist.
Welcome aboard! And thanks to you and all our sponsors for their fantastic support of ‘grassroots’ mountain bike racing.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
New Sponsor – Welcome to pOcpac!
I know we keep saying it but without our incredibly generous sponsors there wouldn’t be a Brownbacks Series.
And so we’re delighted to announce a new member of the Brownbacks’ sponsors family.
For the 2013 Hope Series, our Have-A-Go Hero category will be sponsored by pOcpac.
You can read all about them here http://www.thepocpac.co.uk/
pOcpacs are the inspiration of two brothers from South Africa. Both engineers and keen mountain bikers, they were out one day in the bush and were caught in a torrential downpour. They were soaked through, including all the kit they were carrying in saddlebags and pockets. What wasn’t ruined or indeed diluted was the fluid in their Camelbaks. It got them thinking. How about harnessing the innovation that keeps fluid in, to keep fluid out. From there sparked the ideas for pOcpac and the range developed.
pOcpacs are manufactured from recyclable material which has memory and elasticity, meaning the cases become more compact when filled. pOcpac cases fit the majority of cycling jersey pockets, and over time become softer and easier to insert and remove your vital personal and cycling items. It’s the iPac which is most revolutionary case within the range of – you can keep your iPhone, Blackberry or other smartphone safe and dry inside, and still be able to use it. What’s not to like? Functional, stylish and affordable.
At last, there’s no need for you to fit and carry an aesthetically challenged saddlebag, which will weigh down your expensive carbon frame and wheels. What’s not to like?
Welcome aboard! And thanks to you and all our sponsors for their fantastic support of ‘grassroots’ mountain bike racing.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
Brownbacks – Meet The Riders – Simon Fox
A the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, without the riders there wouldn’t be a Brownbacks Series. And that means every single one of them is very special to us. Next up, Brownbacks very own ‘Mr Sparkle’. Some of us struggle with 27 gears…he makes do with one!
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
A loooong time. I started riding mountain bikes about 1990 but when I was a kid we used to hammer round off road on 10 gear racers with the drops turned round. Happy days!
How do you come to be involved with Brownbacks Racing?
I’d heard about the Adrenaline Gateway on the Singletrack forum several years ago and I’ve always thought it was a great resource to have virtually on the doorstop and so when the Brownbacks thing started it was a given that I’d have to have a go.
What is it about Brownbacks Racing that makes you come back each series?
It’s a great mix of challenging courses which change every time, a good down-to-earth unpretentious attitude from the organizers, encouraging marshals and the camaraderie from fellow competitors.
What does ‘grassroots’ mountain bike racing mean to you?
Good, affordable events where you can race people at a similar ability to yourself. Brownbacks and Hit the North both epitomise ‘grassroots’ racing, I think.
What bike(s) do you ride? And why?
Off road I ride a singlespeed. Why? Er, stupidity I think…I have a cross bike too as I like to have a dabble at the Three Peaks Cyclocross race.
What’s the best place you’ve ridden your bike and why?
In 2007 I did the Grand Raid Cristalp in Switzerland . Racing in the Alps was something a bit special. This year the Singlespeed Euro’s were in Catalonia in Spain and the riding there was pretty damned fine too. Read all about it: http://mrsparkleversuslife.blogspot.co.uk/
Where is your dream trail (apart from Lee Quarry obviously)?
If I could go back to Catalonia I’d be there in a heartbeat.
Now something a bit daft. They’re compiling your mountain bike highlight reel, what song is the first one on the soundtrack?
Summat like ‘Du Hast’ by those cheeky chappies Rammstein, please. ;0)
Thanks to Simon.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
A the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, without the riders there wouldn’t be a Brownbacks Series. And that means every single one of them is very special to us. Adrian’s a local. And another riding a 29er!
How long have you been riding mountain bike?
20 years.
How do you come to be involved with Brownbacks Racing?
I enjoy competing at most things I do, it’s a local event very close to home in a location I am familiar with.
What is it about Brownbacks Racing that makes you come back each series?
The friendly nature of the organisers, the banter and the excellent organisation.
What does ‘grassroots’ mountain bike racing mean to you?
Being able to turn up and be accepted, helped and encouraged by all.
What bike(s) do you ride? And why?
Giant Anthem 29er I wanted a lighter weight full sus to replace the Giant Trance x4 I rode previously. I also have a Rock Lobster hardtail for less severe riding.
What’s the best place you’ve ridden your bike and why?
I would love to ride in the Rockies.
Now something a bit daft. They’re compiling your mountain bike highlight reel, what song is the first one on the soundtrack?
Queens bicycle song what else!!
Thanks to Adrian.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
Brownbacks – Meet The Riders – Dan Evans
At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, without the riders there wouldn’t be a Brownbacks Series. And that means every single one of them is very special to us. Next up Dan. He was too modest to say it himself but we know he wins things…. like the 2012 Series!
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
On and off since I was about 6, that’s a bloody long time but it’s been mostly recreational stuff. Racing for the last four years or so.
How do you come to be involved with Brownbacks Racing?
Brownbacks was recommended to me by a friend who raved about the rocky, technical nature of the courses and the chilled out environment.
What is it about Brownbacks Racing that makes you come back each series?
As previous really, it’s like XC racing for blokes instead of the traditional short course XC. Technical sections tough enough to stop your average roadie romping away with it and enough to keep us dirty types on our toes.
What does ‘grassroots’ mountain bike racing mean to you?
It means a relaxed day out at the races, no mither, no nonsense and plenty of laughs.
What bike(s) do you ride? And why?
I race a Cannondale Flash 29er with it’s odd looking Lefty fork. Why? Quite simply because it’s the lightest, fastest bike out there but still an absolute hoot to ride! My training and general playing about is done on a Giant Anthem 29er which is the best all rounder on the market. Fast enough to win XC races yet super stable and fun to ride.
What’s the best place you’ve ridden your bike and why?
This is an easy one, Brechfa! Fantastic flowy trails with plenty of jumps. BIG jumps!!! I also have a bit of a thing for foreign tarmac but I’d better keep quiet about that…
Where is your dream trail (apart from Lee Quarry obviously)?
Probably “A” line in Whistler. I’ve never been but it sounds like my cup of tea, one for the bucket list.
Now something a bit daft. They’re compiling your mountain bike highlight reel, what song is the first one on the soundtrack?
Anything from the soundtrack to MBUK’s DIRT video. Songs we listened to as kids while JMC and Warner were inspiring us. Showing my age now!
Thanks Dan.
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious, without the riders there wouldn’t be a Brownbacks Series. And that means every single one of them is very special to us. James is a local….and Smiths fan!
Go to brownbacksracing.co.uk for entry details and the latest news or follow us on twitter @brownbacks and at facebook.com/brownbacksracing
Brownbacks is a non-profit enterprise run by volunteers who believe in giving back to the sport and the community through organising the race series, supporting the local kids MTB club and making donations to local charities. We are always on the lookout for more people to help with marshalling and organising the races so there are ways for everyone to get involved.
If you’re already a convert to the cause, we can’t wait to see you again.
Nervous novice? Don’t just think about racing. Do it. With us.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the Quarry and a day you’ll never forget for all the right reasons.
