Lee Quarry seems to grow singletrack by the minute, something we discovered in the April issue, in the shops on March 11. Now local club Brownbacks Racing is organising a series of race days to test people’s skills, their fitness, their bikes and their competitive streak at the new purpose built all-weather facility in Rossendale, the organisers say.

Paul McKeown, chairperson of Brownbacks, said: “Although mountain biking, locally, is very popular and there are numerous small groups of mountain bikers who meet socially to ride local trails, there is no outlet for the competitive side of the sport. Due to Lancashire County Council’s investment in the fantastic trails at Lee Quarry, which provide some of the best cross country riding in the country, we saw the opportunity to develop a race series as a community activity.

“By hosting these events and providing opportunities for riders and businesses to get involved we hope to also generate interest in the area. Lee Quarry is a stunning location and a perfect showcase for Rossendale and the Adrenaline Gateway Initiative.”

The Brownbacks Racing Series 1 aims to offer back to basics, grassroots racing. All the races will be held at Lee Quarry in Rossendale. The new trail centre has over 4.5km of routes that cater for riders of all standards, with a skills area for those less confident. The trails consist of the main red standard trail and some black standard trails. There are also plans to develop the trails further in the future.

Gary Hood Executive Director of Rossendale Leisure Trust said: “It is fantastic to see the Brownbacks Mountain Biking Racing Club setting out on their first season of racing up at Lee Quarry.

“Throughout the summer months the races will provide riders from all over the North West with a chance to compete on one of the most innovative routes in UK. This is what the Adrenaline Gateway is about and we thank the Brownbacks team for bringing their exciting event series to Rossendale”

Series 1 will commence with the first race taking place on 19 April with further events planned for 4 May, 17 May, and 31 May. Series 2 will take place from August. Race entries must be received by the Wednesday prior to the event. For more details of the race, facilities, categories, dates of future events and how enter visit www.brownbacksracing.co.uk or pick up an entry form from your local bike shop.

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