The long awaited Brownbacks 2010 XC MTB Series is now open for entries.
Following the resounding success of 2009 which saw a two page spread in MBUK, more riders than you shake a stick at and remarkable luck with the weather the team have drawn on the massive rider and sponsor support and are back for 5 dates in 2010: 30th May, 27th June, 25th July, 22nd August, 26th Sept.
With racing for riders aged 15 to 105 and two courses running in parallel making the event accessible for the less experienced and testing for the regular racers, the proven format enables the organisers (eight blokes in a pub) to attract riders of all abilities, from first-timers through to the racing whippet straight from the national series. "We offer something for everyone, we know the elite will go out and race fast and hard, the Weekend Warriors will be more of a spread with some loving the technical downhill sections more than the ups. It's the Have-a-goes and the kids we really try and look after. Lee Quarry is an awesome dramatic venue and we want to give them a taste of the quarry without them biting off more than they can chew"– commented Series Director, Paul McKeown over a pint. Paul went on to say "What we are also working hard on is getting women’s racing off the ground. What we have seen in 2009 is that there is that they have got the legs and skills and there is plenty of talent out there. We now want to build on that and get sustainable numbers for the future supported by the generous sponsorship from Hope and Bardon Aggregates".
With the first round of the series now only a few weeks away (30th May), the event organisation is in full swing and the Brownbacks Technical and Course Directors, Chris Smith and Neil White are spending every spare minute fine tuning the courses at Lee Quarry – the venue for the Hope sponsored series. No strangers to competing in and organising mountain bike races, Chris and Neil former NPS downhillers– who were key members of the 2009 team are excited about the prospects for the series: "I can't wait.' states Neil “The new investment by Lancashire County Council within Lee Quarry opens new course options and enable us to keep our reputation for exciting and demanding course design." Picking up his beer Chris adds, "With 5 different courses pack into the quarry, expect some surprises!” Neil chips in, "we are looking for a mixture of trails and the quarry is great as the trails can stand up to the worst weather. We vary the balance at each race; some are fast, some are more technical, we've done our best to gather the best singletrack, exciting descents and some good tough and technical ascents to mould into each course". Chris's top tip for the series? "don't expect a break, it's racing, it's intense. Even if we do work hard to give you a massive grin all the way around the course" he says with a smile.
Lee Quarry is a compact site where spectators can see the racing at many places during the event . They don't have to stand with a bottle, an energy bar and a spare set of wheels as the organisers operate a "back to basic's" policy. Jason Boyd Facilities Director comments from the bar "it's about levelling the playing field and making people think about the kit they use and the gear they carry. For us outside support is against the spirit of cross country riding where self reliance is key".
Each event is a single race with a staggered start, and a common finish. "This makes sure everyone gets to feel they are part of a big event" comments Dave Hashdi Communications Director as he reaches for the nuts "you don't want to be part of a warm up event if you have paid up like the elite guys, you want to be part of the main event and we make sure you are! Every rider is important to us and we aim make everyone's day"
All events in the series follow a common timetable:
08:00: Registration and Sign-on opens
09:15: Course opens for practice
10:00: Racer, Racing Diva, and Weekend Warrior start
10:20: Have-a-go start
10:40: Lads and Lasses start
11:30: (ish) last lap given, racing complete by 12:00
12:30: Prize giving starts with the spot prizes followed by the main categories
Andrew Moore and Andy Seddon the latest recruits to the team are enthusiastic about 2010, "Brownbacks is all about people who care about mountain biking making things happen. It's great for the area, it's great for mountain biking and we get to raise cash for local charities and have the odd beer" comments Andy. "I started volunteering to help with these events and I saw the effort and spirit of the team and just had to be part of it to make sure 2010 happened" adds Andrew from the corner "we need lots of volunteers on race day for everything from sign-on, timekeeping to marshalling, people should just get involved to support these events and the team".
A big thanks must go to the 2010 sponsors with some familiar names and some new supporters: Hope, Astounding Adventures, Leisure Lakes, Blazing Saddles (Hebden Bridge), Bardon Aggregates, CRUD, Minx Girl, Charlie the Bikemonger and the results sponsored by DHP11. Full details of the generous prize list is on the website
www.brownbacksracing.co.uk. The series operates with the generous support of Lancashire CC who own and operate the site and with the patience and tolerance of the people who live next to the quarry entrance. As usual the team need lots of volunteers on race day for everything from sign-on, to marshalling to timekeeping. If you are interested get in contact via the website.
Entry is priced to make racing accessible for all
Dates: 30th May, 27th June, 25th July, 22nd August, 26th Sept.
Postal pre-entry
17+: per race £10 / series £45
Lads / Lasses: per race £5 / series £22.50
On-line pre-entry www.xcracer.com
17+: per race £12 / series £50
Lads / Lasses: per race £6 / series £25
On the day
17+: per race £15
Lads / Lasses: per race £7.50
Pre-entry is recommended and we must get your entry (either as a completed entry form and cheque or on-line) 7 days before the event
Please return your form to:
Brownbacks, c/o DJ Cycles,
1 Longsight Road, Holcombe Brook, Bury, BL0 9SL. Cheques payable to 'Brownbacks'.
Entry on the day will be available if the event is not full (payment will be cash only).
Keep checking the website
www.brownbacksracing.co.uk over the coming weeks for more news as we finalise our series sponsors.
