Welcome to Brownbacks Racing
Brownbacks Racing was a grassroots volunteer-led mountain bike organisation based in the Rossendale Valley. The club hosted the legendary Hope XC Series at Lee Quarry, Bacup, bringing together hundreds of local riders from Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall, and beyond.
Our goal was simple — to make racing fun, friendly and accessible for everyone, from seasoned pros to weekend riders.
Using the motto “Racing is life — everything else is just waiting,” we built a loyal community that still remembers those muddy Sundays fondly.
Browse our race archives, explore the photo gallery, and relive the spirit of Brownbacks Racing.
Our Local Roots in Rossendale
The Rossendale Valley is home to some of the UK’s best off-road cycling terrain, and Lee Quarry became the perfect stage for Brownbacks Racing. Riders came from Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden and beyond to compete and volunteer.
The club worked closely with local sponsors and volunteers, helping to put Rossendale on the map for mountain biking and outdoor sports. Today, the legacy continues as riders still use the trails that Brownbacks helped popularise.
Local Legacy
The Rossendale Valley is home to some of the UK’s best off-road cycling terrain, and Lee Quarry became the perfect stage for Brownbacks Racing. Riders came from Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden and beyond to compete and volunteer. The club worked closely with local sponsors and volunteers, helping to put Rossendale on the map for mountain biking and outdoor sports. Today, the legacy continues as riders still use the trails that Brownbacks helped popularise.
Throwback to Race Days
Every event had its own energy — the early-morning buzz of sign-on, the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of tyres crunching gravel. Whether you were there to compete or just to cheer from the hillside, Brownbacks Racing captured the true essence of community-driven sport. We’ve archived photos and race memories so visitors can relive those great days and see why Brownbacks Racing remains such an important part of Rossendale’s sporting heritage.
Volunteer Spirit
None of it would have been possible without the incredible volunteers — from marshals and timekeepers to the families who manned the sign-on desk. The spirit of giving back is what made Brownbacks Racing special, and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part. If you were involved in the series and want to share stories or photos, please get in touch.
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