Location: Lee Quarry, Lancashire
Event: 27 May, 1 July, 2 September, 14 October
Source: Brownbacks Racing
Photography: Daniel Cowell
Now in its fourth year, the Hope Cross Country Race Series has a new four new dates for 2012 named as 27 May, 1 July, 2 September, 14 October.
The Hope Cross Country Series is designed to allow riders of all standards to compete and enjoy themselves in a dramatic venue. Lee Quarry with its excellent Rowan Sowell designed trails, cheeky “off piste” sections and the presence of high exposure against the scenic backdrop of the Rossendale Valley is somewhere once raced is never forgotten.
To enable riders of all standards to compete, 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. The main course is where the organisers push hard to cram in exciting descents mixed in with technical climbs to test the all round ability of the riders. Each race is different with familiar sections often reversed and new sections introduced each week to ensure that the same course is never raced twice.
New for 2012 are 40+ and 50+ age categories. Responding to rider demands, the organising team have decided to change their policy for this year and let these riders race against each other at last. This should bring in proper racing for the “old enough to know better” generation and there are great hopes for large fields in both these new categories.
Even if you are not riding, Lee Quarry is a compact site and is great for spectators who can see the racing at many places during the event. 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 and riders all finish in time to enjoy the rest of the weekend. There is plenty of car parking with facilities and catering in the event village.
As always, plenty of volunteers are required on race day for everything from sign-on, timekeeping to marshalling. If you want to get involved to help support these events and the team get in touch via the website. The organising team are all volunteers and without the generous support of others would not be able to put such events on.
For full details can be found on the website www.brownbacksracing.co.uk .
