PMBA

The race on Sunday was the conclusion of our sixth series and the weather held off to give a dry race for all. We at Brownbacks go on a lot about being a 'grassroots' organisation. There's a reason for that. We're proud of it. It's in our DNA. It's why we do what we do. We love mountain bikes and the people that ride them. Being 'grassroots' also means that we care deeply about the future of the sport. And if our Ride On 'Lads' category Series winner, Will Lewis (High Peak Cycles) is anything to go by the future is in safe hands. Always calm and confident on the bike and always very quick, Will showed why he's top of the pile for 2013 with another impressive victory. Joe Williams (Holme Valley Wheelers) and Joseph Entwistle got off to flyers with super-fast first laps but had to be content with second and third respectively. Will showed great staying power to win with in an impressive five-laps. The final standings saw series Ted Credie as runner-up. Jake Gillian's efforts got him third for 2013. Huge congratulations to all who raced in this category for 2013, we hope to see all of you back next year.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Simon 'Mr Sparkle' Fox (Darwen Singlespeed) secured the 2013 Lusso/Maxgear Racing Grand Veterans Series with a Round 4 race win. He also took home some rather nice Hope R1 lights from Series sponsors Hope Technology. Those who've seen Simon race will know he doesn't do gears, but he had to make do with second in the Singlespeed category, sponsored as always by Charlie The Bikemonger (probably the best bike shop in Swanage). Carl Draper was super quick despite only having one gear on his bike. Not only did he take home a rather fetching t-shirt from Charlie for this category but he won a well-deserved spot prize for his skills. Ironworks Frames' Mick Rushton was third (on a bike he built himself!).

Stuart Rider (Riders Cycle Centre) took his Transition Bandit to both a top place on the podium on race day and a Lusso/Maxgear Racing Veterans Series win. Stuart's commute will never be the same (in a good way) thanks to his Hope R1 LED lights courtesy of Hope Technology. Ian Palmer (Santa Cruz) was second on the day with Peter Squires (Big Bear Bikes) in third.

The Big Bear Bikes Weekend Warriors is the biggest of our racing classes. And they never disappoint on the course. With riders traveling hundreds of miles to take part with the quarry providing a full on introduction into northern mountain biking for the lads from Kent. Ben Neaves (thebikeyard/ilovevelo) was the Weekend Warrior Round 4 winner, with Rossendale RC's James Tudor in second and Andrew Lindley just behind him. Ben was the only rider to manage six laps just escaping being lapped by Kevin Smith, however he had to complete the final lap with a broken chain mixing running with freewheeling. Ben had to make do with third overall for the Series. James Tudor grabbed top spot for 2013 with Rob Lihou taking second.

So what of the fast men and women? The Leisure Lakes Racers and TGStore.eu Racing Divas? Kevin Smith carried on where he left off at Round 3. He was ridiculously quick up and downhill and his first place bagged him the big prize for 2013. There was a pattern emerging as Leisure Lakes' David Bentley's skills and speed took him to second in Round 4 and second overall. Dalby Bike Barn's Ben Lawson was third in the race but Ted Credie bagged that place for the year.

In the TGStore.eu Racing Divas, Alison Rushton made 2013 her year with another emphatic win. Jane Squires (Big Bear Bikes) was second on the day.

Singletrack's Beate Kubitz got second for the Series with WXC World Racing's Amber Southern in third.

2013 has been a great year. So to the riders, marshals, timing team, Rossendale and Pendle MRT, Rossendale BC, Lancashire CC, sponsors and supporters we say thank you. Without you all there wouldn't be a Brownbacks Hope XC Series.

See you in 2014!!!