The first bicycle club in Leek was the Leek and Moorlands Bicycle Club, formed by William Thomas Cook in August 1876, Cook was the first club captain and the club met at the Old Plough Vaults in St Edward Street. The club changed its name to Leek Bicycle Club in June 1879, then to Leek Cyclists' Club in 1883 when tricycles were admitted.
The first bicycle track race in Leek was at the Leek Church of England Temperance Association grand fete and gala, which was held at Churnet Grange on September 8th 1877. A bicycle race for members of the Leek and Moorlands Bicycle Club was included, it was a one mile handicap. There were six starters, in two heats, with long marker JT Alcock staying ahead for the win. Admission cost sixpence, half price to members of the Band of Hope.
The sports meeting was held again 28th August 1880 with six athletic events and the Leek Bicycle Club held their five miles Championship race. The Staffordshire Daily Sentinel described the event with very little empathy. There were four competitors and Schofield took the lead for several laps "but suddenly and to the no small amusement of the spectators, came to grief", another rider got thrown on two occasions. Job Tatton eventually won the race by fifteen yards from Alcock. The number of spectators was reported as "very large". After the sports, there was dancing to the Leek Volunteer Band.
The event was repeated in 1881 with the Leek BC five miles championship race. Job Tatton, the defending champion fell and WH Peach won by half a lap. The Leek Volunteer Band provided the music and Leek Coffee Tavern Company served refreshments. This was the last bicycle race to be held at Churnet Grange.
Churnet Grange still exists and is part of Churnet Grange Farm.