The race, hosted by the Central Tablelands MTB Club (CTMBC) and the NSW Forestry Corporation, is returning to Rydal for the second time in its 11 year history with support from Lithgow City Council. 

It is expected that between 250 and 300 race participants from all over the country will compete in the 24 hour competition and 6+6 hour. Participants can race in teams of up to six for the 24 hour and teams of up to four in the 6+6 hour. 

CTMBC president Craig Flynn will be competing in a team of six for the upcoming event.

"We held this race in Rydal last year and it was well received and it has trails that people really enjoyed so now we are bringing it back. It draws riders from all across the state," he said. 

Flynn said it was a good atmosphere, having 300 people out there enjoying what you enjoy.

"Riding in a team means it will be a fun weekend with a good club atmosphere where we can really just enjoy ourselves," he said.

The race favourite is multiple 24-hour World Champion, Jason English, from Newcastle who won the JetBlack 24 Hour event seven times and who will be at the start line to defend his 2018 title. 

Flynn said the competition is always at high level when competing against multiple world champions, including Jason English. 

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"It is always good to be riding with world champions because you know they are at the top of the field."

Riders also have the chance to race in solo divisions.

"It is very difficult to continually ride for 24 hours, the solo guys are pretty insane," Flynn said.  

Flynn said he was happy that there would be at least four teams from Lithgow competing with local riders.

"We race every week, in short cross country style half hour competitions so this will be a great challenge," he said. 

The event will have a DJ, food, kids activities and a signature Rocky Trail wake up call on Sunday morning. 

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