Nearly a dozen riders from the Gunnedah area will take part, many of who train weekly on local trails off Wandobah Road as well as regular road cycling pushes.

The Keepit Real 100 caters for competitors from all levels of experience with three distances on offer – a gruelling 50km trek, a 30km middle distance event or a short 10km sprint.

From dirt roads and tracks, farm trails, muddy gullies and rocky rough terrains, the Keepit course has just about every mountain bike terrain covered.

Veteran Gunnedah rider Garry Turner was enthused by the Keepit course’s predominantly “flat and fast” open circuit.

“There are a few technical parts but for most of it, it’s just going to be real fast,” he said.

Nearly all Gunnedah competitors will sign up for the full 50km race this weekend, determined to push both the body and mind to its limit.

Among the riding elite expected to kit up for the event is the current Under 19 National XC Mountain Bike Champion, Holly Harris, who was seen training on the Gunnedah bush trails earlier this year.

Harris said the opportunity to compete at an event so close to her home base in Armidale, is too good to pass up.

Also expected to be among the starters is winner of the Kona 24-hour endurance challenge, Sean Bekkers.

The experienced trail rider who resides in Queensland but often commutes to Tamworth for work, is also looking forward to tackling the Keepit course. 

Race entry starts from $35 with pre-race briefings at 6.45am for 50km and 30km and  9.15am for 10km competitors on Saturday.

For more information go to centauroutdoorevents.com.au