The late riders were respected members of the Warrnambool Veterans Cycling Club and are fondly remembered by fellow road racing competitors.

Former WVCC president Barry Webster said Brennan was a likeable character at the club.

"He always had plenty of time to have a yarn, he was very encouraging and jovial," he said.

"He was just a really nice guy and a very good bike rider."

When Brennan was not pedalling along south-west roads he concentrated on show pigeons.

Webster recalled the bird lover taking pigeons to a South Australian agricultural show before competing in the Mount Gambier 100 Mile Cycling Classic.

"He won the race and his pigeons won the show," Webster said.

Robbie Hall was Brennan's son-in-law.

Warrnambool sporting identity Barry Warren said Hall was a humble, hard-working man.

"He had a simple philosophy on life: if you want to succeed you put the hours in and work hard," he said.

"He worked at Callaghan Motors for over 30 years and would ride every morning rain, hail or shine - there was no one tougher."

Warren said a final moment with Hall continued to linger in his mind.

"I sat with Robbie the afternoon before he passed away.

"We spoke about how you can have a great love for your family and you can have another love for your friends. Hally loved and was loved by many."

Brennan passed away from cancer 23 years ago and Hall lost his battle with cancer three years ago.

But the 62-kilometre handicap race named in the pair's honour lives strong.

Webster, who has contested the event 20 times, said 86 veteran riders would battle for the finish line.

"It's the best numbers we've had for at least 10 years," he said.

"We are very pleased."

The 66-year-old tipped last year's winner Simon Walsh and Rob Cassie as the cyclists to beat. Racing starts at the Wangoom Oval at 10am.

Meanwhile, the Camperdown Cycling Club is also holding two races at Terang on Saturday. Club member Kieran Glennen said an open race would start in Baynes Street at the 60kmh signs and do one lap around the 15km Terang-Noorat block. "The junior race starts at the Noorat pub and they will do the 7.8km back into Terang," he said.

Juniors start at 1.30pm and seniors at 2pm.