Club president Darren Shiell said yesterday he was excited to discover 19 members among a capacity field of 300 for Sunday's race at Yaugher mountain bike park, near Forrest.

"I was stoked when I read the entry list," Shiell said.

"I reckon it probably would be (highest) for the number of members going away to an event. We've got a really good mix of men's solo, pairs and teams, women's pairs and school teams."

Shiell said it was the first major event run by the fledgling Forrest Mountain Bike Club, which had some of Australia's best tracks on its doorstep.

He said the Yaugher circuit featured fast-flowing, downhill sections and big berms, offering riders the challenge of weighing up speed versus risk.

Warrnambool Mountain Bike Club will field a strong contingent in the men's solo category, led by Travis McMahon, of Timboon, Luke Berry and Scott Thompson, of Port Campbell.

Shiell rates McMahon a top-three chance in the amateur ranks.

Andy Graham is joining forces with David Rusden of Geelong, in men's pairs, while at the other end of the competitive scale is the team entry Slow Man Go, which includes race debutant Richard Furphy.

Belinda Hartwich and Jo Hand will contest women's pairs, with Otto Oppermann, Harrison Ernst, Sam Pyers and Hugh O'Brien in school teams.

Racing begins at 10am, with riders circulating on a 10km course with large sections of open firetrail and single track.

Shiell said WMBC would erect its own tents near the course, where club members could congregate on race day.

For a rider's view of the course, visit http://www.forrest6hour.com.au/