The 35-year-old will be competing in the open male soloist category when the inaugural Al Dente Winter's Edge XC kicks off at 9:30am on Sunday.

Despite having experience riding in eight and 12 hour team events, Watson decided to use his first major riding event in his home town to race as a soloist in his "pet event" of four hours.

"I really enjoy that timeframe," he said.

Watson's love of riding has taken him to clubs in Lithgow and Western Sydney before bringing him home to join the Bathurst Cycling Club a few months ago.

That decision has given him a major home court advantage for this particular race, practicing for three to four times a week on the very trail to be used for the Winter's Edge XC.

Few people going up against him will know of the challenges this track presents, which will hopefully work in his favour.

"It has a lot of climbing in it, and to do four hours straight solo is going to be tough," Watson said.

Bathurst Cycling Club president Phil Egan expects fast riders will most likely be clocking up lap times between 25-30 minutes, and Watson may very well fall into this range himself.

However, he is focusing more on the number of laps he can do in the four hour period of the race.

"In four hours there is a lot of time for things to go wrong and a lot to consider, but I'm aiming to do nine laps," he said.

Thankfully, his wife will be on hand to help with his nutrition and keeping him hydrated as he pushes himself in the gruelling race.

"I've got a lot of friends coming out to support me as well," Watson said.

And of course, he hopes a strong local crowd will turn out to support all the riders and spur them on as they face the tough endurance challenge.

"I've never experienced a big race in my home town," he said. "I hope a lot of Bathurst people get out there to see what it's all about."