A record number of participants will traverse Havelock North's hill terrain today as part of the MCL Triple Peaks.
Although weather warnings are concerning race directors Richard Mills and Emma Buttle, who are waiting with bated breath.
This is the duo, from Bennelong Mountain Bike Club which is based in Havelock North, who will be at the helm of the event, having taken over from former event director David Step.
Ms Buttle said the lead up to the event has been "incredible".
"The amount of support we have gained from the community has been quite an eye opener. Businesses and individuals have really gotten behind it.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome. We are stoked with our sponsors and we couldn't have asked for a better naming rights sponsor. MCL have been brilliant and we are on track to possibly be the biggest Triple Peaks ever."
A record 760 entrants have already signed up for the event - with about 20 per cent from outside of Hawke's Bay, and with registrations closing today, there was still room for more participants.
In its 30th year, they have made some significant changes, including a slightly different course, and an event bridge in Havelock North.
During the event, the village's centre will have live footage streamed on to a big screen, an iway course for children, a face painter and much more.
"It will be full of atmosphere and a bit of a buzz and with entertainers, so we are trying to get people into the village and check out the action."
There is a whole new section of track on Mt Kahuranaki and a new way of climbing up Mt Erin.
"It's disappointing the weather hasn't played ball but the weather forecast is good for Saturday. With all this rain we are a bit uncertain about the river levels at the moment so that will be determined tomorrow about whether we do course A or B."
This year's event is fundraising for Te Mata Park.
Mr Mills said there were a few last minute things to do, but overall it was looking very positive.