More than 250 racers from over NSW and the ACT took part in the four and seven hour competition when the seven hour competition was stopped after a severe medical incident occurred.

Local racer, Kevin Simpson from Bowral passed away at the scene.

Three ambulance services were on the scene and a rescue helicopter was tasked from the Wollongong base. Paramedics assessed on location and Mr Simpson did not require transport to hospital according to Ambulance media.

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Willo event founder and friend of Mr Simpson, Meg Patey said he put a lot of time and energy into looking after the Welby Mountain Trails at Mittagong.

"He was the kind of the person that whenever he went riding at Welby he would talk to anyone who was there," Ms Patey said.

"He was very friendly and as a result he captured a bunch of followers. A lot of these people would turn up because Kevin was so friendly, welcoming and personable.

"He also rode with a group of guys in Welby and they probably wouldn't have done it if not for Kevin.

"In his own way he had a lovely sense of leadership, but never was full of himself. He also never forgot to bring snacks for everyone.

"He was also quite the perfectionist. Everything he did, he did quite well.

"He was a bit of a legend all around. A lot of people knew him and a lot of people will miss him."

Highlands Gas Service was established in Bowral in 1985 and was launched as the first independent service contractor to AGL in NSW.

Mr Simpson was the principal of Highlands Gas Service and began his apprenticeship as a plumber/gasfitter with AGL in 1980.

His training covered appliance installation, appliance repairs and service, installation of gas mains and inlet services to homes.

He trained in gas meter installation and testing, and gas leakage detection in both Natural Gas and LPG.

In 1991 Highlands Gas Services became the main installation contractor for AGL in the Southern Highlands area, employing a team of sub-contractors to fulfill a growing market demand for gas heating.

Mr Simpson's son, Nick Simpson said he loved his work and going around getting to see people everyday.

"Dad was always happy to stay a bit longer with his customers and help them out, particularly the older folk," Nick said.

"He loved hearing about their pets, families and hobbies. He had a great rapport with so many local returning customers.

"He was the most amazing father anyone could ever wish for.

"He was an absolutely beautiful man and he died doing something he loved. He was a pure honest man, who did everything he could for his family.

"He loved his wife Dawn and his son's Mitch and Nick completely. He was always happy to stop and chat with anybody he met. He had a magic way of making you feel welcomed and loved."

Highlands Gas Services will still be a major player in the Highlands for heating repairs after a temporary hold on operations.

Mr Simpson's funeral will be held at St Paul's Catholic Church in Moss Vale.

There is yet to be any funeral details set but there will be a notice confirming details in the near future.

Kevin Simpson was 57 years old.