Cyclists from Bermagui and Bega will both contest the gruelling L'Etape Australia in Jindabyne this weekend.
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The full length L'Etape Race is 170km of closed-road riding through rugged mountain climbs around Jindabyne, while Bermagui's John McMahon said a squad of four northern riders will contest the shorter 108km distance ride.
Mr McMahon joked the extra climb to Perisher became "a ride from hell" for many last year with many "literally crawling" the last paces to the finish line up the mountainside.
The 108km ride includes an elevation shift of about 3km, while the longer course includes 23km of elevation changes.
Adrian Day and Dale Roberts from the School of Strength in Bega will also take the challenge, with the two riding groups frequently passing each other on their regular training rides.
"We often ride Bermagui to Tathra and often see the guys from Tathra or even Bega riding up toward Bermagui," Mr McMahon said.
"You give each other a wave and a nod, everybody understands each other's pain," he adds with a laugh.
Mr Day said he and Roberts would go the distance as part of the 170km course, but said there were concerns of snow near Perisher hampering the ride.
"Conditions look interesting to say the least," Mr Day said. "Apparently there is already snow at Perisher which sounds like fun, but not when that is at the 148km mark."
This year, the Bermagui riders, hailing from the Bermagui Runners Triathlon Club have welcomed the support of Honorbread Bakery in Bermagui with owners Honor and Tim to join in the ride themselves.
"It is a really good spot to meet because we meet early around 6am and we have a coffee and bit of bread after the finish," Mr McMahon said.
He said the duo were artisan bakers with some wonderful creations, while twice a week rides and individual training sessions meant the group were craving some carbs at the finish line.
"My oath, if you finish 100km you're looking for some calories," Mr McMahon said with a laugh.
The Bermagui contingent will take on the ride with 'Bermagui Runners ride on Honorbread' printed on the backs of their cycling tops, while the Bega riders will tackle the event under the School of Strength banner.
The L'Etape Australia runs Saturday from 6.30am with starts riding out in waves as officials expect to welcome about 4500 riders for the day.
The shorter 108km course will also launch in waves with starts from 8.30am with both rides to share the finish line.