Riders can choose to cover the full 90-kilometre distance starting from and returning to Speers Point, or opt for 55-kilometre or 13-kilometre options, starting from Morisset and Belmont respectively.

A Family Charity Ride has also been introduced to the program this year.

It features an easy seven-kilometre cycle from Speers Point to Warners Bay and back, on the shared pathway along the lake foreshore. A team event will also be held for the first time.

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser will perform official starter’s duties from Speers Point at 7am.

“Loop the Lake is an iconic Lake Macquarie event, and I am excited to be launching the ride for the first time,” Cr Fraser said.

“It is such a wonderful sight every year to see groups of brightly coloured riders of all ages and abilities out on our roads, being active and enjoying our great outdoors.”

The charity ride, conducted by the Rotary Club of Warners Bay, has raised more than $1 million since its inception. Profits from this year’s event will benefit Camp Quality, the Cancer Council, and John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

Riders can enter online at loopthelake.com.au until 6pm on Saturday, March 11. They can also register on the website to be an Everyday Hero and raise money for one of the nominated charities.

Among the riders in this year’s event will be Scott Sam, who will be raising money for Camp Quality. Scott’s teenage daughter Hannah was supported by Camp Quality at the age of four through her diagnosis with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Scott will be among a group of about 40 riders using the event as a warm-up for Camp Quality’s 1000K’s 4 Kids ride later in the year.