Newcrest Orange Challenge bike ride meeting to encourage businesses to get involved

Organisers said they were pleased with the venue last year and would use it again at this year's event on the weekend of March 21-22.

Bicycle Network general manager Rebecca Lane said they were seeking community involvement at the park.

"Last year's move to Robertson Park created a buzz around the event," she said.

"We'll be back there this year and we'd love to see businesses benefit financially and locals have a go on their bikes," she said.

Bicycle Network will hold a public meeting to discuss the event and how businesses could get involved.

It is at the Hotel Canobolas on Tuesday from 6pm.

"We're welcoming people to set up stalls at the event village and we'd love to see businesses in Orange open their doors," she said.

"We'll be at the hotel on Tuesday to chat about how we can work together to put on a great show."

Cyclists planning to enter the ride are also invited to the meeting.

She said they were expecting about 1500 people, similar to last year, to participate in the ride.

There are three different distances for competitors to choose from on the main day, Sunday March 22.

The 70 kilometre ride goes from Orange to Canowindra, the 100km ride is from Canowindra to Orange while the 170km ride is a loop starting and finishing in Orange.

She said there would also be events on the Saturday in Robertson Park.

That included a Prologue in the Park sprint race and a 100 metre race for children 12 and under.

The Prologue in the Park time trial event has $1000 prizemoney each for the fastest man and woman around the course.

There will also be a 50-kilometre social ride to Millthorpe and back.

Ms Lane said the event would support the Buy a Bale program to help farmers battling the drought.

They are seeking to buy 500 bales of hay.

Bicycle Network has bought 100 bales and participants will be able to make extra contributions of $20 per bale.