The annual ride, which raises funds for the Smith Family Learning for Life program, attracts more than 15,000cyclists each year.

This year, event organiser Bicycle Victoria is aiming to raise $600,000, which will provide more than 1500disadvantaged children with educational support for a year.

Berwick resident Guido Dissengna will tackle the 210-kilometre ride from Melbourne to Sorrento, across the bay on the ferry and then from Queenscliff back to Melbourne.

This will be Dissengna's second attempt at the ride. Last year, he completed the 100-kilometre ride with his teenage daughter.

He says he decided to register after hearing colleagues at work debating the ride.

"It coincided with me picking up bike riding anyway. So it seemed like a good idea at the time."

His interest in riding started from his involvement with his daughter in a human-powered vehicle team.

"They do training each Sunday morning so I thought they might as well get on the bike as well and do some exercise."

Dissengna urged anyone considering the ride to train appropriately before the October event.

"It is good to get some time in the saddle to get prepared and be able to stay on the bike for the whole time.

"Last year it was hot and windy, so we had to make sure we had plenty of water and rest.

"But you have to be ready on the day to face whatever happens."

He says riding opened his eyes to everything Victoria has to offer.

"I like the challenge of doing long rides and being in that large group of riders and seeing some sights along the way that I otherwise would never see.

"Last year we got to cycle over the West Gate Bridge, which is something you don't get to do every day.

"Sometimes you have your head down just hoping to get up the next hill, but other times you get a chance to look around and say 'this is nice'."