Four Cowra cyclists will see part of its beauty first hand when they tackle Amy's Gran Fondo ride over 110km on September 15.

The age group event conducted by the Amy Gillett Foundation and Cycling Australia gives competitors an opportunity to experience the iconic route and discover the punishing Otway Ranges under full road closure conditions.

Darren Reeks, Dave Richmond, Andy Pullen and Ben Muddle will make up a merry band of the 4000 riders expected, swelling the seaside start-finish town of Lorne to bursting point.

Number cruncher, Andy Pullen, said this year's group 'adventure' came about through family mishap rather than careful planning.

"A few guys went last year," Andy said.

"Richo [Dave Richmond] was pretty keen, booked accommodation for the family, they pulled out and we decided to help him fill the vacant apartment."

But it will be sightseeing with a difference as the climb up Skenes Creek Road provides the most difficult challenge of the journey.

The 10km climb, averaging more than five per cent gradient, combines steep sections with false flats through farmland and forest.

For the last couple of months the gang has been hard at it in preparation.

"On Saturdays we have been doing a fast 60km flat loop (team time trial format)," Andy explained.

"Sundays we have been doing Wyangala - Woodstock - Walli Rd - Binni Creek Road 110km torture. We have all seen an improvement in our fitness. Plus the usual Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"Richo has even shelved the nightly cheese platters in anticipation that he may drop a few kilograms to assist him up a few of the hills."

Amy's Gran Fondo is the only event of this scale in Australia that gives riders the chance to challenge themselves and potentially qualify for the 2014 UCI World Cycling Tour Final (UWCT) in Slovenia with a top 25 per cent finish.

"Darren qualified last year and I will be surprised if he doesn't again this year," Andy said.

"JR [John Roberts - known thrill seeker from Sydney] is off to the world titles in Italy this year from last year's good result.

"Richo is very anxious to qualify and has not stopped talking about it. Jen says that he has been rehearsing the Slovenian national anthem in the shower."