The annual Rotary Newcastle-Dungog Charity Bike Ride has previously raised over $45,000 for medical research.

 With late entries being accepted, organisers are expecting an impressive peloton comprising elite racers through to social riders.

The 90km route wends its way to the Barrington foothills via four local government areas – Newcastle, Port Stephens, Great Lakes and Dungog.

From Nobbys it follows the Industrial Highway and Maitland Road, crosses Hexham Bridge then follows the Pacific Highway to the Bucketts Way.

From there it’s on to Limeburners Creek Road before finishing with a gradual climb to Dungog.

Rotary Club of Newcastle members serve as marshals.

Members of the Dungog club then welcome riders upon arrival at the town’s Jubilee Park.

Top riders take less than three hours to complete the course.

“It’s always great to see so many cyclists doing their bit for medical research through HMRI,” event spokesman Ian Bourne said.

“It’s a challenging ride in parts, but the course takes in scenic countryside that riders don’t often see.”

The event coincides with Bikefest activities and precedes a shorter Crowne 2 Crowne ride the following day.

Late bookings and details at www.newcastledungogbikeride.org.au