Plenty of the Western Plains towns can expect visits from the six day Toyota Tour de Orana Region Outback Challenge (OROC) 2024, who have just confirmed their route for the charity ride.

Run by the Rotary Club of Dubbo South, the challenging 6-day biennial bicycle ride was created in 2013 to raise funds for Macquarie Home Stay. 

Dubbo's Macquarie Home Stay services people throughout the Orana Region, providing a facility to give patients and their loved ones a home away from home during their stay. 

More than 50 per cent of admissions to Dubbo Hospital come from outside of Dubbo.  

Since its inception in 2013, the Toyota Tour de OROC has raised over $660,000 for Macquarie Home Stay, staging events in 2013; 2015; 2017; 2019; and a COVID-19 delayed event in 2022.  

The first day pushes off from Dubbo on Monday 18 March 2024 with an overnight stay in Coonamble.  

On day two, the cyclists will make their way to Walgett. 

The third day will see the cyclists travel from Walgett to Lightning Ridge.  

25 riders covered the 1,100 kilometre route in 2022. (Image: Facebook)

On day four, the bus will return to Walgett from Lightning Ridge, and then the cyclists will ride from Walgett to Brewarrina.  

Day Five the trek will be from Brewarrina to Bourke.  

On the last day the cyclists will make their final stretch from Bourke to Cobar with the bus bringing the cyclists back to Dubbo on Sunday, 24 March 2024.  

Founder of the Toyota Tour de OROC Mathew Dickerson was excited to get the event running for its sixth iteration.  

“Sponsors have always been incredibly supportive of this event and we look forward to more support again in 2024." 

"We already have record rider numbers so the committee is looking forward to setting records in sponsorship as well.” 

Gilgandra Shire Council has announced its commitment of a $1500 sponsorship package to the project. 

The ride will feature two pelotons, one going a little faster than the other. 

In the TdO22, the faster group averaged around 28-30 km/hr while the slower group was around 25-26 km/hr.  

E-bikes are welcomed and entries are now open.