It is the first of five Zoo2Zoo rides for 2015, with the riders taking in Young, Molong and Dubbo, and everywhere in between.

Organiser Andrew McKay helped establish the Zoo2Zoo in 2006, and said the event series had been well received by the cycling public.

"It's fantastic," he said.

"It's a tough challenge and people have to do a lot of training for it."

The ride had its launch at Dubbo's Church Street Cafe on Thursday morning with about 30 riders, as well as Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickinson in attendance.

Mr McKay said the cafe was naturally the venue of choice.

"Every morning riders gather there for a coffee after their morning ride, so it made sense," he said.

He said the mayor thanked the event organisers and participants on behalf of the City of Dubbo.

Zoo2Zoo has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since its inception, including more than $37,000 for Dubbo Hospital and in excess of $715,000 for the not-for-profit Black Dog Institute. Taronga Western Plains Zoo has also received more than $50,000.

The Canberra to Dubbo ride participants are set to arrive at Taronga Western Plains Zoo at 1 pm on Sunday.

Their arrival will be followed by a barbecue at 1.15 pm at West Dubbo Lions Park, which the public is encouraged to attend.