Mount Gambier bike enthusiasts are getting set to “Crank the Crater” early next month.

The Mount Gambier Cycling Club, with sponsorship from Mount Gambier Lakes Rotary and City of Mount Gambier, is inviting all riders to test themselves and their riding abilities with the fourth running of the Crank the Crater individual time trial.

Conceived by then and current club president Dean Zeven, the event is run on the closed roads of the Valley Lake from the bottom of the Valley Lakes car park to the Centenary Tower car park.

It is approximately 2km of climbing, with the fastest riders able to complete the run in about four minutes.

Organisers urged those thinking about taking part not to be put off by the top times, as there are multiple prizes for different classes, meaning that anyone can be a winner.

It is a personal challenge ride, much like the Blue Lake fun run that precedes it by a week, with a good opportunity for people to prove to themselves that it is possible for them to complete it.

Riders do not need to have a current Auscycling Licence in order to participate, it is open to all riders with human powered bikes (BMX, MTB, Commuter and Road bikes welcome).

E-bikes can be used but will not be recognised among the fastest times.

There will be a $5 entry fee for each rider.

With the roads being closed, cars will need to be inside the Valley Lake Precinct by 7.30am so that time trials can commence by 8am.

This is the fourth running of the Crank the Crater event, with more riders participating each year and 25 riders taking on the challenge last year.