BANORA Point resident Vickie Burr was an elite cyclist in her New Zealand homeland, where she was a valuable part of the national cycle team.

Now, with her two kids in the picture, she's keen to return to competitive cycling.

This month, she'll be one of up to 400 cyclists tackling Currumbin's Tour de Valley.

Ms Burr says, while the uphill course will be very challenging, she's experienced far worse.

"Not a lot of people will tackle it individually," she said.

"It's slowly uphill all the way.

"It's a real mind-game keeping focused."

Ms Burr, who moved to the Tweed six years ago with her husband, said after a break from elite competition, it was crucial to train smart.

She said many of the people competing were set up in their own teams.

"I've stepped up my training," she said.

"My goal is to break the hour.

"I do really specialised training four times a week."

Ms Burr said she wasn't overly anxious about her 36km ride.

"I've done all the miles...just need to train smart," she said.

Ms Burr said the Tour de Valley - which she volunteered at last year - was a great outing for friends who didn't want to cycle solo.

"It's very social afterwards," she said.

Ms Burr, a member of Murwillumbah Cycle Club, also coaches for the She Rides program, which encourages women to cycle.

"We can teach them the skills, but it's also about building that camaraderie and friendship," she said.

"The social aspect is important. I'm very competitive, but I also love the social aspect."

Tour De Valley participants can take on 36 or 72-kilometre courses, which gradually climb the hills of Currumbin Valley.

The race will take place on Sunday, October 12.

This race supports the Amy Gillett Foundation, which promotes cycling safety.

Organiser Chris Thompson said the Tour de Valley would use the same course proposed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

For more information, visit tourdevalley.com.au.