About 150 riders set off for Warrnambool’s inaugural Bike and Rod Run at 9am.

The charity car and motorbike rally will travel 350 kilometres from the Flying Horse Inn to Halls Gap via Koroit, before returning to the Woolsthorpe Hotel via the Royal Mail Hotel.

The event will raise funds for the city’s Let’s Talk foundation as well as South West Healthcare prostate surgery equipment.

Riders are expected to arrive at the Woolsthorpe Hotel about 4.30pm for live music, a spit dinner and jumping castle.

The family-friendly event will include a vehicle display, raffle and online auction, with more than $18,000 worth of goods and services donated by sponsors.

Jacinta Roche from Let’s Talk foundation said there was excitement in the air at the Flying Horse.

“Everyone was mingling and showing off their vehicles,” she said. 

"The riders are like one big community. They all lined up and there was a loud thumping of engines before they rode away.” 

Ms Roche said the foundation was thrilled about the event. 

"This gives us a chance to really spread our message and get people on board,” she said. 

“In this day and age, the mental health of men is an issue that is really prevalent so the demographic of those involved in the rally is really relevant to us. 

“The funds raised will help us get out there and reach more people. We want to be able to touch everyone in our community and this will allow us to provide more resource material for sport clubs and schools.

“We are also aiming to have someone on the road all the time because people want to hear what we have to say. 

“We are really appreciative of the huge effort that the rod and bike committee have done pulling together what is a massive logistical beast.”