The much-loved community volunteer died in 2010 and was one of the early pioneers in establishing the charity ride.

To honour his contribution, Castle Hill Rotary Club has invited Mr Brennan's wife Joan to wave the starting flag at the 13-kilometre ride and rename it the Charlie Brennan Memorial Family Ride.

Mrs Brennan said the Tour de Hills was something her husband would look forward to every year.

"Charlie was a keen cyclist and loved volunteering in the community. He hated the limelight but would have been a very proud man to know the family ride has been named in his honour."

Mr Brennan, a former treasurer of Dural Country Club, became involved with the Tour de Hills in 1994 when he was approached to sponsor the first charity ride in 1995.

The close association with the Tour de Hills grew stronger every year with Mr Brennan volunteering and riding in every ride except one in 1997.

Tour de Hills chairman Mike Blair said it was a fitting tribute to honour one of the event's pioneers.

"This is the least we can do for him to remember his lasting legacy," Mr Blair said.

"Charlie was a big name in the community and never went out looking for awards."

In 2010, the rotary club retired Mr Brennan's number one jersey.

His daughter Vanessa Arnison will wear it this year.