More than 200 people are expected to take part in this year's Ride Yukon event, set for June 22-25 under the theme motorcycles, music and midnight sun.

Two hundred people registered for Ride Yukon 2005. As well, many people who saw the publicity on the ride and didn't register, still came to the three-day event.

Meanwhile, season two of Biker TV is underway, with more than one million Canadians watching the weekly television show on Global.

A half-hour program featuring Ride Yukon 2005 aired last month, connecting Yukon music with the footage.

'This kind of national television coverage, focused on a lifestyle/travel theme for motorcycle enthusiasts, is but one initiative supported through government's media relations, all meant to encourage potential visitors to choose Yukon as their holiday destination,' Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor said in a statement.

The program will also air a number of times again on other networks.

Tourism and Culture worked in partnership last summer with Ride Yukon in assisting Biker TV with filming the first Ride Yukon event. The success of that trip led to a full 30-minute program showcasing Yukon that will now include Yukon music.

'We are using Yukon music thanks to the gracious assistance of Mark Smith and the many talented artists which will make the half-hour program resonate with honesty and local elements that are key to good television,' said Biker TV executive producer Tom Mann said.

'Ride Yukon is much more than a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts. Or simply enjoying a long bike ride to bring people North of 60. It's also a lot of fun,' said Ride Yukon event coordinator Dick Watts.

'It is hoped that the Biker TV half-hour program will generate interest and excitement for motorcycle enthusiasts to come for Ride Yukon 2006.'

'It's a coup for Yukon and our talented Yukon recording artists,' said Smith, Music Yukon's executive director.

'The fact that Biker TV came and liked what they saw has translated into Come back and film a bigger segment,' which they are doing.'

They plan to bring their film crew back for Ride Yukon 2006 and include Dawson City in the filming trip, he added.

In 2005, Ride Yukon held its first annual event, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts to Yukon for a three-day, fun-filled extravaganza filled with community interaction and the opportunity to see southern Yukon.

Bikers and guests also enjoyed the inaugural ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Steam Excursion to historic Bennett Station with Engine No. 73.

This year's events will include a trip to Skagway, Whitehorse and Carcross.

A bike ride to Braeburn, the Midnight Bun Run, will also offer the motorcycle enthusiast a chance to experience a Yukon sunset. Other activities will include a parade in Whitehorse, games, dinner, entertainment and awards ceremony.

Last year, many participants stayed an average of five to seven days at local hotels and ate in local restaurants.

For more information on Biker TV, go to www.bikertv.ca

For Ride Yukon 2006, go to www.rideyukon.com

For the Yukon's music scene, go to www.musicyukon.com