Registration for the 2016 Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay (KCIBR) has reached the maximum of 1,200 riders.

In past years, the popular recreational cycling event from Haines Junction to Haines, Alaska, has filled up within three weeks.

This year, however, registration was completed in eight days, said race co-ordinator Mike Kramer.

“Interest in the event has grown significantly in the last few years,” Kramer said.

“We know there are people who wanted to register but did not get their team in before we reached our 1,200 maximum, and that there are disappointed riders out there.”

Teams could enter in one of several categories. There are solo, two-, four and eight-person teams for men, women, and mixed.

Solo riders, who will ride the entire 240 kilometres of the Haines Highway, can continue to register until May 13.

Aside from registering as a solo rider, the only other way into the event is by finding a team looking for riders, or in some cases, there may be an entire team which cannot ride who wants to sell their team.

Social media and networking is how teams looking for riders and riders looking for a team usually connect.

Volunteering for the event is another way to participate.

KCIBR requires over 200 volunteers to make the race happen. There are tasks before, during and after the event which volunteers do so that this international event can take place.

Major sponsors for this year’s relay include ATCO Yukon Electric, The Driving Force, Sports Experts, Lotteries Yukon and Air North.

Air North is offering a special promotional code for travellers flying within two weeks prior to or after the event. The promo code saves money on the ticket and can also result in additional gift certificates for volunteers.

As motor vehicles continue to be the primary safety concern, signage and messaging to participants will continue to focus on and encourage safe, cautious driving habits.

Participants who want to purchase a souvenir bamboo T-shirt must do so by April 15. The shirt design for this year was created by Whitehorse artist Bryan McCrae, and may be viewed on the KCIBR website.

Meanwhile, the free catch-and-release fishing derby for kids 12-and-under is returning again this year on the Sunday morning.

This is a special event for the young children who spend all day Saturday watching their Mom or Dad pump their bikes down the highway.

The Haines Sportsmen Association is sponsoring the event at the Haines Harbour with fishing gear and PFDs provided.

For more information on the bike relay, visit www.kcibr.org.