It looks like an early start to the bike season so there will be lots of time to prepare for the 17th annual Kluane to Chilkat bike relay. This year's international event will run on June 20.

The relay starts in Haines Junction with up to 1,200 riders taking in the spectacular scenery along the Haines Highway.

Cyclists can challenge themselves to go faster or simply have fun riding and enjoy the party and camping afterwards in Haines, Alaska.

On-line registration has opened and the first entry deadline is three weeks away.

Changes and refunds must also be done on-line. To register or to find out more about the KCIBR visit the website at www.kcibr.org.

The early registration fee is $66 CDN or $54 US dollars. To get the early rate teams must register by May 22.

Organizers are planning for at least 250 teams this year. Teams can enter in one of several categories. There are solo, two, four, and eight person teams for men, women, and mixed.

For rules about team makeup, check the website. Regardless of the number on a team, each cyclist must ride consecutive legs.

One team will be completing the course without any motorized vehicle support.

A four person team will transport themselves by bicycle from Whitehorse and Haines. They will then ride their respective legs, and return to their homes using only their bikes for transportation.

If this trial run is successful, race organizers will encourage more teams to try it next year, in the interest of reducing our carbon footprint.

The summer weather and clean highways are encouraging riders to get on the road.

Riders are encouraged to follow the rules of the road, to wear a helmet and to ride single file. And motorists are asked to watch for cyclists, especially for the next couple of months.

The host towns of Haines Junction, Yukon and Haines, Alaska are the start and finish points for this 238 kilometre race.

The maximum 1,200 riders take over the town of Haines Junction by Friday evening before race day and then swarm onto the highway for the mass starts.

Once again, there will be four start times, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Yukon time.

Four-person teams will start first. Solo, two-person teams and tandem teams will start at 8:45 a.m. There will be two starts for eight person teams.

One at 9 a.m. and the second one at 9:15a.m. The fastest riders are expected to arrive in Haines by 3 p.m. and the red lantern winners will likely pull into town by 9 p.m.

The finish line hosts provide an excellent meal, camping area and a great view for relaxing after the race. If it's a hot day, the Haines beach will see some action.

The SI system that was introduced last year will be used again. Riders and organizers were pleased with the timing system that was borrowed from the orienteering world.

Each team will carry an SI stick on a lanyard and will pass it from rider to rider. One new twist this year, is that solo riders will also have to carry a ‘stick'.

All riders will get a finish time by inserting the SI stick in the finish line station.

The rules for riders doing Leg Seven and passing through U.S. Customs have not changed, however all riders going through customs must have a passport. Leg Seven riders will have to dismount and show their passport.

It is best for Leg Seven riders to be U.S. or Canadian citizens. All other participants entering the U.S. should have their passports ready when they get to U.S. customs.

If all occupants of a vehicle do not have passports ready when required, the vehicle may be sent to a slow lane to await clearance.

Lotteries Yukon and Yukon Electrical Company are major sponsors for the event again this year.

They provide funding to help organize the event and to recognize the 300 volunteers.

Norcan Leasing and Northwestel are also sponsors that are relied on every year.

Press release provided by Mike Gladish.