Since online registration opened for the 22nd annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay on March 15, more than 800 riders and 210 teams have already registered.

The 240-kilometre race from Haines Junction, Yukon, to Haines, Alaska, will take place on June 21 this year. Teams can enter in several categories, including solo, two-, four-, and eight-person teams for men, women and mixed.

For the last few years, officials have seen the race fill up in a matter of weeks. The maximum number of cyclists for the event is 1,200.

Cyclists who rode in last year's event have fond memories of ideal conditions – warm temperatures even through the summit area, and wind providing a push from the north.

Riders are cautioned that 2013 conditions do not reflect the norm. Cyclists often endure cool, wet temperatures through higher elevations, alongside headwinds entering the final leg into Haines.

While race registration officially closes June 6, officials expect all 1,200 rider spots will fill up by early April.

Along with the rider cap, there is a limit of 95 teams in the eight-person category. Solo riders will not be affected by the cap of 1,200 riders. Last year, 41 solo riders registered. This year, 27 have signed up to date.

Participants hoping to purchase a souvenir bamboo T-shirt must do so by April 18. The shirt design for this year was created by Juneau artist Carolyn Cummins, and can be viewed on the race website www.kcibr.org.

Riders will experience a number of changes this year, according to a press release issued by race coordinator Mike Kramer this week.

The staggered start times this year will be less condensed, given last year's congestion at the second checkpoint and U.S. border crossing.

Solo, two-person and four-person teams will start at 8:30 a.m., followed by eight-person teams at 9. By spreading these two groups further apart, the aim is to alleviate congestion.

Solo riders will be able to take advantage of food bag drops and support stations at checkpoints three and five, sponsored by Cadence Cycle.

Yukon Electrical Company Ltd. and Driving Force Vehicle Rental Sales and Leasing will continue on as major sponsors for safety and transportation, respectively.

All visitors to Alaska, including riders on leg seven, must show a passport at customs. It is recommended that cyclists completing that leg are U.S. or Canadian citizens.