The 27th annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay opens for registration on March 16.

On-line registration for the annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay opens on March 16th at 12:01 a.m. for this year’s event which takes place June 20th.

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

This international event has filled up in a short period of time over the last few years. It attracts riders locally from the Yukon and Alaska as well as from other parts of Canada, the U.S., and sometimes beyond.

Race officials anticipate that all 1,200 rider spots will fill quickly again this year. Along with the 1200 rider cap, there is a limit of 95 teams in the eight-person category. Solo riders are given a bit more time to make the big decision to ride the entire 240 kilometres. Registration for solo riders closes on April 10th.

A reminder to some rule changes from 2019: Removal of the “consecutive leg” rule and removal of “traditional” vs “non-traditional” categories. Rules, start times and other logistical information for the 2020 event are posted at www.kcibr.org.

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.

The bike relay is a 240 km, international event, crossing the U.S.-Canada border 65 kilometres from Haines. All visitors to Alaska, including riders on Leg 7 must show a passport at U.S. Customs. Cyclists will have to dismount and show their passport. It is best for Leg 7 riders to be US or Canadian Citizens. Participants should check the event website for details about clearing customs.

Participants who want to purchase a souvenir t-shirt must do so by April 10th. The shirt design for this year was created by Whitehorse artist Monika Melnychuk and is posted on the KCIBR website.

ATCO Electric Yukon, Proudly Yukon: Air North and Chieftain Energy Partners, Driving Force Vehicle Rental, Sales and Leasing, Icycle Sport, Kellett Communications, and Sports Experts are this year’s major event sponsors.

To register or for more information on the bike relay, visit the website at www.kcibr.org.