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For the 22nd straight year, more than 1,000 cyclists will hit the road from Haines Junction to Haines, Alaska, tomorrow.

Registration for the annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay was full in early April with 332 teams registering for the 240-km summer solstice ride.

The maximum 1,200 riders capacity was reached just three weeks after registration opened. A problem with online registration will see more riders than usual this year, with over 1,300 expected to take part.

Teams have four different sizes to choose from when registering their team, said race co-ordinator Mike Kramer.

This year's event will involve 63 solo riders, 50 two-person teams, 129 four-person teams, and 90 eight-person teams, he said.

While Yukon and Alaskan teams represent the largest group of riders, this year's event will also see riders coming from provinces across the country, as well as the United States and beyond.

Riders from as far as Ireland and New Zealand will take on the Haines Highway this year, said Kramer.

Safety continues to be the overriding concern of race officials and the bike relay board.

Organizers cannot control Mother Nature, which presented cyclists with warm, dry, and mostly calm conditions for much of last year's ride.

This resulted in a traffic jam at the border crossing as riders and vehicles made it down the course much faster than normal.

This year's event will see increased signage reminding drivers that the road remains open to two-way traffic.

The start times in Haines Junction are being staggered more this year to spread riders and their support vehicles out.

Riders have the first 3.8 kms of road to get spread out before they start to encounter vehicular traffic.

Meanwhile, motorists are reminded of traffic delays in effect tomorrow on the Haines Highway.

Southbound traffic will be held at the weigh scale in Haines Junction from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Northbound traffic will be held at Kathleen River from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.

Traffic control procedures will also be in place at checkpoint two, south of Dezadeash Lake.

Riders and motorists can help by leaving early so they don't have to rush, parking well off the road, and exercising extreme caution.

Past bike relays have involved anecdotal stories of teams helping each other. Whether it be a flat tire, a bear close to the road, or an extra layer of clothing needed, people tend to stop and lend a hand if needed, regardless of whose team is involved.