Fewer people have signed up for the Kluane to Chilkat International Bike Relay this year than in recent years, but it still may be one for the record books. 

Race coordinator Monika Kozlerová said nearly 90 riders have signed up to solo the nearly 150-mile race on Saturday. And, registrations for 8-person teams are so low Kozlerová said it may be the fewest that the race has ever seen. 

“A lot of people just feel very brave and have been telling me, we’ve been doing this as 8-person teams, then four, then two. And we feel we should do it solo now,” she said. 

Speaking by phone from a race-packet pickup point on Tuesday, Kozlerová attributed the proliferation of solo racers, in part, to the Yukon Cycling Association and head coach Hudson Lucier who was the fastest solo racer in the KCIBR last year with a final time of 6:43:53. His average speed was 22 miles-per-hour. 

“They’ve been very competitive in preparing the team. There were races every weekend in May,”  Kozlerová said. “It was a pretty big group of people.” 

For this year’s race, racers can look forward to a sunny forecast, though it’s not yet clear what the wind conditions may be.  But, racers will again have to contend with the unpaved section of the Haines Highway currently under construction near Mile 25.  

Kozlerová said no construction will be taking place during the race on Saturday, but urged caution and a general slow-down by riders given the gravel and dirt roadway.

Last year, a number of cyclists and teams chose not to finish the whole race, instead stopping at a point near the border and turning around. 

Race officials issued guidance, asking that people choose to turn around at one of the last checkpoints in Canada rather than waiting until they get to the border crossing where the road is narrow. 

Some told race organizers that the strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada made them feel as though it wasn’t safe to travel in the U.S.  Five teams formally handed in their timing sticks before the last checkpoint in the Yukon Territory. 

Kozlerová said she didn’t think many people would choose to do that again, mostly because she hasn’t heard from as many people as she did last year as they were choosing whether to complete the whole race. 

“I think most have made their peace with the situation,” she said. 

The Kluane to Chilkat International Bike Relay takes place on Saturday, ending at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds where the annual Haines Fishermen’s Community free salmon barbecue begins at 4 p.m.