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Relay organizers brief TAB: Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay plans for 2026 and asks for borough coordination
Summary
Relay organizers told the TAB the event relies on roughly 300 volunteers, partners with local nonprofits and emergency providers, plans to cap entries at 1,200 riders for safety and requests advance traffic and parking coordination from the borough.
Hayden Hanes, identifying himself as vice president of the Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay, briefed the Tourism Advisory Board during public comment about the relay’s 2025 review and plans for 2026. Hanes said the relay is a cross-border event with a seven-member board (four U.S., three Canadian) and that organizers aim for a full field of 1,200 riders in future years; the relay had about 965 riders in the most recent year.
Hanes described the relay’s checkpoint partners (including Yukon community groups and local nonprofits) and said the event depends on roughly 300 volunteers across both countries. He asked the borough to help with advance safety notifications, route-related traffic diversions (suggesting rerouting cars away from Mud Bay Road and directing parking to the small boat harbor), and coordination of first-aid coverage; the organizer said he will contact the tourism department if specific needs arise.
Hanes also explained a modest operations change used during a construction year: the finish route was shifted onto Totem Street to avoid a construction zone and slowed riders near the finish, which improved crowd safety. He said organizers do not plan to seek borough funding for the event ("We have never requested funding from the Hainesborough"), but asked for logistical support. Hanes said the board is open to trying newer timing systems but will retain its existing timing system for 2026.
The TAB thanked the organizer for the briefing and suggested staff follow up where operational support is feasible. The board did not take formal action related to the event during the meeting.
