The Greater Redmond Transportation Management Association (GRTMA) has announced the 12th annual Tour de Redmond bicycle commuting challenge, running this year from June 1-July 31.

“The tour is an event which happens every summer and aims to encourage cyclists of all stripes to get healthy, reduce traffic and have fun during the height of Washington’s beautiful riding season,” according to the GRTMA.

Last year, participants from more than 30 Redmond companies logged almost 140,000 miles of riding, eliminate more than 122 thousand pounds of CO2 emissions and burnt almost 7,000,000 calories, while also earning a shot at $2,000 worth of prizes and special offers at local businesses.

The tour offers something for everyone, from people who have never ridden a bicycle to the most experienced and dedicated riders. For those who are new to riding, or to bicycling to commute, the GRTMA has teamed up with Lovetoride.net, a new hosting partner who provides exciting features to take the challenge out of the challenge, such as automatic ride tracking and the Bike University resource that provides solutions to all kinds of common problems that might keep people from riding.

Experienced riders have an opportunity to match themselves against some of the most hardcore cyclists in the heart of Washington’s bike country – last year’s challenge winner rode 1,804 miles and was entered into a drawing for prizes that included a Wii U, museum passes and gift certificates to local restaurants.

Registration for this year’s tour is already open at www.tourderedmond.org. All cyclists, both aspiring and established, are encouraged to sign up themselves, their team and their company.