BICYCLING -- During my annual week-long effort to compile the 2016 Northwest Bicycling Events Calendar (just posted at spokesman.com/outdoors), I've noticed several opportunities in the list that cyclists may want to jump on immediately because of deadlines or rider quotas.  In many cases, you can save significantly by registering early for events or tours.

For example:

Ride Idaho, Aug. 6-13: The 12th annual seven-day (with rest day), fully supported, bicycle camping tour that moves to different region of the state. 2015 route runs 357 miles from Ketchum to Idaho Falls. Organized by non-profit group of cyclists. Limit: 350 riders. Cost is $895 if  you register or $950 after March 31.

RAMROD, July 28: Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day, ultra-marathon cycling event, 10,000 feet of climbing in 168 miles, by Redmond Cycling Club. Limited to 800 drawn from lottery that closes March 30. $110 if selected.

RATPOD, Ride Around the Pioneers in One Day, June 25: Ride 126 miles through Pioneer Mountains out of Dillon, Mont. 15th annual event. Online registration opens in March until the cap of 650 riders is reached -- and registration was still open this week. Benefits Camp Mak-A-Dream. $125 plus $100 minimum donation.

Ride Around Washington, July 30-Aug. 6: Cascade Bicycle Club’s fully supported camping tour route varies; the18th annual RAW visits the Inland Empire from Walla Walla to Metaline Falls; 437 miles in six consecutive days of riding. Limited to 250 riders -- registration still open. $1,035.

Tour de Blast, June 18 -- moved up from September in 2015: Limited to 2,500 riders on national monument roads in Mount St. Helens volcanic blast zone. Routes cover 50K, 100K or 135K, with longest tackling 6,240 in elevation gain; post-ride pasta feed. Sponsored by Longview Rotary. $55-$95.

Adventure Cycling based in Missoula is quickly filling summer group tours scattered around the country as well as its tours ACROSS the country.  This year marks the 40th anniversary of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, which the organization mapped and pioneered in 1976.

Incidentally, the photo is from the Adventure Cycling Blog, a useful and entertaining resource for touring cyclists.  I betting the photo is in Bolivia on the Salar de Uyuni.