Registration is officially open for the Wisconsin Bike Challenge. Organized by the Bike Federation of Wiscionsin, the Challenge, which runs from May 1 to August 31, is a free event for businesses and individuals across Wisconsin. Register as an individual or with coworkers, and commit to biking to and from work, out for lunch, and around town.

The Challenge promotes Bike to Work Week, May 14-18, 2012. So far, several Wisconsin cities (La Crosse, Madison, the Fox Cities, and more) have added official events for the special week, like biking with the city mayor, biking to coffee shops for a free cup-o-joe, neighborhood rides, and bike safety and tune-up events.

This year, the event is part of a National Challenge including all 50 states. So definitely expect more competition! (Do you think Wisconsin has what it takes to sweep the Midwest? The lower 48? The entire nation?) And more competition also means better prizes, including several bikes, biking vacations, and apparel.

Visit the Bike Federation of Wisconsin's website for more details, and register online for the National Challenge here.