Tour de Donut

The Tour de Donut is an annual bicycle race held in Staunton, Illinois. In this unique 30-mile race, riders' times are reduced by five minutes for each doughnut they consume during two pit stops in the nearby towns of Worden and Prairietown.[1].

History

The Tour de Donut was started in 1989 by a group of Southwestern Illinois cyclists who thought a race spoofing the Tour de France would be a natural. Members of the now defunct Mid-America Bicycle Club were discussing ideas for a unique ride, and the Tour de Donut was born. The Mid-America Bicycle Club folded in 1998 and former members sought a new sponsor. Since then, St. Louis’ Boeing Employees Bicycle Club has sponsored the event. The race is also sponsored by the Staunton Chamber of Commerce.

The first race started with approximately 25 riders. The race has grown throughout the years, however, and approximately 1000 cyclists now participate in the race. According to the event's Web site, 1,107 cyclists completed the 2010 event.

Tour de Donut: Arcanum, Ohio

In September 2007 a Tour de Donut was started in Arcanum, Ohio. The annual event has exploded to one of the largest rides in Ohio and is held the first Saturday after Labor Day. The 2010 event had 503 finishers. Ohio Tour

Tour de Donut: Greenville, Michigan

The event has been held at the Klackle Orchards Family Fun Farm west of Greenville, Michigan since 2009. A 30 mile ride where 3 minutes (not the traditional 5 minutes) are deducted from your actual time for each donut consumed. The 2010 event had 321 finishers. Michigan Tour

Tour de Donut: American Fork, Utah

The event has been hosted by the Rotary Club of American Fork in American Fork, Utah since 2008. A 21 mile ride where 3 minutes (not the traditional 5 minutes) are deducted from your actual time for each donut consumed. The 2010 event had 245 finishers. Utah Tour

Tour de Donut: Katy, Texas

In July 2004, Katy, Texas started making the Tour de Donut an annual event as well. Known as the "Sweetest Bike Ride in Texas", the 28 mile race benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast. All profits from the event are donated to the foundation. The 2010 event had 209 finishers. Texas Tour

Documentary Film: Gluttons for Punishment

A documentary film, "Tour de Donut: Gluttons for Punishment", was created by Steve Kelly and Jim Klenn. The film follows two elite cyclists along the tour as they try to help their friend "out pedal and out eat the rest of the competition." The documentary features a brief history of the race and the filmmakers' biographies; it also offers visitors the chance to watch the film's trailer and purchase the film. Video Trailer

External links

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