ARCANUM – Registration is now open for the 9th Tour de Donut in Downtown Arcanum on Sept. 12. The event is now the largest one day bicycle event in Ohio, and this year, it will make a stop in the Village of Lewisburg.
The Tour de Donut is a unique bicycle event, where your ability to eat donuts is just as important as your ability to ride your bicycle. The event is a timed bicycle event where riders visit donut stops during the course and eat donuts. For each donut the rider eats during the ride (and keeps down) they have five minutes deducted from their ride time.
For 2015 all courses will be new. In prior years riders have ventured North to Bears Mill which has required crossing State Route 49. New routes will center near Lewisburg with Donut stops in Gordon, Lewisburg and at Kennedy Vineyards near New Madison.
Also new for 2015 will be the debut of The Glazer, a special donut stop with a unique donut that is worth a 10-minute time deduction.
The fourth annual Donut Mini will return with one donut stop on a 15-mile course. The mini will offer its own awards just like the longer distance while offering an alternative to those who are concerned about the full route allowing younger riders and families to take part in the fun.
The ninth annual Tour de Donut 30 mile distance will offer two donut stops and is for those looking for a longer ride.
The second annual Double D challenge is a 64 mile ride for experienced cyclist and offers three donut stops and will include hills!
The largest free kids event in Darke County will take place at 8 a.m. on George Street. All kids will receive a free t-shirt, finisher medal and all the donuts and milk they care to eat.
Prizes are awarded in age group classes including the coveted golden Tour de Donut championship belts for the best adjusted “donut time” in addition to most donuts eaten and fastest bike only time.
You do not have to be an experienced cyclist to take part in this event. While the event is technically a “race” very few consider it a serious competition; remember this is all in fun! Anyone on a bicycle is welcome.
Expanding for 2015 will be Friday evening dinner rides and entertainment, free camping and sleeping bag space, a downtown finish line festival area with live music, food and outdoor sports vendors.
Growing 350 participants in 2014, nearly 2000 participants from 25 states came to Darke County to “compete.” last year.
Online and Mmail-in registration opened Jan. 1 with 60 participants signing up that day. Registration will be open until the 2,000 rider limit is reached, or until the Sept. 1 deadline. There is no day-of registration.
For more information, visit www.thetourdedonut.com.
The 2015 Tour de Donut will take place on Sept. 12 beginning and ending in Arcanum.
Additional volunteer groups are needed to man the donuts stops. Contact [email protected] if your group would be interested in helping.
