ARCANUM – Registration is now open for the ninth Tour de Donut in downtown Arcanum on Sept. 12. The event is now the largest one-day bicycle event in Ohio.
The Tour de Donut is a unique bicycle event in which participants’ ability to eat doughnuts is just as important as their ability to ride their bicycle. The event is a timed bicycle event in which riders visit doughnut stops during the course and eat doughnuts. For each doughnut 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 Ohio 49. New routes will center near Lewisburg with doughnut stops in Gordon, Lewisburg and at Kennedy Vineyards.
Also new for 2015 will be the debut of The Glazer, a special doughnut stop with a unique doughnut that is worth a 10-minute time deduction.
The fourth annual Donut Mini will return with one doughnut 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 doughnut 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 doughnut 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 doughnuts 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 doughnuts eaten and fastest bike only time.
Participants 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 2,000 participants from 25 states came to Darke County to compete.
Online and mail-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.
