The History

Let me start out by welcoming you to the Tour De Donut Blog.  Most of you reading this are probably familiar with the race.  You’ve either participated in it or have supported family and friends.  For those who are unfamiliar with the tour or maybe thinking about giving it a try this year, I’d like to give you a brief history of the event.

The Tour de Donut was started in 1989 by a group of Southwestern Illinois cyclists.  They thought a race spoofing the Tour de France would be a natural.  The first race started with 25 cyclists.  Members of the Mid-America Bicycle Club (defunct in 1998) were discussing ideas for a unique ride, and the Tour de Donut was born.  In 1998, former members sought new sponsorship.  Since then, the Saint Louis’ Boeing Employees Bicycle Club (formally the McDonnell Douglas Employee Bicycle Club) has sponsored the event.  The race is also sponsored by the Staunton Chamber of Commerce.

Since the race is a spoof on the Tour de France, it is normally held on the second Saturday of July, occurring during the Tour de France.  The start/finish was originally at the Staunton High School.  It was later moved to the Elementary School next door.  In 2004, the start/finish was moved to the Staunton City Park.  This location allowed more room to accommodate more riders and a larger parking area.  Due to the increasing popularity of the Illinois tour (over 1,100 in 2010); race day registration is not available.  All participants must register via the web page.

The Illinois race begins with a mass start and is paced to the city boundary by the Staunton Police.  The route has varied slightly over the years due to road conditions and construction.  It offers a variety of terrain, from fast down hills, sharp turns, steep (sometimes impossible looking) rolling hills, and of course, two donut stops.  Riders must stop at two checkpoints (donut stops) in Prairietown and Worden.  Donut consumption is not mandatory, however, with every donut eaten, five minutes is deducted from the riders actual time giving them an adjusted time.  After the race, placement awards are presented by category for best actual time, best adjusted time, and most donuts eaten.  Attendance prizes and grand prizes are also awarded.

The Tours

Since the first race in 1989, the Illinois tour has spun off four other events around the country.  Illinois Tour Site

Since 2004, Katy, Texas has hosted their version of the Tour de Donut.  Known as the “Sweetest Bike Ride in Texas”, the 28 mile race benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast.  Texas Tour Site

Since 2007, the Colavita Ohio Cycling Club continued the tradition 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.  Ohio Tour Site

Since 2008, the Rotary Club of American Fork in American Fork, Utah has been hosting the tour.  A 21 mile race where three minutes (not the traditional five minutes) are deducted from your actual time.  Utah Tour Site

In 2009, Greenville, Michigan joined in the mix.  It is held at the Klackle Orchards Family Fun Farm west of Greenville, Michigan.  A 30 mile race where three minutes (not the traditional five minutes) are deducted from your actual time.  Michigan Tour Site

The Media

As most of you know, promoting an event can rest on how effective your media is.  Specifically the internet and its various tools of expression.  With that in mind, I’ve created a network of media to help promote the Tour De Donut, their respective clubs and charities.  Of course my first choice was to create a web page which (eventually) will include links, results, pictures, and videos for all five events.  This blog was started along with the other popular media including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  I encourage everyone to visit these sites to get more information on the Tour de Donut.  Also, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, “Follow” us on Twitter and “Subscribe” on YouTube.

I hope this inspires you to join in on the fun the Tour De Donut has brought many bike riders, and donut lovers, in the past.  I’d like to here from you!  Share your thoughts, experiences, pictures, videos, or whatever you have to offer on our Facebook page.

Thanks,

Greg Acres