Tour de Donut

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The Tour de Donut is an annual bicycle race held in Staunton, Illinois. In the 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].

1 History
2 "Tour de Donut: Gluttons for Punishment"
3 Tour de Donut: Texas
4 External links

[edit] 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 600 cyclists now participate in the race. According to the Boeing Employees Bicycle Club Web site, 573 cyclists raced in July 2006.

[edit] "Tour de Donut: 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 "outpedal and outeat the rest of the competition." The documentary's Web site 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.

[edit] Tour de Donut: 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.