Wow, my dream is Let's take this outside. My partnership with HikeBikeTravel has paid off! I spoke to Lee, and told her about my upcoming adventure on the Tour De Donut…
Earlier this year, My dear friend and fellow athlete Cheryl Johnston suggested that we participate in the Donut Tour, a bike race in Troy, Ohio. Want to eat and ride bikes? I invite you to join me!
If you’re looking for an event that combines fitness and fun, the Tour de Donut is a must-try. This quirky annual bike race is the perfect blend of athletic challenge and fun, making it unlike any other bike race. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I had to try it.
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The Donut Tour is different from other bike events in that it places as much emphasis on your ability to eat a donut as it does on your ability to ride a bike fast. The group start timed tour includes visits to donut stations, where 5 minutes are deducted for every donut a rider eats (and stays stopped!).
The route includes rolling hills on paved country roads, with police helping to direct traffic.
We spoke to many people who have attended the event multiple times, who were kind enough to share their donut tour strategies and traditions – we heard that one contestant ate 21 donuts at the first stop the year before!
This year, the first stop was at a church, where we each had two donuts. The second stop, a public park, we each reluctantly had a donut and a half.
At this point, we were starting to feel a little disgusted, and knew we needed to save room for the third and final station, “The Glazer” – a single donut covered in vanilla or chocolate and filled with strawberry cream, worth the 10-minute discount (you can only eat one).
Whole Donuts
We managed to keep it all together and completed the Full Donut Race – 56km of riding, 2:25 of commuting time and 253km of elevation gain. We ate 9 donuts between us and I personally burned a whopping 1415 calories over the course of the Tour de Donut.
5 Things to Know Before Going on a Donut Tour
The Tour du Donut is well organized, and they do a great job of communicating with participants about how the event is going. Once you’ve finished the event, you gain valuable insider knowledge that will help you run the race better next time—and I have some insights to share.
Here are the top 5 tips to consider before heading to the starting line:
1. Exercise by combining cycling and eating cake. This may sound silly, but eating too many cookies will be heavy on your stomach, and it's helpful to know your limit and be prepared for that feeling.
2. Make sure you receive your number the day before the event, not the day of the event. We picked up our clothes on Friday night, and were able to enjoy the beauty of downtown Troy – a mix of old American charm and new modern restaurants.
3. Prepare your bike in advance! On the morning of the race, we had our bikes ready to go, so we were able to park them at a nearby high school and take a comfortable 1km ride to the start line. This helped reduce unnecessary stress and allowed us to feel ready to ride the Grand Tour of the Donut.
4. Do not overfill. This may seem obvious, but you're going to eat a lot of donuts. We had a few bites on Saturday morning, but saved ourselves for carbs. But you know your body best.
5. Plan your strategy. Our plan was to keep a steady, comfortable pace, with two pieces of cake at each stop at the first stop, and only one or two at the second stop. We knew we needed to make room for The Glazer.
Why ride a bike for cake?
Cycling isn’t just about the ride; it’s also about the camaraderie and shared enjoyment of cycling. Cycling for cake adds a delicious twist to the competition, making it a fun and lighthearted event for all involved. The cycling community spirit was palpable, with participants cheering each other on and celebrating each finish, regardless of distance or time.
We loved seeing the creative costumes, bike shirts and decorations, all of which revolved around cakes. The variety of bikes was also impressive – road bikes, commuter bikes, electric bikes, recumbent bikes and even standing bikes.
This event truly embodies the fun and inclusive spirit of the cycling community, with cyclists of all ages and abilities coming together to enjoy the ride, and of course, the cake!
A fun filled trip
The Donut Tour was an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of cycling with the simple pleasure of enjoying a delicious pastry. This unique event is not just about racing, it’s about connecting with a vibrant community of cyclists who share a love of adventure and a sense of humor. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this event welcomes everyone with open arms (and a whole lot of donuts).
If you're interested in more tips for inner adventure and creating a deeper connection with nature, be sure to check out my interview on Let's take this outside.HIt's a conversation you won't want to miss!
Where can you stay near the start of the Donut Tour?
We stayed from Friday to Sunday atMarriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Dayton TroyFor a good price. They offer complimentary continental breakfast options, grab-and-go meals, and hot breakfasts, perfect for fueling up before a donut ride. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center for post-ride relaxation or a quick pre-race warm-up. Most importantly, the beds were incredibly comfortable—a good night’s sleep is key to optimal performance during the event!
last Nearby hotels include: Baymont Inn & Suites, Budget Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Tipp City; Comfort Inn, Piqua; Comfort Suites, Troy; and many more. Many of these hotels are conveniently located near the race course, providing easy access to the starting line and many nearby dining options.
Read more about cycling in the United States.
Guest Post
This post was brought to you by Mary Ann Iveson, a trusted media professional with over 12 years of experience in radio, television, voiceover, and live hosting. In the summer of 2021, Mary Ann shifted her focus from radio to her own voiceover business, and in 2022 she launched her podcast “Let's take this outside.”
When she's not recording audio, you can find Mary Anne hiking, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing, or staring at mossy rocks. You can also follow her on Instagram.
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