Wow, my dream of a Let’s Take This Outside and HikeBikeTravel collaboration is coming to fruition! Leigh and I were chatting, and I told her about my next wacky adventure of Tour De Donut…
Earlier this year,a good friend of mine and fellow athlete, Cheryl Johnstone, suggested we do the Tour de Donut, a bicycle event that takes place in Troy, Ohio. Food and cycling? Count me in!
If you’re looking for an event that combines fitness with fun, the Tour de Donut is a must-try. This quirky annual cycling race is a perfect blend of athletic challenge and indulgent treat, making it unlike any other bike race. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I had to give it a shot.
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The starting point in Troy, Ohio
The Tour de Donut separates itself from other bicycle events by placing as much emphasis on your ability to eat donuts as to ride your bike fast. The mass-start timed ride includes visits to donut stops, where 5 minutes is deducted for each donut a rider eats (and keeps down!).
The course includes rolling hills on paved country roads, with police helping to direct traffic.
We talked to plenty of people who have attended this event multiple times, who were kind enough to share their strategies and Tour de Donut lore—we heard one rider ate 21 donuts at the first stop a previous year!
This year, the first stop was at a church, where we each downed 2 donuts. At the second stop, a state park, we begrudgingly consumed 1.5 donuts each.
By this point, we were starting to feel a bit icky, and we knew we needed to save room for the third and final stop feature, “The Glazer”—a single vanilla or chocolate glazed donut filled with strawberry cream, worth a 10-minute deduction (you could only have one).
The Full Donut
We managed to keep everything down, and completed the Full Donut—56 km of riding, 2:25 of moving time and 253 km of elevation gain. We scarfed down 9 donuts between the two of us, and I personally burned a whopping 1415 calories over the course of the Tour de Donut event.
The first donut stop on the Tour de Donut in Ohio
5 things to know before you do the Tour de Donut
The Tour de Donut is well organized, and they do a great job communicating with participants about how the event will run. Once you’ve done the event, you gain valuable insider experience that helps you navigate the race even better next time—and I have a few revelations to share.
Here are my top 5 tips to consider before you roll up to the starting line:
1. Train by combining your cycling with eating donuts. This may sound silly, but multiple donuts will sit heavy in your stomach and it helps to know your max and be prepared for that feeling.
2. Be sure to pick up your bib the day before the event, not the day of. We picked up our bibs on Friday night, and were able to soak in the quaintness of downtown Troy—a mix of old American charm and new modern restaurants.
3. Prepare your bike beforehand! The morning of the race, we already had our bikes ready to go, and because of this we were able to park at a nearby highschool and take a leisurely 1 km ride to the starting line. It cut down on unnecessary stress and allowed us to feel ready for the big Tour de Donut bike ride.
4. Don’t fuel up excessively. This might sound obvious, but you’re going to be eating a lot of donuts. We had a couple of bites to eat Saturday morning, but saved ourselves for the carb loading. But you know your body best.
5. Plan your strategy. Our plan was to maintain a steady, relaxed pace, with 2 donuts each at the first stop, and only 1-2 donuts at the second. We knew we needed to save room for The Glazer.
How many donuts could you eat on the Tour de Donut?
Why bike for donuts?
The Tour de Donut isn’t just about the ride; it’s about the camaraderie and the shared joy of cycling. Cycling for donuts adds a delicious twist to the competition, making it a fun, lighthearted event for everyone involved. The biking community’s spirit was palpable, with participants cheering each other on and celebrating every finish, no matter the distance or time.
We loved seeing the creative costumes, bike jerseys, and decorations, all centered around donuts. The variety of bikes were impressive, too—road bikes, commuter bikes, ebikes, recumbent bikes, and even stand-up bikes.
This event truly captures the fun and inclusive spirit of the cycling community, where riders of all ages and abilities come together to enjoy the ride and, of course, the donuts!
Great shirts for the bike tour
A ride jam-packed with fun
The Tour de Donut was an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of cycling with the simple joy of indulging in sweet treats. This unique event is about so much more than just racing—it’s about connecting with a vibrant community of cyclists who share a love for adventure and a sense of humour. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie, this event welcomes everyone with open arms (and lots of donuts).
If you’re curious about more insider adventure tips and forging a deeper connection with the great outdoors, be sure to check out Leigh’s interview on Let’s Take This Outside. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Mary Anne and her friend Cheryl Johnstone at the finish line on the Tour du Donut
Where to stay near the Tour de Donut start
We stayed Friday to Sunday at theMarriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Dayton Troyfor a good rate. They offer free continental, grab-and-go, and hot breakfast options, ideal for fueling up before the Tour de Donut. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center for post-ride relaxation or a quick warm-up before the race. Most importantly, the beds were incredibly comfy—a good night’s sleep is key to peak performance during the event!
Other 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 route, offering easy access to the start line and plenty of nearby dining options.
I wonder how many donuts were made for the event
Further reading on bike rides in the US
Guest post
This guest post is thanks to Mary Anne Ivison, a trusted media professional with over 12 years of experience in radio broadcasting, television, voice-over, and live-hosting. In summer 2021, Mary Anne shifted her focus from radio to her own voice-over business, and in 2022 launched her podcast “Let’s Take This Outside”.
When she isn’t recording audio, you can find Mary Anne hiking, cycling, swimming, cross country skiing or staring at mossy rocks. You can also follow her on Instagram.
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