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National Donut Day

Did you know today is National Donut Day in the United States? I can't think of a better way to celebrate National Donut Day by signing up for the 20th annual Tour de Donut on Saturday, July 12, in Staunton, Ill.

I've missed Tour de Donut the past few years, but I will be there this year. When Joe Booth, Mark Pace, Ed Taylor and I created Tour de Donut in 1989, we had no idea that the event would reach its 20th anniversary, and we had no idea it would be copied by rider organizers in Ohio, Texas and other states.

As a co-founder, I think it's only right that I be there this year. I am hoping my nephew, Julius Parod, will be able to come down from Evanston this year and bring his mom's (my sister's) tandem so that we can team up. My ability to eat donuts is already proven by my 1995 championship. Julius is a 6-foot-2 teenager with several weeklong tours under his belt. Need I say more.

Last year, the tandem winners ate 18 donuts and had an adjusted time of 29 minutes, 58 seconds. I'm confident we can top that.

But even if he doesn't make it, I will. I just won't be too competitive this year in the men's under-50 division. There's too many strong riders and even stronger donut eaters for me to make a serious run at the men's division.

You can sign up for the ride online, and the deadline is July 10. No mail or day-of-ride registration is available.

By the way, if you're wondering why today is National Donut Day, it's was an event started by the Salvation Army on the first Friday of June to honor the women who served donuts and food to soldiers in World War I.

Labels: Tour de Donut

Roger 0 comments 12:56 PM