ORCHARD HOME >> LE TOUR DE DONUT  

EVENT CHANGES / IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2012

• The road route will be the same as last year with a few changes to ease congestion in some spots.  Also, better road directions at some spots along the way!
• NEW FOR 2012 is a MTB race to be held at the same time.   That route will be different than the roadies of course (you do see each other at points along the way) but we’ve planned it so it should about even-out at the finish line…The race is on!
• Since the road race route is on roads open to the public…you can pre-ride it if you wish (cue sheet is on-line)   The MTB course crosses private lands at some points hence a full map/cue sheet ahead of time is not available nor may you pre-ride certain portions.  You may ride the two trail areas in Greenville- Edwards Creek and Shearer Road that the race encounters just to get-a-feel for them.
• Remember:   To clarify…..you must eat at least one donut per stop or face a 3 minute penalty for each non-stop/no-eat.  
• Tandems……..both riders fill out a registration form, but only one should pay the race fee! 

About the Ride

The Le Tour de Donut is an “appetizing” fun bike race with 2 rest stops where racers can get water, cider, fruit, first-aid, use the bathroom and get delectable DONUTS.  For every donut eaten a tempting 3 minutes are deducted from your official elapsed finish time to arrive at your adjusted placement time.  The 30 mile road race follows lightly used rural roads and also portions of a paved scenic bike trail.  It’s all paved, so bring your best bike.  NEW for 2012 is an MTB race (cross bikes also allowed) held at the same time…..now pitting the two against each other! The unshaven, heathen, knobby-tired lycra-averse crew will hit the gravel, paved roads, two tracks as well as established single-track MTB trail parks (Edwards Creek & Shearer Road).  Both races start at the same time at Klackle Orchards Family Fun Farm and traverse around the greater Greenville area.  Both the roadies and asphalt-challenged riders join for the last mile and a screaming run to the finish!   There are only a few race rules: All donuts must be eaten in the “Donut Stations”; you must eat at least one per station; and, if you toss your cookies- you’re DQ’d.  The race has a well-marked route; assisted crossings; awards, prizes and a post-race pancake brunch.  It’s proven to be a whole lotta fun for families, individuals and even experienced racers.  Competitive cyclists….what’s your strategy?  Are you a “glutton” for punishment?   Roadie’s…..can you beat your dirtball MTB’er buddy thru the course?   Come and find out! 

Le Tour de Donut- Road Race- Aero bar use

The "rules" passed out on race day and announced at the start will NOT include a no-draft clause. So, drafting IS legal in this race.  As such, riders may form groups/pacelines and as such could be following "too close" to other bikers.  In this instance aero bars could be a problem (if you need to brake quickly)  We do not have a policy or rule that says you can or cannot have/use aero bars on your bike. 

If this was a typical bike shop road ride....aero bars are highly discouraged (most shop rides involve a pace line and drafting).  In the aero position it is hard to react quickly to get on the brakes...thus riders are not supposed to have (or, if they are on the bike) use aero bars. 

Le Tour de Donut is not a shop ride, nor a "sanctioned" road ride......it's a fun race!  So, I'm saying aero bars are permitted, but certainly not recommended.  I know the race course and there are certainly some areas where the aero position might gain some time.... and many other areas where it won't.  

The tri & time trial bike frame geometry does also offer a more favorable body position for the rider as far as "saving" one's legs a bit for running after biking a bit.  Thus, for the Le Tour de Donut...after a bit of biking they may be able to sprint faster to the donut eating station and back to the bike???   THIS I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE!  

So...tri-bikes, time trial bikes, aero bars all are permitted for the Le Tour de Donut bike race.    Let's see how many we get and if they are a problem???

Steve Klackle

You Can Race or Ride Just for Fun

Keep in mind, 20-30 miles is no easy task for many mortals…especially combined with donut eating tolerances!  If this is true for you, your family & friends, or perhaps you are looking for a less competitive shorter ride…..then ride the 10 mile Family Fun Road Ride.  This group of riders will leave the start shortly after the racers and will follow some of the same roads, but will not be timed.  Just a nice ride with donuts, a breakfast  and loads of fun as your reward.   Entry fee is the same and included is a Fun Ride T-shirt. 

PERHAPS COME TO WORK THE EVENT OR JUST ENJOY THE POST-RACE PARTY ….….

We’re always in need of more event staff to help that day.  Just contact the race director listed.  If you’re coming just to watch……brunch tickets are available for purchase and you can also enjoy the Fall day at the Klackle Orchards Family Fun Farm!

  2012 Flyer and Registration
Tour De Donut Waiver (Must be filled out prior to race)
Race Course Directions 22.5 mile MTB Race Cue Sheet

Race Course Directions 33 Mile Race Cue Sheet
Tour De Donut Volunteer Positions

Links to Edwards Creek Mountain Bike Trail in Greenville

http://mmba.org/library/maps/edwardscreek/Edward's%20Creek.pdf

http://mmba.org/library/maps/edwardscreek/EdwardsCreek_Map.gif