A new event is coming to Miami County later this year when the Tour de Donut rolls into Troy on Sept. 16.
"We are going to have upwards to 3,000, at least, new visitors to the area," said Diana Thompson, executive director of the Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau. "They are going to discover this wonderful historic community, shop in the shops, dine. A lot of them, I believe about 50 percent, come in the night before."
The event was held in Darke County the past 10 years in three locations, most recently in Arcanum.
Roger Bowersock, the event founder and a former professional bicycle racer, said the event needed a home with more offerings for riders and their families.
The Tour de Donut is "a spin on the Tour de France," he said, but is one that allows participants in all shapes and sizes with a fun twist.
"It is not just serious athletes that participate in this thing," Bowersock said.
The ride features routes of 15, 30 and 64 miles. The event includes the added challenge of riders eating donuts at stations along the route.
For each donut consumed successfully, five minutes is taken off the rider's time. The exception is the Glazer donut. Participants consuming this special donut have 10 minutes deducted from their time.
Troy Mayor Mike Beamish said he was excited to have the organizers choose Troy for the Tour de Donut's new home. "This is a premier event - an exciting event," he said.
Volunteers will be needed to help at the donut stops with high school groups providing support at past events, Bowersock said. Anyone interested in assisting at a donut stop or to volunteer with organizers, is asked to email info@rocketshipsports.com.? Registration for the ride, limited the past few years to 2,000 riders, began Jan. 1. A 3,000- rider limit is set for 2017. More information is available at www.thetourdedonut.com.