The 2017 Tour De Donut offered three ride options. They will all consist of loops starting from the Field House at Westminster College.
Apple Castle ride (10 miles): This favorite from last year has not been changed (why mess with perfection). Riders will wind through a combination of mostly paved with about a mile and one-half of hard-packed dirt roads past rustic Amish farms. You will have a stop at the famous Apple Castle (the mother lode of donuts) before returning to the Westminster College field house where, if you’re up for it, you might take on a more challenging ride. You will also pass at least one Amish farm that offers Saturday donuts. If you choose to consume one, we will give you credit for eating one on your way to completing the challenge.
Plain Grove Ride (25 miles): This ride takes the cyclist on paved, lightly traveled roads with moderate uphill climbs. You will cross Banks Bridge, a covered bridge built in 1889, that is on U.S. National Register of Historic Places on your way to Plain Grove where you will have an opportunity to stop at Maria’s Store, an old-fashioned country store (formally Cliff Pollock’s General Store which has been in existence since the early 1800’s). There will be a rest stop at the Pollock baseball field (restroom available) stocked with drinks, fruit, snacks and, of course, donuts. Incidentally, you may pass an Amish farm or two on this route that offers home-made donuts, and if you consume one we will include this on your final donut tally. Scout’s honor applies.
Volant ride (35 miles): This ride takes you past Amish farms and beautiful Western Pennsylvania scenic landscape with winding roads beside gently flowing trout streams. You will cross Banks Bridge, a covered bridge built in 1889, that is on U.S. National Register of Historic Places and eventually descend a very steep hill that many riders struggled to climb last year (be careful, it is a steep downhill with a STOP SIGN at the bottom). You will then pass through Volant, a tourist attraction with a grist mill built in 1812, and plenty of interesting shops and eateries (as well as a public restroom by the fire hall), and wind your way up a gradual incline on Creek Road. The rest stops on this ride will be Ferris Farm at the halfway point, a local business with plenty of produce including, hopefully, strawberries. You will also have the option to stop at the Apple Castle toward the end of the ride. If you notice Amish farms along the way that are selling homemade donuts, challenge credit will be given for consumption. Your word is all the proof we need. By the time you get back to the fieldhouse, you might even be ready for a delicious sandwich made by the Dirty Pickle!