The ninth annual Tour de Donut will ride again Saturday morning through New Wilmington and the surrounding countryside. (Contributed)

By Annabelle Chipps, New Castle News

Bicycle fans are in for a sweet ride Saturday at New Wilmington’s ninth annual Tour de Donut.

The event’s goal is to raise money for community projects while sprinkling appreciation for the county’s scenery.

The biking challenge, which is scheduled near National Doughnut Day, allows cyclists to bike 10, 20, 30 or 40-plus miles around New Wilmington and the Amish countryside while eating a dozen Apple Castle doughnuts to earn a special medallion.

All routes begin and end at Westminster College’s Memorial Field House, where registration occurs and snacks and drinks will be available.

“We’ve had people eat two dozen doughnuts before,” said New Wilmington Mayor Sherrie Babb, who is also a co-chair of the event. “We go through a lot of doughnuts.”

The event is run entirely by volunteers and community sponsors. The Apple Castle provides all doughnuts for the event.

Net profits are usually around $10,000, according to Babb.

“It’s been our main fundraiser to do projects in town,” she said. “Any money is put toward the borough.”

In past years, Tour de Donut has funded youth programs, sidewalk repairs, bike racks for local businesses and more.

There are typically around 400 participants in the challenge, with many coming from out of state. So far, 190 people have pre-registered as of last week.

“Yes, it’s a fundraiser, but it’s really to showcase our area, to put us on the map a little bit,” Babb said. “It’s to get people to come to New Wilmington to shop and see what we have to offer.”

Babb is a real estate agent in the area and said she once sold a house to someone who discovered the borough through the bike ride.

She also said the event is popular with children and families. Children under 12 only need to eat six doughnuts to earn a medallion.

Helmets are required for all riders.

“It’s a fun day,” she said.

Riders can register for $35 online through Friday at nwtourdedonut.com, but may also sign up in person. Refreshments and safety services will be provided throughout the trails.

Annabelle Chipps is a recent graduate of Slippery Rock University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns.