2026 Henry Hudson Trail Donut Derby

Have a donut and get faster, the only event you can lower your total time to finish by consumption of carbohydrates.

The 2026 Henry Hudson Trail Donut Derby is a 17-mile out-and-back cruise on the beautiful Henry Hudson Trail — perfect for vintage bikes, beach cruisers, and single-speeds. Start and finish at the Atlantic Highlands Harbor. Three donut stops await (roughly miles 3, 8.5, and 15). Eat as many as you can at each stop and shave 30 seconds off your total time for every donut consumed.

Riders start in 20-second intervals. The winner isn’t necessarily the fastest rider — it’s usually the one who can hammer mass quantities of donuts and still pedal home without exploding. Bonus time for the oldest bikes in each category. Ages 20+. Limited to 100 riders.

This isn’t a race — it’s a rolling donut-eating contest with bragging rights, trophies, and a great cause: supporting caregivers of dementia victims. Come for the carbs, stay for the chaos.

Ages 20 and up. Limited to 100 entrants.

Event Details

Riders will depart the start line at 20-second intervals. Along the course, there will be three designated donut stops where riders can eat donuts; for every donut consumed, 30 seconds will be deducted from their overall time. At the end of the event, aggregate times will be calculated, and trophies (along with bragging rights) will be awarded.

Route

The course will utilize the Henry Hudson Trail, beginning at the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Parking Area adjacent to the Municipal Tennis Courts trail entrance. Proceeding 9 miles to Union Beach Mid-Point on the trail, then returning to the finish at the Atlantic Highlands Harbor Parking Area.

Donut Stops

• Mile 3, Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center (East Parking Area), Atlantic Highlands

• Mile 8.5, Trailside, Union Beach

• Mile 15, Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center (return stop), Atlantic Highlands

Event Logistics

All riders will receive route cue sheets. A pre-event bicycle and equipment inspection will ensure compliance with New Jersey bicycle laws. Highlander bike shop will be present for light repairs. Three roving trail riders will assist participants along the route, and transport will be available for any riders or bicycles unable to complete the course.

Support caregivers of dementia victims.

Register for event here.

Check calendar at https://ridetoremember.org/mec-category/rides-to-remember for updates.

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