Mark your calendars, spuds and spudettes! In just nine more months, the event of the year, Le Tour de Couch Potato, will begin! We know, the anticipation is practically unbearable – almost as unbearable as peeling oneself off the couch after a winter-long Netflix marathon.

As the leaves turn and the air gets that crisp autumn bite, our couch-dwelling compatriots will be trading in their cycling workouts for Halloween candy and football games. Yes, you heard it right! The transition from summer slouching to fall floundering will be a sight to behold. Will we triumph with our indoor trainers, or will the call of the couch prove too strong? It’s anyone’s guess!

Le Tour de Couch Potato is not just any cycling event; it’s a celebration of the indomitable spirit of the true potato. We can’t wait until June rolls around so we can wobble, teeter, and possibly topple, all in the name of glory! The road may be long and winding, but the allure of the finish line (and the magnet waiting at the end) is irresistible.

As we count down the months, the excitement is palpable – or is that just the static from our well-worn cushions? Either way, the anticipation is building, and the training (or lack thereof) has begun! Are you ready to conquer the 100 miles, or will you be mashed into a DUD Spud? Only time will tell!

Grab your coziest blankets and your spiciest lattes, and join us in the countdown to Le Tour de Couch Potato. It’s going to be a ride to remember – or, at the very least, a ride to laugh about! Whether you fall in love with cycling or just fall over, it’s bound to be entertaining. Here’s to nine more months of eager anticipation!

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale,
A taterific ride without a fail,
That started from a cozy spud abode,
Aboard Le Tour de Couch Potato.

Le Tour de Couch Potato,
The ride of potatoes brave and bold,
With 177 signed up for the show,
On a 23-day journey to and fro.

The weather was rough; the road was tough,
But our spuds were made of sterner stuff,
With pedals and helmets, they rode with glee,
For miles of adventure on land and sea.

143 potatoes finished with pride,
Earning magnets to show far and wide,
But 33 DUD SPUDS couldn’t make it through,
We salute them too for the effort they drew.

Over 25,000 miles we rode,
With smiles, laughter, and stories bestowed,
Each day brought new challenges to explore,
Together we conquered, and our spirits soared.

To all our spudly participants, we extend,
A heartfelt thanks, you’re a true friend,
Join us again, starting June 29, 2024,
For more cycling adventures and fun galore.

So, thank you all for making memories grand,
Pedaling together, hand in hand,
Until next year, let’s stay in touch,
Le Tour de Couch Potato thanks you so much!

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber (Denise) & Duchess Potato (Christine)

Congratulations goes out to those who finished since our last update.

Dre’ Tater crossed the finish line but almost forgot to log her miles. She’s in with 110.00 miles. Also over the line for another magnet is Hurray Potato with 109.31 miles – his fridge has got to be filling up. And with a huge push of miles the last few days for magnet number 12 is Home Fries, in with 101.00 miles.

That brings our total official taters to 143 and our total miles to 25,446.74 for this year’s Couch Potato. We ended up with 33 DUD SPUDS.

Our final report out will be published Wednesday, July 26th. Thanks for joining us this year. The 2024 edition of Le Tour de Couch Potato will kick off June 29, 2024 – hope to see you then.

Administrivia

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

Thanks to Loch Ness Potato for our image today of several potatoes on their last ride of this year’s tour!

The boys in France are done and the awards have been given. But don’t worry if you’re not done. We have until midnight ET tonight to pedal. We did have 8 more potatoes make it official so far today.

I believe I can Fry and Hashed Healy crossed the finish line together, each with 104.40 miles. Potato Cake was not too far behind for her magnet with 103.10 miles.

DrewTuber will NOT get harassed for the next year at work. He stomped on those pedals a lot over the last few days to finish with 101.10 miles. Only a tenth o fa mile behind him was Sweet Kinder Spud 101.00 miles, earning herself another magnet.

Rocky Potato had a hard fought, mountainous 100.80 miles to earn his new magnet.

Pirouette Potato (100.38 miles) and Spuddy Holly (100.29 miles) cracked the finish line by less than a mile – but done is done!

Congratulations to our latest finishers.

That brings our total official taters to 140 with only a few hours left to pedal. Please remember all miles MUST be entered by 5:00 PM ET tomorrow so we can wrap everything up. We will have a blog post Monday evening and the Tour wrap up coming out on Wednesday, July 26th. We will work to get the Hall of Fame updated by Wednesday as well. If you haven’t seen it – check it out here –> H.O.F.

We’re sitting at 25,056.48 total miles for this year’s Couch Potato.

Potato Happenings

Still pedaling and under 20 miles to go. You still have a few hours to get it done:

Fry Fry Baby – 3.70 miles left

Hurray Potato – 4.11 miles to go

Bubba Spud – 5.00 miles remaining

Spudzilla – 8.17 miles to pedal

Home Fries – 15.00 miles for a magnet

Dre’ Tater – 17 miles to finish

On the Captain Spud / Laura Latkes challenge – reports indicate the challenge was for Laura Latkes to get to 165.0 miles She has risen to his challenge (165 miles) with a torn meniscus so had to spin all of it – at least she was able to watch TV while doing it!

Potato Jam pedaled over 2 Frederick Bridges on her way to Subway for lunch while Tom Tater finished with a trip to Joey Bag of Donuts! Spudly Beach Bum was in on the groceries as well with croissants and coffee.

Several potatoes made their own personal goals this year as well. We mentioned Touring Tater getting to her goal of 45 miles yesterday. Disorderly Tater met her personal goal as well – more miles than last year.

We are definitely going to have some DUD SPUDS this year. We’ll have to wait for tomorrow’s report to find out how many.

Administrivia

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for playing our game with us this year. We do it for fun each year – and hope you have fun as well. We do see your notes thanking us for putting this together and you’re very welcome! Please come and join us again next year. Remember to follow our blog – that’s how we notify you of registration, etc. Tell your friends so we can continue to grow.

One special note from me, I often type “we”, “us”, etc. My sister (Duchess Potato) is in the background doing the majority of the leg work to compile miles, comments, etc. each day. Her husband does the artwork for the magnets each year as well. While it’s my (potato) name you see on the blog post, I couldn’t do this without her – thanks, Chris!

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

The tours end is getting ever closer. Pedaling ends tomorrow night at midnight so only one day left. We still have time to cross the finish line so stomp on those pedals while you can. The 12 spuds who made it official today are:

Bud Spud not only finished with 119.34 miles but in true “BUD Spud” fashion, helped Microchip across the finish line as well. Kartoffel Kaiser sends out a big thank you to all who make this happen as she wraps up this year’s tour with 112.00 miles.

Harley Taterson finished with 108.50 miles on a virtual trip around Paris this morning – then ordered his magnet! Truckin’ Tuber has also earned a magnet with 108.45 miles.

Hot Potato now has more decorations for the refrigerator with 103.00 miles pedaled. Lenko Latkes was a couple pedal strokes behind but also over the line with 102.80 miles.

Microchip not only got her 102.60 miles but a chocolate-almond croissant at the finish line as well (nice reward). Fry-cycle got in 102.00 miles in this year’s tour to earn her magnet.

Tuberski has another magnet after she pedaled 101.20 miles while Spuddles checks in with an “I DID IT” after a couple rides to get over the finish line at 101.00 miles.

Maraschino Potato’s 101.00 miles will earn her a new magnet to decorate her fridge and Pommes Souffles hit the finish line at exactly 100.00 miles to become official as well.

That brings our total official tubers to 132 and with all of this pedaling we have accumulated 23,986.92 miles.

Potato Happenings

Captain Spud threw out the challenge yesterday to Laura Latkes but there was no change in miles for either one. Still at 164.40 miles for the Captain and 140.00 miles for Ms. Latkes. Let’s see how this goes. I’ll keep an “eye” on it!

Surfin’ Spud is enjoying a 50K at sea level – much easier than a 50K in the mountains.

Pump up the Yam, Bandit Yam and Buck-a-Spud were out for a nice morning ride today, adding to their miles. Potato Chip Rock is going to try to get some more miles in tomorrow if they legs don’t rebel – but he had a fun tour as well.

Here’s who we’re watching as we wrap up the year. We have lots of stomping on the pedals happening as those potatoes work to make it before the cut off. ___ are still pedaling and working to cross the finish line. I know we’ll have our DUD SPUDS who abandon – don’t be one of those.

In the 90s – You’ve come this far and with less than a 10 mile ride you’ll be finished. Can’t start next week with regrets. YOU got this. Fry Fry Baby, Hurray Potato, Pirouette Potato, Spudzilla, DrewTuber, Spuddy Holly, I believe I can Fry, Hashed Healy.

In the 80s – Less than 20 miles to go and another day to ride. You have until midnight so split it up if you have to. You’ll hate yourself in the morning if you don’t finish. Sweet Kinder Spud, Home Fries, Rocky Potato, Dre’ Tater, Potato Cake, Bubba Spud.

Those in the 70s – Yamazing could be AMAZING with just 25.80 more miles and a magnet. Don’t abandon at this point.

Our 60s potatoes – This is our group of tired bums by the end of the day Sunday but they can get there with it broken up throughout the day. Sewin’ Spuds, Verdant Potato, .

Hanging in the 40s is Touring Tater who started her tour wanting to finish 45 miles since she was born in 1945. Nicely done, by DUD SPUD. Let’s go for 50 next year – way to rock it out! Joining her in the 40s is CycloSpud – just over the 40 mile mark and still pedaling for as many miles as possible – way to hang in there.

Our last few taters here got their tour started but haven’t logged any miles in a while. Maybe they’ll surprise us and not be DUD SPUDS. Spud Lover, Zappa Patata, Star Crossed Spud, Helmer Spud, Fry on the Wall, Pedaler McPotato, Spudly Beach Bum, Lotze Latke, Manntater, Tony Starch.15 DUD SPUDS who never got off the couch!!

Administrivia

As we approach the end of this year’s tour, please remember that pedaling is done on midnight ET, July 23rd. We do have all day tomorrow to pedal. ALL miles must be entered by 5:00 PM ET on July 24th. We have our final blog post Monday evening with the Tour wrap up coming out on Wednesday, July 26th.

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

We can see the end of our tour looming in the distance. That time when we no longer get to log our miles and see how our friends are doing. But, fear not – there are still two days to pedal.

This is our biggest day yet as we gained 15 more official potatoes.

Jungle Spud made it official with 149.20 miles, earning himself a magnet.

La Nuova Patata and New Potato rode the W&OD to finish at their traditional spot – Magnolia’s at the Mill for lunch. They both finished up and will continue to decorate their fridge – 115.80 miles and 114.30 miles for them.

Also over the line very close together are Potato Sticks (110.60 miles), Artful Tuber (109.80 miles) and Frappin’ Spud (109.27 miles).

The Potato Monologues has pedaled her way to a magnet with 107.96 miles. Racing Spud also crossed the century mark today with 106.00 miles while Irri-tater was close behind after a “super sweaty spin session” with 104.95 miles.

Rain or Shine Tater did enough of those spin classes to earn a magnet – 102.80 miles. Gator Bait Tater and Fitz and the Tater Tantrums are also over the finish line, right on each other heels, with 101.79 miles and 101.56 miles each.

Spidey Spud caught up to me to earn a magnet with 101.10 miles and just making it over the line is Spud Ice with 100.31 miles.

Darth Tater managed to escape a year of ridicule from me at work by pedaling 100.00 miles for his magnet.

Potato Happenings

Captain Spud is throwing out a challenge to Laura Latkes – they are sitting at 164.40 miles for the Captain and 140.00 miles for Ms. Latkes. Let’s see how this goes. I’ll keep an “eye” on it!

Still watching our tubers that are working to finish as we wrap up the year. So many, so close! LOTS of movement since yesterday – I see several of these spuds wrapping it up with a magnet.

In the 90s, with less than 10 miles to go – These 8 potatoes are SOOO close and can get there with less than 5 miles each day. YOU got this. Hot Potato, Harley Taterson (with his Wakefield Valley 10 miler) , Fry Fry Baby, Kartoffel Kaiser, Spuddles, Pirouette Potato, Spudzilla, I believe I can Fry.

In the 80s – 11 of our potatoes have come this far. Less than 20 miles to go and two full days of pedaling. Sweet Kinder Spud, Tuberski, Rocky Potato, Hurray Potato, Dre’ Tater, Bud Spud, Potato Cake, Hashed Healy, Spuddy Holly, Bubba Spud, Maraschino Potato.

Those in the 70s – Small but distinguished group of 3 potatoes that with less than 15 miles a day will be over the finish line. Pommes Souffles, Yamazing, Fry-cycle.

Our 60s potatoes – This is our group of tired bums by the end of the day Sunday but they can get there with two 20 mile rides. Truckin’ Tuber, Sewin’ Spuds, Verdant Potato, Microchip, DrewTuber, Lenko Latkes.

Over half way and we really want to see her get magnet number 12. She’ll need to push it but can still get there. Home Fries.

Hanging in the 40s is Touring Tater. Two 30 mile rides and we’ve got a magnet.

In the 30 mile range – This group is going to need some seriously long rides to get there so let’s help them along as we can. Spud Lover, CycloSpud, Zappa Patata.

Down in the 20s – We’re looking at just under 80 miles to go so going to take a lot of pedaling for Star Crossed Spud and Helmer Spud.

In the 10s – A larger group here that got off the couch so we want them to finish. Fry on the Wall, Pedaler McPotato, Spudly Beach Bum, Lotze Latke, Manntater.

Less than 10 miles – Five miles in and 95 miles to go. Can Tony Starch finish it up? Join him for a couple really long rides.

Still 15 DUD SPUDS out there – don’t join them!!

Administrivia

As we approach the end of this year’s tour, please remember that pedaling is done on midnight ET, July 23rd. We do have all day Sunday to pedal. ALL miles must be entered by 5:00 PM ET on July 24th. We have our final blog post Monday evening with the Tour wrap up coming out on Wednesday, July 26th.

With all of this pedaling, our potatoes have totaled 22,548.45 miles. Only 7,451.55 miles left to meet that “extra challenge” I threw out there. Two days left to pedal and I don’t think we have over 3,700 miles a day in us.

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

Three Days to Pedal! We’re closing in on the end so get those wheels turning down the road for your final miles.

Decapotato is over the line with 119.61 miles – and something about a mashed potato in there. Hoping all is well but he earned his magnet.

After starting a week late, 50 in 50 Potato didn’t think she would finish, but here she is at 105.88 miles.

Disorderly Tater (103.60 miles) and Commissioner Potato (102.96 miles) are both finished today as a pedaling potato family.

Potato Loco is also done with exactly 100 miles. She is our 5th potato to finish today, bringing our total number of official taters to 105. As we get closer to our finish line, we have 56 potatoes still pedaling toward their magnet.

Potato Happenings

Let’s spend our potato happenings today helping to get our pedaling potatoes over the finish line. We’re going to go by the “decade”. If you know these potatoes, give them a shout out or join them for a ride to get them there.

In the 90s, with less than 10 miles to go – These 14 potatoes are SOOO close and can get there with an average of 3.333333 miles a day. YOU got this. Potato Sticks, Artful Tuber, Hot Potato, Gator Bait Tater, Racing Spud, The Potato Monologues, Jungle Spud, Frappin’ Spud, Kartoffel Kaiser, Spuddles, Irri-tater, Pirouette Potato, Spudzilla, I believe I can Fry.

In the 80s – 17potatoes have come this far – you’ve got to finish it up. Less than 20 miles to go and three days to get there. Darth Tater, La Nuova Patata, Fitz and the Tater Tantrums, New Potato, Spidey Spud, Harley Taterson, Tuberski, Spud Ice, Rain or Shine Tater, Rocky Potato, Hurray Potato, Dre’ Tater, Fry Fry Baby, Bud Spud, Potato Cake, Bubba Spud, Maraschino Potato.

Those in the 70s – Small but distinguished group of 4 potatoes that with less than 10 miles a day will be over the finish line. Pommes souffles, Yamazing, Fry-cycle, Spuddy Holly.

Our 60s potatoes – From this group down, we may end up with some tired bums. Truckin’ Tuber, Verdant Potato, Microchip, Sweet Kinder Spud, Hashed Healy, DrewTuber.

A couple in the 50s – Over half way and will need to push it but can still get there. Home Fries, Lenko Latkes.

Hanging in the 40s are Sewin’ Spuds and Touring Tater. Three 20 mile rides and the magnet is theirs.

In the 30 mile range – This group is going to need some seriously long rides to get there so let’s help them along as we can. Spud Lover, CycloSpud, Zappa Patata.

Down in the 20s – We’re looking at just under 80 miles to go so going to take a lot of pedaling for Star Crossed Spud and Helmer Spud.

In the 10s – A larger group here that got off the couch so we want them to finish. Fry on the Wall, Pedaler McPotato, Spudly Beach Bum, Lotze Latke, Manntater.

Less than 10 miles – One ride in and 95 miles to go. Can Tony Starch finish it up? Join him for three 30 mile rides.

Administrivia

As we approach the end of this year’s tour, please remember that pedaling is done on midnight ET, July 23rd. We do have all day Sunday to pedal. ALL miles must be entered by 5:00 PM ET on July 24th. We have our final blog post Monday evening with the Tour wrap up coming out on Wednesday, July 26th.

With all of this pedaling, our potatoes have totaled 21,490.77 miles. Only 8,509.23 miles left to meet that “extra challenge” I threw out there. Three days left to pedal and it’s not looking good.

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

With four days remaining in this edition of Le Tour, we now have exactly 100 official couch potatoes, adding 8 new ones today. We also hit a 20,000 mile(stone) today with 20,556.55 total miles pedaled so far. Makes my legs tired just typing it.

Crossing the magic 100 mile line today, we have Spuds McKenzie with 111.50 miles. Trying to chase her down is Tater Vega with 109.50 miles. LowTato is also finished with 102.00 miles. Coming around the bend just behind her is Cajun Gator Tater with 101.49 miles.
Grape Tater finishes his year 101.20 miles and a letter to Cannondale – “You have been a literal pain in my @$$! You may resume collecting dust until next year. Sincerely, Grape Tater”.

Yours truly, Madam Tuber, had a similar theme as Grape Tater. I was determined to finish today but my morning ride was cut short because my butt gave out. Back down to the bike I went at lunch to finish with a sore butt and 101.10 miles.

Also finishing up today is Jedi Spud with 100.60 miles and Space Yam with 100.43 miles. Congratulations to our most recent finishers – magnets all around.

61 potatoes are still on the road, searching for that 100 mile mark. Some are a lot closer than others so 4 days shouldn’t be a struggle. Others are going to have to really push it – we have faith in you. Then there are the 15 DUD SPUDS in training, not yet off the couch – 25 miles a day and the magnet is yours!

Potato Happenings

Kartoffel Kaiser reports in at “Almost there!” – at 94.10 miles she should finish up tomorrow. Rain or Shine Tater is just under 15 miles away with 85.30 miles and he did a morning spin class today. He’ll finish soon as well.

Mystery Spud (already finished with 130.60 miles – and counting) enjoyed a deer and her fawn. A second sighting as the fawn was nursing. Very cool to see. Last of the Potatoes didn’t get to see a deer but something that runs much faster. She passed a house with 8 Corvettes in the garage/driveway.

Christmas Potato is happy to be back on her flat, South Carolina roads after a trip to Vermont and it’s associated hills.

Administrivia

As we approach the end of this year’s tour, please remember that pedaling is done on midnight ET, July 23rd. We do have all day Sunday to pedal. ALL miles must be entered by 5:00 PM ET on July 24th. We have our final blog post Monday evening with the Tour wrap up coming out on Wednesday, July 26th. Fair warning – I write all this stuff (not ChatGPT) so don’t get too excited. 🙂

With all of this pedaling, our potatoes have totaled 20,556.55 miles. Only 9,443.45 miles left to meet that “extra challenge” I threw out there. With only 4 pedaling days remaining, we may have to try again next year.

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

We’ve got five days left to pedal and the potatoes are crossing the finish line in droves. Six more made it official today bringing our total to 91.

Baked Potato is in with 126.61 miles and Flower Power Potato has pedaled 113.00 miles for her magnet. Pump up the Yam stomped on his pedals for 104.10 miles and just behind him is Yam Session with 104.06 miles. Pouch Potato is over the finish like by a couple miles with 102.07 miles and Tubermore reports in with a “Woo hoo, I did it!” and 100.88 miles.

Congratulations to our most recent potatoes making it official. That does leave us 70 potatoes on the road, still striving for their magnet with only 5 pedal days remaining. We still have our 16 potatoes on the couch. Remember to enter your miles as you ride them so we can recognize your accomplishments.

Potato Happenings

Frappin’ Spud was out pedaling to finish up (less than 6 miles to go) and saw dogs, dogs and more dogs – as long as they don’t keep her from the finish line. Yam Kronin was pedaling with the Chicks as well – and DOGS! We have a theme – Dogs love the chicks.

Chip-N-Dale took another ride through Sandbridge this morning while Bubba Spud rode Tour de Portland today as she searches for magnet 13 – closing in.

Potato PSA – we’ve posted about pedaling in the heat. For those on the east coast, our next couple days are to be the worst yet. Please pedal safely and stay hydrated. We really want you to finish but no magnet is worth your safety. End Potato PSA!

Administrivia

With all of this pedaling, our potatoes have totaled 19,799.33 miles. Only 10,200.67 miles left to meet that “extra challenge” I threw out there. With only 5 pedaling days remaining, it’s not looking good.

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber

Days remaining, that is! Yes – six days left to pedal in the 13th edition of Le Tour de Couch Potato. With so few days on the docket, we’re congratulating 4 new potatoes today as they made it official.

Campbell’s Potato Soup is over the finish line with 125.87 miles. Sour Mash Spud is finished with 110.00 miles. Tattie Tater and Tot Louie have both earned magnets, each with 101.00 miles. Tot Louie made it an early ride to beach the heat – and he’s shouting out all those spuds that inspired him. There was even an “All hail Madam Tuber!” in there – blushing.

Potato Happenings

Closing in on that century mark and able to be official, we have 9 potatoes in the 90 mile range. Bumble Spud only has a half mile to go with 99.50 miles so far. Baked Potato is also less than a mile from the finish like with 99.25 miles in. The Potato Monologues and Jungle Spud are both under 5 miles from the finish line with 95.96 miles and 95.10 miles respectively. Pouch Potato is closing in with 94.04 miles pedaled. Pirouette Potato has 92.38 miles down and breathing down her neck is Yam Session with 92.35 miles. I believe I can Fry is almost finished at 91.20 miles while Commissioner Potato is over the 90 mile mark with 90.65 miles done. We should see these potatoes become official in the next couple of days.

With 161 potatoes off the couch, searching for a magnet, the miles will be adding up. We still have our 16 DUD SPUDS who didn’t bother to get off the couch yet – hmmm.

Irri-tater made her way to the Y this morning for an early spin.

Oh-Kay Tuber was out with three other spuds for a ride. It was a “Taters Unite Tour!” Wolfpack Potato, Fry Like an Eagle and Seafaring Spud were along for the ride as well during their annual beach week in SC. Le Tour provided the perfect opportunity for a biking reunion ride, giving them all about 20 miles this morning.

Administrivia

With all of this pedaling, our potatoes have totaled 18,599.56 miles. Only 11,400.44 miles left to meet that “extra challenge” I threw out there. With only 7 pedaling days remaining, it’s not looking good.

Potato Rant – Check the rules – you need to log your miles using the email you registered with. If you don’t, and don’t get credit for your miles, that’s your fault, not ours. End Potato Rant.

Results so far are here: Reported Miles

Report miles here: Mileage Entry

Happy Pedaling,

Madam Tuber