For Immediate Release: Nov. 1, 2004

“Bicycling Comedian” To Perform in Janesville Friday

Comedian Tom Snyders has spent the past 17 years pedaling his fully-loaded touring bicycle to all his stand-up comedy performances. He’s cycled more than 129,000 miles and to all 50 states. Along the way he snaps pictures of weird and amusing road signs he encounters – the best of which are featured in his live performances.

His next stop is Edison Middle School, 1649 S. Chatham St., Janesville, Wisc., where he will perform his show and sign copies of his new book, National Lampoon’s Big Book of True Facts. The hardcover book, officially released June 23, features more than 200 photographs of funny road signs contributed by Snyders. Snyders and his bicycle are featured on the cover. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $5. The show is sponsored by Janesville Velo Club and Michael’s Cycles. Velo Club members get in free.

Snyders, known as “The Bicycling Comedian,” will arrive at the performances by bicycle, pedaling in from Milwaukee. Janesville is one of many stops on what he’s calling “the first-ever book tour by bicycle.” Since hopping on his bike in Key West, Fla., on June 2, Snyders has pedaled to and performed in Virginia; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; New York City; Iowa; Wisconsin; Arkansas, Texas and Los Angeles.

Snyders’ journey and his never-ending “Smile America Bicycle Comedy Tour” began in 1987 when he left Las Vegas by bicycle. Since then he’s been pedaling the back roads of this country performing his clean, unique comedy show at bike events, conferences and comedy clubs. Over the years, he’s pedaled onto the set of ten national television shows, including appearances on Good Morning America and Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee. He’s also appeared on Comedy Central and ESPN and he’s been a featured performer at the “Just For Laughs” International Comedy Festival in Montreal.

“I’m off the interstate and not going by at 60 miles an hour so I see a lot of strange stuff,” Snyders explains. “Some of it’s incredibly funny, and I always keep my camera loaded and ready.”

On this journey Snyders has also: been attacked by a police dog; pedaled up a mountain in the middle of a raging snow storm; looked a grizzly bear in the eye from 15 feet away; and been run out of town by local police in Georgia.

Snyders has also written a screenplay; coincidentally, it’s about a comedian who travels by bicycle to all his stand-up comedy performances. “It’s Forrest Gump meets Seabiscuit,” he jokes.

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