For Immediate Release: June 12, 2004

Comedian Pedals to D.C.
for Release of National Lampoon Book

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 124,000 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 Shelly's Back Room, 1331 F St. NW, on Wed., June 23, where he will sign copies of his new book, National Lampoon's Big Book of True Facts, which will be released that day. Snyders will arrive at the release party by bicycle.

The hardcover book features more than 200 photographs of funny road signs contributed by Snyders. The all-new collection of absurd-but-true humor from everyday life also includes funny news stories, headlines and advertisements. Snyders and his bicycle are featured on the cover.

"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."

The release party begins at 4:00 p.m. National Lampoon fans can purchase a goody bag including National Lampoon's Big Book of True Facts and National Lampoon's Big Book of Love for $40. Free appetizers, drinks and cigars will be provided. Party details can be found at www.shellysdc.com and www.nationallampoon.com.

Co-contributor Jay Naughton, National Lampoon Dotcom's archivist, will also be present to sign copies of both books.

Snyders left Key West, Fla., by bicycle on June 2 to begin the first-ever book tour by bicycle. He will promote National Lampoon's Big Book of True Facts this summer and fall as he continues up the coast to New York City, the first leg of the combined book tour and his never ending "Smile America Bicycle Comedy Tour." He will then pedal across the country, doing comedy shows and book signings along the way, eventually ending up in Los Angeles in October.

Snyders' car blew up on his way to a comedy performance in 1987. Since then, he's been using his bicycle as his main form of transportation to bicycle events, conferences and comedy clubs, where he performs his unique, one-man comedy show.

Over the years, he's also pedaled onto the set of nine national television shows, including three appearances on Live With Regis & Kathie Lee.

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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