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French Creek Iron Tour

French Creek Iron Tour

Cycling for Open Space

The 19th Annual French Creek Iron Tour

Sunday, June 13, 2021

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FAQ

Questions and answers about the June virtual ride. As questions come in, we will add them here.

Q. I registered prior to May 1. Am I registered for the virtual ride? 

 A. Not only are you registered for the virtual ride in June, you are also registered for the real ride if we are able to host one later this year. Look for an email from us in the days ahead. The one thing we’ll need is for you to sign the updated waiver form.

Q. When will I receive the course information?

 A. Two weeks prior to the start of the virtual ride on June 14, we will be emailing the links to the Ride with GPS files for all courses to all registered riders. 

Q.  I requested an Iron Tour tee-shirt with my registration. Will I receive it and how?

 A. Yes, if you requested a tee-shirt when you registered, one will be mailed to you in time so that you can wear it on your ride if you choose. 


The questions and answers below pertain to our usual Iron Tour. Some still apply for the virtual ride. 

Q. Is this an Iron Man event?

 A. No! This is not an “iron man” competitive event. Our name comes from the early iron industry that dominated northern Chester County in colonial times. Many of the courses wind through the creeks and valleys in which the early forges and furnaces were located and where the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has preserved 12,850 acres of scenic, environmentally sensitive, and agricultural lands.

Q. Is this a Race?

 A. No. No one is timed. Ride at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful countryside, much of which has been preserved by French & Pickering and is marked by “Preserved Forever” signs.

Q. May I register the day of the ride?

 A. No. 1,000-1,500 cyclists require a lot of food, facilities, and safety precautions. In order to provide a fun, safe ride for everyone, we must have a head count prior to the event.

Q. What if it’s raining?

 A. The Iron Tour goes RAIN or SHINE. All services, including breakfast, rest stops and lunch at the end of the ride will be provided regardless of the weather. If roads are wet, take extra care going downhill and on bridges, gravel and painted areas. It is strongly advised that you dismount and walk your bike across the wooden bridges which can be quite slippery.

Q. Are the roads closed to motor vehicle traffic during the ride?

 A. No. All roads are public and open to motor vehicle traffic, although traffic should be light since it is a Sunday morning. Fire police will be at major intersections to assist the cyclists’ crossing. It is crucial to ride safely, observe all local laws, and to be courteous to cars and fellow cyclists. Please stay to the right. Do not ride more than two abreast, and only ride two-abreast when the road is free from traffic. Stay on your side of the road; never cross over the midpoint of the road. When traffic is approaching from the front or the rear, stay single file and to the right. To help your fellow cyclists, call out hazards such as potholes, gravel, and approaching traffic (from front or rear). Also call out if you’re about to pass someone to give them the opportunity to move to the right to allow your safe passage. If you’re part of a large group, consider breaking into smaller sub-groups with a 20-30 yard gap in between so that cars can safely pass.

Yield to oncoming cars at the covered bridges.

Q. Are the courses hilly?

 A. We are frequently asked by those who have not ridden in the event in the past if the terrain is hilly. The answer is “yes” — this is northern Chester County after all! However, our indefatigable course designer has worked very hard to avoid some of the steepest inclines, while ensuring there are challenges for the long distance riders.  The elevations according to RideWithGPS are: 11 miles – 491′; 20 miles – 1155′; 32 miles – 2011′; 50 miles – 3294′; 62 miles – 3886′; 75 miles – 4509′; 100 miles – 6052′; and gravel – 6525′. Elevations and course distances might vary some according to tracking method used.

Q. I registered for the ride but found out I won’t be able to make it. Can I have a refund?

 A. Sorry, but registration fees are non-refundable. If you pre-paid in time to receive a t-shirt, you are welcome to stop by the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the ride to pick up your shirt, even if you are not able to ride. After 10:30, the tee shirts will be sold.

Q. May I exchange my t-shirt for a different size?

 A. Unfortunately, no. We order the shirts based on the size you put on the registration form and do not order extras.

Q. When can I get a copy of the cue sheet?

 A. Cue sheets will be emailed to registered riders during the week leading up to the ride.  Be certain we have your correct email address.  Copies will also be available near the registration table. Each course has its own cue sheet.

Q. What should I bring with me on the ride?

 1) Helmet – No one will be permitted to ride without a helmet.
 2) Water bottles. Rest stops and the fairgrounds will have water and Gatorade to refill your bottles.
 3) Two spare tubes, pump, patch kit, tire irons – SAG aims to get to everyone as quickly as possible, but they might be tending to someone else when you need them
 4) Cue sheet – this will supplement road markings and provide emergency phone number
 5) ID and medical cards – just in case of an emergency
 6) Cell phone – it is against the law to wear earbuds while riding
 7) Any snacks you may need between rest stops (or if you have dietary restrictions)
 8) Sunscreen
 9) Weather appropriate clothing

Q. How many rest stops are there?

 1) 11 and 20 mile – 1
 2) 32 mile – 2
 3) 50, 62 and 75 mile – 4
 4) 100 mile – 5
 5) gravel – 2

Coffee, baked goods and fruit are served during registration. Lunch is served at the end of the ride.

Q. What happens if I have an accident while on the course?

 A. For serious accidents and injuries, call 911. (This is why you must take a cell phone!)

For minor accidents and injuries, first aid kits are available at each rest stop. If you feel you cannot complete the course, call the Help Lines number on your cue sheet. Please bear in mind that the roving vehicles cover a large area. It may be some time before a vehicle reaches your location.

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Comments on the 2020 Virtual Tour

Here’s what some riders had to say about their 2020 virtual Iron Tour experience: 

“What really makes me want to write is the extraordinary number of ‘Preserved Forever’signs I passed on Warwick Furnace Road, Dampman Road, and James Mill Road. That entire valley seems to be under French & Pickering’s protection … an amazing accomplishment. Of course, I passed many more such signs, some of which seemed new to me. But riding along that valley has long been one of our favorite stretches of road. Thank you French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust SO much for protecting it.”

“Spent Thursday morning riding the 75-mile route and enjoyed a rest stop at the Warwick Furnace. Don’t think there is a more beautiful stretch of road in Chester County, or one with more significant history to the area. What a treasure to have Preserved Forever.”

“On this past beautiful Sunday morning, my wife and I along with 5 friends rode the 32 (according to my Garmin 32.89) from Kimberton Firehouse. We stopped often for eating and talking, all at an appropriate “social” distance. We finished around 1:00, but it was such a great day I decided to keep riding to reach one of my goals — to ride my age and took off on my own route and finished around 4:45.”

“My sister and I have ridden this ride together several times..she has ridden solo more often but we love the feeling we have after completion…besides exhaustion, we are so grateful we can support the efforts of this tour. This year will be different as she will be riding in her home state of PA and I will be riding in my new home state of Maine! Riding together 8 hours apart. So looking forward to this unique bonding experience.”

“Got in my miles today at home in Boston for the French Creek Iron Tour! Traded in my gloves and hair net for clips and a helmet. I usually volunteer, but this year I got to be a rider! Had to celebrate with the customary hot dog and burger lunch post-ride.”

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Questions?

Refer to the FAQ page or contact French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust at
610-933-7734 or by email

irontour@frenchandpickering.org.

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
511 Kimberton Road
Phoenixville, PA  19460

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