By participating in this year’s Iron Tour, you are supporting the work of French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, the sole beneficiary of the Iron Tour. The mission of French & Pickering is to preserve, steward and connect people to the land in northern Chester County. French & Pickering preserves open space where iron blast furnaces and forges served as cornerstones of industry in colonial Pennsylvania – hence “Iron Tour.”
In 1967, Eleanor and Sam Morris’ love of the land in the watersheds of the French and Pickering Creeks guided them to establish French & Pickering. Over the 53 years since its inception, the Trust has permanently protected more than 13,000 acres of agricultural, natural and park lands and created greenways and trails along the two creeks.
Historically important lands are included in those 13,000 acres. The Revolutionary War might have had a different outcome if it were not for the many iron furnaces in northern Chester County at that time. French & Pickering permanently protected the Warwick Furnace that supplied cannonballs to General Washington’s army. It is this significant history that gives the French Creek Iron Tour its name. It is not an Ironman event but rather a tribute to the area’s impact on the history of our country. The routes of the Iron Tour will take you to the Warwick Furnace, Hopewell Furnace and near the Hibernia Iron Works. Join us in celebrating this aspect of our country’s history and the many accomplishments of French & Pickering. Mark your calendars for June 13. Ride, volunteer, sponsor, and be a part of French & Pickering’s work to preserve, steward and connect people to the land in northern Chester County.
Sunday, June 13, 2021 –
Please note: the Iron Tour takes place rain or shine.
Ride Features:
- Rides for all levels, from beginners to accomplished cyclists
- 11, 20, 32, 50, 62, 75, and 100 mile road course options
- A gravel ride of 64 miles with approximately 40% on gravel – recommended for experienced riders
- Well marked courses and cue sheets
- SAG support
- Quiet, lightly traveled roads and scenic countryside
Amenities
- Fully stocked rest stops (beverages, fresh fruit, snacks)
- Free T-shirt if you register by 5 p.m., May 21
- Free lunch after the ride.
- Live music at lunch by Voodoo DeVille.
- Professional massage ($10 gratuity)
Location
Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds
762 Pike Springs Road
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
(ENTER FAIRGROUNDS FROM ROUTE 113/PIKE SPRINGS ROAD ONLY)
Get Directions
Schedule
- 6:45 am Check-In opens for 62, 75 and 100 mile rides
- 7:15 – 10:00 am Check-In open for all rides
- 7:15 – 8:00 am 62, Gravel, 75 and 100 mile rides begin
- 8:00 – 8:30 am 50 mile ride begins
- 9:00 – 9:30 am 32 mile ride begins
- 9:30 – 10:00 am 20 mile ride begins
- 10:00 – 10:30 am 11 mile ride begins
- 4:30 pm Ride support ends
Requirements
- All participants must wear bicycle helmets and accept the terms of the Release and Assumption of Risk.
- Use of headphones, earbuds, etc. while riding is strictly prohibited.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.