• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
French Creek Iron Tour

French Creek Iron Tour

Cycling for Open Space

The 19th Annual French Creek Iron Tour
June 5 – June 13, 2021

Register here

 

  • Home
  • Sponsorship
  • About
  • Course Descriptions
  • Register
  • Jerseys
  • Volunteer
  • Directions
  • FAQ

About the French Creek Iron Tour

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.

Primary Sidebar

Comments on the 2020 Virtual Tour

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

“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.”

“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.”

Footer

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

Menu

  • Home
  • Sponsorship
  • About
  • Course Descriptions
  • Register
  • Jerseys
  • Volunteer
  • Directions
  • FAQ

Search

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021 · Log in