14th annual French Creek Iron Tour gears up
Cycle through American history! The Iron Tour is back and ready to take history buffs and cyclists on a trip back in time.
The 14th annual French Creek Iron Tour is on Sunday, June 12, starting at the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds, 762 Pike Springs Road (Route 113), Phoenixville. The bike ride travels directly past preserved areas where iron blast furnaces and forges served as cornerstones of industry in colonial Pennsylvania, according to a press release.
The Iron Tour has distance options of 11, 20, 32, 50, 62, 75 and 100 miles. Schedules are posted on the Iron Tour’s website with ride start times for the various distance options. There’s something for every
type of rider, from a short ride through breathtaking countryside to a century route that visits numerous quaint villages and historical landmarks.
The start and finish location at the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds provides an excellent launch into the gorgeous countryside and a great place to gather afterward for an included lunch, according to the release.
The 11-mile ride is great for families and those reacquainting themselves with their bicycles. The 20-mile distance contains some hills and will take riders over two historic covered bridges. At the midway point for both rides, there is a rest stop at the village of Yellow Springs, the release states.
The annual tour raises much-needed funds for French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, with 100 percent of its proceeds going directly toward the preservation of open space in northern Chester County, the release states.
Over the past 14 years the tour has acquired a good following among cyclists, and has earned a reputation for its firstclass rest stops and delicious food. Last year’s Iron Tour had more than 1,400 riders, according to the release.
History buffs get a new benefit to cycling the Iron Tour in 2016. The four longer routes will appreciate a rest stop at the Warwick Furnace Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy the special experience of a place which features the ruins of one of the oldest blast iron furnaces in the country.
Ride past where George Washington marched his troops through the area. This site is now preserved forever by French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust.
Plans for this beautiful property include a public nature preserve.
Registration will close at 1,800 riders or at 5 p.m., June 9, whichever comes first. Registration is $55. There will be no day-of-event registration. Registration is non-refundable, and the ride takes place rain or shine, according to the release.
For more information, visit IronTour.org.