FCIT 2024 FAQ

 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 more than 13,350 acres of scenic, environmentally sensitive, and agricultural lands.

 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.

 A. No. 1,000 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.

 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.

 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.

 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 – 580′; 20 miles – 1257′; 32 miles – 2133′; 50 miles – 3374′; 62 miles – 4158′; 75 miles – 4852′; 100 miles – 6138′; and gravel – 5488′. Elevations and course distances might vary some according to tracking method used.

 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.

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

 A. Cue sheets and Ride with GPS links 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.

 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

 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.

 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.

 A. Yes, there are hotels nearby and French & Pickering will be securing a block of rooms at a discounted rate in the near future. Check back for details.

 A. Registration will close at 5pm on Thursday June 6, 2024.

 A. Have you ever splashed in a local creek on a hot summer day? Or driven down one of the many winding country roads and admired the stunning vistas? There is a good chance that those experiences were made possible in part by the work that French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has done. To learn more, please visit https://frenchandpickering.org/our-work/

 A. Lunch will consist of hoagies, chips, side salads, desserts, and a free 10oz pour by Root Down Brewing, the official Iron Tour Beer Sponsor. A Vegetarian option will be available.