French Creek Iron Tour
When you ride in the French Creek Iron Tour, you have a direct impact on the preservation of the scenic countryside that surrounds you. Since our founding by Sam and Eleanor Morris in 1967, French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has protected more than 13,700 acres of agricultural, natural, and park lands and created greenways and trails along the the French and Pickering Creeks. Historically important lands are included in those 13,700 acres.
The Revolutionary War might have had a different outcome were it not for the many iron furnaces in northern Chester County in the late 1700s. French & Pickering has permanently protected the remaining structures of the Warwick Furnace that supplied cannonballs to General George Washington’s army. It is this significant history that gives the French Creek Iron Tour its name.
The French Creek Iron Tour 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 and its supporters!
We will host our 24th Annual French Creek Iron Tour ride on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds in Phoenixville, PA. Ride, volunteer, or 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 14, 2026
Please note: No refunds. The Iron Tour takes place rain or shine.
Ride Features
- Registration will open in January 2026
- Early Bird, $65: Wednesday, January 21 – Thursday, April 30
- Includes 2026 French Creek Iron Tour t-shirt
- Regular Registration, $75: Friday, May 1 – Thursday, June 4
- Late Registration, $80: Friday, June 5 – Friday, June 12
- Early Bird, $65: Wednesday, January 21 – Thursday, April 30
- Registration closes on Friday, June 12 at midnight
- Rides for all levels, from beginners to accomplished cyclists
- 11, 20, 32, 50, 62, 75, and 100 mile road course options
- Two gravel course options: Petite Gravel (60 miles) and the Grande Gravel (80 miles) with approximately 30% on gravel – recommended for experienced riders
- Well marked courses and cue sheets
- SAG (Support and Gear) assistance
- Quiet, lightly traveled roads and scenic countryside
- Refreshments and snacks at rest stops
- Complimentary lunch (including vegetarian and vegan options)
Schedule
- 6:30 am: Check-In opens for 62, 75, 100 mile, and both gravel rides
- 7:00 – 8:00am: Grande Gravel (80 mile) ride begins
- 7:15 – 10:00 am: Check-In opens for all rides
- 7:15 – 8:00 am: 62, 75 and 100 mile rides begin
- 8:00 – 8:30 am: Petite Gravel (60 miles) and 50 mile rides begin
- 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: Rider support ends
Requirements
- All participants must wear bicycle helmets and accept the terms of the Release and Assumption of Risk
- Use of headphones or earbuds while riding is strictly prohibited
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Obey all traffic laws
- Carry your ID, medical cards, and a charged phone
- When you see the “Preserved Forever” signs along the routes, know that it was the work of French & Pickering and your support that will keep those areas in their natural state forever!
Location
Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds
762 Pike Springs Road
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
(ENTER FAIRGROUNDS FROM ROUTE 113/PIKE SPRINGS ROAD ONLY)
Kind Words
“I had the pleasure of riding the Iron Tour for the first time on Sunday, I can say it will be the first of many more to come! I rode the 50 with my son Ben, his wife Tara and my friend Brian W. We all were so impressed with the organization of the ride, the well-stocked rest stops and volunteer staff, the marking of the routes and having traffic control at the key intersections along route 23. Oh and the post ride lunch was great! You guys were also able to dial up some great weather, unbelievable! I am sure I would be speaking many riders in saying I would offer suggestions for improvement but I am at a loss for improving perfection. I appreciate all the dedication, planning and execution of an event like this.”
