FCIT 2026 FAQ

No, this is not an “Iron Man” competitive event. Our Tour’s 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 13,700 acres of scenic, environmentally sensitive, and agricultural lands.

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.

Yes! E-bikes are allowed for this event.

No. Hundreds of cyclists requires a high volume of food, facilities, and safety precautions. In order to provide a fun, safe ride for everyone, we must have an accurate head count prior to the event.

The Iron Tour goes rain or shine. All services, including breakfast, rest stops, and lunch will be provided regardless of the weather. If roads are wet, please 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.

No. All roads are public and open to motor vehicle traffic, although traffic should be light since it is a Sunday morning. Traffic control 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. 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 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.

Please yield to oncoming cars at the covered bridges.

We are frequently asked by those who have not previously ridden in an Iron Tour if the terrain is hilly and the answer is yes – this is northern Chester County after all! However, our course designers have 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 may vary slightly depending on the tracking method used.

Yes, we offer discounts for groups of 10 or more. Please email irontour@frenchandpickering.org to learn more.

Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration will be considered a donation to French & Pickering. If you are able, we welcome you to stop by the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds for the festivities and food. If you were registered in time to receive a t-shirt, you are welcome to pick up your shirt at the fairgrounds between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the ride, even if you are not able to ride. After 10:30 a.m., all remaining t-shirts will be available for purchase at the fairgrounds.

No, registrations can only be used for the year you registered and cannot be used for a future Iron Tour. Your registration will be considered a donation to French & Pickering. If you are able, we welcome you to stop by the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds for the festivities and food. If you were registered in time to receive a t-shirt, you are welcome to pick up your shirt at the fairgrounds between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the ride, even if you are not able to ride. After 10:30 a.m., all remaining t-shirts will be available for purchase at the fairgrounds.

Unfortunately, no. We order your shirt based on the size you listed on your registration form.

Cue sheets and Ride with GPS links will be emailed to registered riders starting the week before the ride. Make sure you register with the correct email address. Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email in your inbox. Printed cue sheets will also be available at rider check-in at the fairgrounds. Each course has its own cue sheet. If you do not receive an email from us with rider information, please email irontour@frenchandpickering.org.

1) A bicycle helmet . They are required to participate in the Iron Tour.
 2) Water bottles. Rest stops and the fairgrounds will have water and energy mixes to refill your bottles.
 3) Two spare tubes, pump, patch kit, tire irons. SAG volunteers aim to get to everyone as quickly as possible, but they might be tending to someone else if you need them.
 4) Ride with GPS link and/or cue sheet. These supplement road markings and provide an emergency phone number.
 5) ID and medical cards – just in case of an emergency.
 6) Cell phone. Please remember it is against the law to wear headphones and 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 miles – 1
 2) 32 miles – 2
 3) 50, 62 and 75 miles – 4
 4) 100 miles – 5
 5) Gravel courses – 2

Rest stops offer water, electrolyte mixes, and snacks. Coffee, baked goods, and fruit are served for breakfast during registration. Lunch is served at the end of the ride.

 For serious accidents and injuries, please 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 number on your cue sheet. Please bear in mind that the roving vehicles cover a large area. It may be some time before a SAG vehicle reaches your location.

Yes, there are many hotels located in the Phoenixville area including Residence Inn by Marriot Philadelphia Great Valley/Malvern, Mainstay Inn, Hilton Garden In Valley Forge/Oaks, and Hampton Inn & Suites Valley Forge/Oaks. Explore more local hotel options by visiting BrandywineValley.com.

2026 French Creek Iron Tour registration will open on Wednesday, January 21 at 9am and close on Friday, June 12 at 5pm.

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 in northern Chester County, PA? There is a good chance that those experiences were made possible in part by the work that French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust and its supporters have done. Learn more about our work here.

Registered riders and volunteers enjoy a complimentary lunch of hoagies, salads, fruit and various sides. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.

Parking is located on the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds. Upon arrival, parking attendants will direct you where to park.