21st Annual French Creek Iron Tour “Cycling for Open Space” Scheduled for June 11, 2023

21st Annual French Creek Iron Tour “Cycling for Open Space” Scheduled for June 11, 2023

April 19, 2023

21st Annual French Creek Iron Tour “Cycling for Open Space” Scheduled for June 11, 2023

Devault, Pa., April 13, 2023 – The 21st Annual French Creek Iron Tour will take place on Sunday, June 11, starting at Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds in Phoenixville, Pa. “We are expecting 900-1,000 riders who will be cycling past properties preserved forever as open space”, said Executive Director, Bill Gladden. The Iron Tour has helped French & Pickering preserve parts of Warwick County Park, French Creek State Park, and municipal parks like Brightside Farm Park in Charlestown Township.  French & Pickering has two signature preserves that are open and free to the public, offering miles of trails and environmental programs.  One hundred percent of Iron Tour proceeds fund this critical work.

There are NINE course options – something for novice and expert riders alike. Choose from road routes of 11, 20, 32, 50, 62, 75 and 100 miles, the Petite Gravel (60-70 miles) or the 2023-premier of the Grande Gravel (80-90 miles). Each gravel route is approximately 40% gravel.

The shorter rides meander through the breathtaking northern Chester County countryside (note the Preserved Forever signs along the way). The longer routes build on the shorter and visit picturesque villages, cultural landscapes and historical landmarks. The Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds provide an excellent launch into the beautiful countryside and a great place to gather after the ride for lunch, live music, a free pour from Root Down Brewing Company and a chat with fellow riders.

For more information on the French Creek Iron Tour, registration, route descriptions, schedules, directions, and volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://frenchandpickering.org/2023fcit/. Early registration is encouraged. Early-bird registration including a complimentary t-shirt ends on April 30 with prices then increasing to $65. Late registration ($75) begins May 21 and registration closes June 8.

Not a rider but don’t want to miss the fun? Go to https://frenchandpickering.org/volunteer/#VolunteerForm. Sign up by April 30 and get an Iron Tour t-shirt.

About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust

Land Preservation

Since its establishment in 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,500 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships. The non-profit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland and preserve environmentally sensitive land. 

Public Access to Preserved Lands

Now more than ever, outside recreational opportunities are important to our mental and physical health. These French & Pickering properties are open to the public and contain miles of marked hiking trails and scenic views:

The Templin Woods Preserve (formally known as the Great Marsh Preserve) in East Nantmeal Township is over 550 acres of woodland wildlife habitat with more than three miles of marked trails. This valuable natural space houses many species of birds and mammals and is an important source of clean water for the Great Marsh ecosystem. 

The Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve in East Nantmeal and Warwick townships is a 108-acre Preserve with more than three miles of marked trails around the ruins of the Warwick Iron Furnace, along the Exceptional Value south branch of the French Creek and to a scenic vista of the Warwick Valley.