Phoenixville, Pa., February 2017– Registration has opened for the Annual French Creek Iron Tour “Cycling for Open Space” event on Sunday, June 11, starting at the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds, 762 Pike Springs Road (Rt. 113), Phoenixville, Pa.
2017 marks a special year for French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. 50 years ago, Sam and Eleanor Morris founded the land trust to permanently protect open space and natural resources in northern Chester County for generations to come. Now, half a century later, the land trust has preserved over 12,500 acres – forever! This year, the organization is proud to feature a special 50th Anniversary commemorative jersey designed by a local artist.
The annual Iron Tour raises critical funds for French & Pickering, with 100% of its proceeds going directly toward the preservation of open space. In its 15th year, the French Creek Iron Tour has acquired a good following among cyclists, and has earned a reputation for its first-class rest stops, friendly volunteers, and excellent food. Last year’s Iron Tour had more than 1,400 riders.
Registration will close at 1,800 riders or at 5 p.m., June 8, whichever comes first. Registration by May 26 is $50, and riders will receive a free t-shirt. After that date, registration is $65, with no t-shirt. Important to note that there is no day-of-event registration, so riders are encouraged to reserve now. Registration is non-refundable, and the event takes place rain or shine.
The Iron Tour has distance options of 11, 20, 32, 50, 62, 75, and 100 miles. There’s something for every type of rider, from a short ride through breathtaking countryside to a challenging century route which visits numerous quaint villages and historical landmarks. The start and finish location at the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds provides an excellent launch into unspoiled country and a great place to gather afterward for an included lunch.
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 covered bridges. At the midway point for both rides, there is a rest stop at the charming village of Yellow Springs. A delight to riders last year was addition of a rest stop at the Warwick Furnace Farm, the latest and largest preservation project in the land trust’s five-decade history.
Information on the French Creek Iron Tour, descriptions of all distance options, schedules and more are available at http://irontour.org.
Photograph courtesy of Nancy Corson.
