FRENCH CREEK IRON TOUR 2007
Cycling for Open Space
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007
** NEW THIS YEAR - CENTURY TOUR! **
CELEBRATE 5 years of cycling and 40 years of land preservation in northern Chester County. Join us for our fifth annual cycling event and help preserve open space.
“Iron Tour” refers to the area where the event it held. The French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust preserves land in the vicinity of the early forges and furnaces that supplied cannons and ammunition for the Revolutionary War. This historic region is also very beautiful – riders in past years have raved about winding through the watersheds of these two lovely creeks.
NEW ROUTES – MULTIPLE OPTIONS
We have added a century for riders willing to take the challenge and have designed new courses of 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles with loops so riders can opt for shorter or longer distances. There are 4 and 15 mile courses for families or those out for a short jaunt. The 4 mile route is also a pleasant walk.
Tours traverse the areas protected by the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust – from Kimberton and Yellow Springs to the east to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site to the west. For more information, see Course Descriptions below.
EVENT INFORMATION
RIDE FEATURES
• Event for all ages and levels
• Lightly traveled roads through scenic countryside
• Well marked courses plus cue sheets
• Group starts or go on your own
• SAG support
• Rest stops with beverages, fruit, baked goods and restrooms
• Food, beverages and musical entertainment after the ride
• Relaxing massages ($10 gratuity)
• Raffle – bike and other great items
• Tee shirt if registered by June 7
• Great picnic spot for your family (bring a basket)
LOCATION
French Creek Elementary School
3590 Coventryville Road
Pottstown , PA 19465 Click here to print directions
SCHEDULE (Rain or shine)
7:00 Registration opens
7:00-8:30 50, 75 and 100 mile riders start
8:30-9:30 15 and 25 mile riders start
10:00 Registration closes
4:00 Ride support ends
REGISTRATION FEES
Before June 7 $35 with tee shirt ($25 for members)
June 7- 20 $35 without tee shirt ($25 for members)
After June 20 $40 ($30 for members)
Free for children under 12
JOIN THE TRUST AND GET A DISCOUNT !
Click here for membership...
REQUIREMENTS
• All cyclists must wear helmets and sign waivers
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Our event this year has distance options of 4, 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles. There's something for every type of rider, from those out for a short jaunt through breath-taking countryside to those who are up for a century though numerous quaint villages and historical landmarks -- and everyone in-between! All tours begin and end at the French Creek Elementary School.
4 Mile ‘Fun' Ride
If you want to experience our enjoyable event but have not been friends with your bicycle for some time, we offer a 3.7 mile ride. Ride, walk, skip or hop this route skirting creeks and lovely wooded areas. Still have some energy left after this loop? Do it again and double your pleasure! Then join us for refreshments and entertainment after your exursion. Great exercise for ages 4 to 84!
15 Mile Ride
A little more of a challenge, but still fine for families and those having to reacquaint themselves with their bicycles, the 15 mile distance takes you into through the region that provided cannon balls for the Revolutionary War and through some of the most tranquil open spaces in Chester County. The rest stop at the Stonewall Golf Club adds a delightful place to have a delicious snack before heading back.
25 Mile Ride
For the 25 mile distance, you'll also experience the historic iron producing region as well as picturesque pastures of Glenmoore before reaching the rest stop at the Stonewall Golf Club and heading back to the finish. If you are up for taking in a little more exceptional scenery, this ride is for you.
50, 75, 100 Mile Rides
These rides take you through the quaint historical villages of Birchrunville, Kimberton and Yellow Springs as you weave around the French and Pickering Creeks and cross two of Chester County's most notable covered bridges. The rest stop at Stonewall is a central point where you can decide whether to go 50, 75 or 100 miles. The 75 and 100 mile rides go take you further west through Elverson, and through unspoiled countryside edging French Creek State Park with a rest stop at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site – a preserved Iron Plantation. For the 100 mile ride, experience rolling hills and breath-taking views in northern Chester County and cycle through the villages of Cedarville and Harmonyville. For all of these distances, the terrain is mostly flat-to-rolling with a few challenging climbs to guarantee a real sense of accomplishment at the finish.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust by email at office@frenchandpickering.org or call 610-469-0150.
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