The Iron Tour has distance options of 10, 20, 35, 50, 66, 75, and 100 miles. There’s something for every type of rider, from a short ride through breathtaking countryside to a century route that 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 fun, food and music.
Cue sheets are made available to preregistered riders during the week before the event.
10 & 20 Mile Rides
The 10 mile ride is great for families and those reacquainting themselves with their bicycles. The 20 mile distance contains some hills and takes you over three historic covered bridges. At the midway point for both rides, you are treated with a rest stop at the charming village of Yellow Springs. Named “Yellow Springs” by the Native Lenape, this spot is steeped in history. Because of the healing waters of the tributaries to the Pickering Creek, Yellow Springs was a fashionable spa before and after the Revolutionary War. The first military hospital in the nation’s history, commissioned by George Washington, was built here. Learn more about Historic Yellow Springs.
35 Mile Ride
The 35 mile ride is a great intermediate ride for those wanting to take in more of northern Chester County’s historical scenery. The route includes three covered bridges and a rest stop at Yellow Springs. After pedaling through the quaint village of Birchrunville, you head north through East Coventry Township before rejoining the longer distance rides for the last 10 miles to the finish.
50 Mile Ride
The 50 mile distance also traverses three historic covered bridges. After the rest stop at Yellow Springs, you ride through the territory where many colonial iron forges and furnaces flourished. If you are up for taking in a little more exceptional scenery with a few more hills, this ride is for you.
66 & 75 Miles Rides
The 66 and 75 mile rides follow the same path as the 50 mile ride for the first 25 miles. From there you travel west, passing Isabella Furnace and meandering through woods and fields to the town of Elverson. Heading north through parts of French Creek State Park, you stop at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site -- a preserved Iron Plantation. These rides offer the perfect combination of picturesque pastures, woods, hills, and valleys.
100 Mile Ride
The century ride closely follows the 75 mile course. It then takes an excursion that skirts the Pennsylvania Dutch Country with a rest stop at Hibernia County Park, the site of an early iron forge which later became the prosperous Hibernia Iron Works. You may pass a horse and buggy along the way! From Hibernia, the course goes north to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site before you return to Kimberton for the post-ride celebration.
Note: To ensure adequate ride support, 66, 75, and 100 mile riders may be directed to short distances if they reach specific rest stops late in the day.