Charles Bukowski once said: "Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead." We couldn't agree more which is why we built this epic mixed terrain route through northern Chester County connecting our favorite gravel, grass track, single track, and country roads.
The best "bike" for this route is probably a horse. 😜 A 700c x 40mm tire is good, a 650b x 2" tire is probably better. Run what you brung and enjoy the adventure!
We highly recommend packing some snacks (🍺) or picking up a pastry from Butterscotch (7.8 miles) to enjoy at the pavilion by the pond (25.5 miles). This is a great place to relax before tackling the most technically challenging part of the route. 😬
Disclaimer: This route may take longer than expected due to the gnar factor of some of the terrain. Pack LOTS of snacks! 🍫🍪
Start/Finish Location:
French Creek Heritage Trail
1007 Township Line Rd
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Notable Sectors
French Creek Heritage Trail
Within seconds of starting this ride you see a sign that reads "More Challenging Trail", this is a red herring, but not for this sector. This one is two miles of smiles. Fast, flowy, single and double track with a couple rad little bridge crossings. 😁
Beaver Hill Road
Roads with "Hill" in them are usually bastards, but add an animal and you've got a whole...different animal. 🤔
Horse-Shoe Trail (Davis Rd. to Rt. 100)
This sector is the epitome of "mixed terrain". Gravel, grass track, single track, double track, creek crossings, driveways, backyards, and fucking boulders. 🗿
Horse-Shoe Trail (Warwick County Park)
Much like Sylvester Stallone, this one is rocky sometimes. A wide, fast, flat trail right through the heart of Warwick County Park. 🥊
Chestnut Hill Road
You ever step on a horse chestnut? This one feels like you're being beaten in the legs with them. A long, steep, paved climb, just envision tacos at the top. Note: there are not actually tacos at the top. 🌰🌮
Coventry Trail
A tube of nature. Guaranteed good times. 🤗
Coventry Woods Trails
Rocksylvania. This one's a roller coaster of emotions; joy, excitement, surprise, fear, and sadness when it's over. 🙃
East Coventry Trails
This is like a giant cyclocross course. #handupsarenotacrime ✋
Sawmill Road
Are all roads named "Sawmill" awesome? Yes. ⚙️
If you'd like to learn more about the 140-mile Horse-Shoe Trail visit the Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy website and consider buying a map to support this incredible recreational resource. 🐎 🥾
