Aug 11: Ardmore Rock N' Ride Bike Race & Music Fest Fundraiser

Ardmore – Bike racers, music lovers and community members looking to grab a bite to eat or drink from local vendors, save the date for Narberth Ambulance’s fundraising event, Ardmore “Rock N’ Ride.”

The family-friendly event is set for Sunday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Suburban Square. Presented by Main Line Health, Independence Blue Cross, this fundraiser has attracted over 70+ sponsors from all over the country.

Cyclists participating in the bike race can expect the same course as last year. It consists of six sharp turns; it starts at Lancaster Avenue, runs through the center of Suburban Square and Church Rd Bridge, and then cuts back to Lancaster Avenue.

An All-Ages Outing

Throughout the day there will be ten different categories, so cyclists of all ages looking to experience the course competitively or for fun can do so. The “Lower Merion Township Family Race Course Experience,” is a unique opportunity for cyclists of all levels to navigate the pro course at their own pace. Children who want to give bike racing a whirl can do so on their standard, modified or tandem bike in one of two age categories: four to six years or seven to nine years.

“Rock N’ Ride” will also feature local vendors, a beer garden and a family fun zone including games such as carnival games, a rock-climbing wall and obstacle course. Musical performances such as Rebirth Brass Band, Yellowman, Remember Jones, Octave Cat, Marielle Kraft, and more start at 1 p.m. There is no charge for attendance.

A unique benefit to the “Rock N’ Ride” is the visibility it brings to Narberth Ambulance and businesses that support it. People come from near and far to enjoy the day of activities. The event will also highlight Ardmore's amazing business community, both small businesses and those associated with Suburban Square.

“On top of 24/7 emergency medical services, we prioritize community involvement,” said Jeanine DiTomasso Narberth Ambulance Philanthropy Director. “We’re thrilled to host a great event for our community and to raise funding and awareness of our life saving mission and programs.”

Narberth Ambulance will display and offer tours of its state-of-the-art ambulances. Staff will be available for a meet and greet.

15,000 Reasons to Enjoy Summer Fun and Support Emergency Medical Services

While the event is free and open to the public, Narberth Ambulance aims to generate donations to support the community for whom it responds to almost 15,000 911 medical emergency calls annually. Established in 1944, the highly-trained volunteer members and career staff at Narberth Ambulance serve an estimated 150,000 residents in Lower Merion and Haverford Townships, as well as the Narberth, Conshohocken, West Conshohocken and Lansdowne boroughs.

“Narberth Ambulance, a non-profit organization, is not funded by taxpayer dollars and just 1% of our annual operating expenses are provided through grants from the municipalities that we serve. That is why fundraising is so critical to our ability to maintain a 24/7/365 state of readiness,” said Narberth Ambulance President David Zaslow, J.D. EMT-P.

This year Narberth Ambulance is hoping to raise $300,000. One-hundred percent of the net benefits go directly toward purchasing a new ambulance. The fleet of ambulance requires constant replacement and upgrades to the most modern safety and patient care standards.

Attendees can donate to Narberth Ambulance directly via Venmo, cash or check. Organizations interested in sponsoring the “Rock N’ Ride” can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Jeanine DiTomasso at [email protected].

Bike Race Details

The bike race is inclusive to all members of the community. The categories include 3 Hill Credit Union Women’s 5, GBLI Men’s 4/5 Race, Servpro Women’s 3/4/5, Home Appétit Philly Men’s 3/4 Race, Streamlight Master’s 55+ Race, White & Williams LLP Master’s 45+ Race, Main Line Health Women’s Pro 1/2/3, Independence Blue Cross Men's Pro/1/2. Entry fees are $35 or $40, depending on the category.

There are two categories for kids; Naulty Enterprises kids ages 4-6 race and Heiler Painting Kids ages 7-9 race. Kids ride free, except during The Lower Merion Township Family fun race”, which is $5 per person.

To sign up for the bike race and view specific information on categories, start time, fees, and parking, register with BikeReg at www.bikereg.com/ardmore-rock-nride. The deadline to register is Saturday, August 10 at 1 p.m. ET.

For more information on the musical performances, sponsors or ways to donate visit www.ardmorerocknride.com.