Cyclists, live music lovers and families gear up for the Ardmore Rock N’ Ride, a community fundraiser for non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Narberth Ambulance.
The family-friendly event is set for Sunday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Suburban Square. Presented by Main Line Health, the day kicks off with exciting bike races, followed by vibrant live music, including Tommy Conwell & HouseRockers, and a host of other activities and vendors. There is no charge for attendance.
Those 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 to finish at an amazing canyon of community support.
From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. there will be ten different categories, so cyclists of all ages and experience can participate. The “Lower Merion Township Family Fun Race,” is a unique opportunity for riders of all levels to navigate the pro course at their own pace. Children can ride on their standard, modified or tandem bike in one of two age categories: four to six years or seven to nine years.
The festival features musical acts such as Tommy Conwell & HouseRockers, The Record Company, Nicole Atkins, Suzanne Sheer + Star Destroyers and more. Music kicks off at 1 p.m. Rock N’ Ride will also feature local vendors, a beer garden and a family fun zone including carnival games, a rock-climbing wall and obstacle course. The family fun zone is made possible by a Sports Marketing and Tourism grant through the State of Pennsylvania.
The event will also shine a spotlight on Ardmore's vibrant local businesses located in and around Suburban Square.
“Rock N’ Ride is a day full of pedal-powered fun and connecting with our neighbors to support our life-saving services,” said Jeanine DiTomasso Narberth Ambulance Philanthropy Director. ““Our services are made possible by the generosity of sponsors and donors.”
Narberth Ambulance will display and offer tours of its state-of-the-art ambulances, and staff will be available for a meet and greet.
Narberth Ambulance recently celebrated 80 years of service and continues to expand its operations. While Rock N’ Ride is a free event open to the public, Narberth Ambulance aims to generate donations to support its’ life-saving services. Established in 1944, the highly trained volunteer members and career staff at Narberth Ambulance serve community members in Lower Merion, Haverford and Ridley Townships, as well as the Narberth, Conshohocken, West Conshohocken and Lansdowne Boroughs.
“This year, we anticipate responding to nearly 20,000 emergency calls,” said Narberth Ambulance President Michael Brafman. “Most people are fortunate to never have to think about what happens when they dial 911, but we live and breathe that. It’s our mission to ensure we provide the best prehospital care to the communities we serve.”
Narberth Ambulance’s goal is to raise $300,000 to purchase a new ambulance. One hundred percent of the net benefits go directly towards the purchase. The ambulance fleet must be consistently replaced and upgraded with the newest technology to ensure optimal safety and patient care.
Attendees can donate to Narberth Ambulance directly via their website, NarberthAmbulance.org, Venmo, PayPal, cash or check. Organizations interested in sponsoring the “Rock N’ Ride” can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Jeanine DiTomasso at [email protected].
The bike race is inclusive to all members of the community. The categories include Suburban Square Men’s 4/5, Valley Forge Sports Women’s 5 In Honor of Andrea Gonzalez, Essential Utilities Men’s 3/4, Streamlight Inc. Master’s 55+, Servpro Team Fabiani Master’s 65+, Porsche Main Line Women’s 3/4, RDS INEOS Grenadier Masters 45+,Main Line Health Women’s Pro 1/2, The State of Pennsylvania Men’s Pro 1/2. Entry fees are $35 or $40, depending on the category.
There are two categories for kids; Ardmore Music Hall 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 $7 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 9 at 1 p.m. ET.
For more information on the musical performances, sponsors or ways to donate, visit www.ardmorerocknride.com.
