Ardmore Rock N’ Ride Pedals Again August 19

Cyclists gear up and concert-goers grab your favorite band t-shirt to get ready for Narberth Ambulance’s outdoor, family friendly event, “Ardmore Rock N’ Ride,” August 19 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Teaming up with Ardmore Musical Hall, the “Rock N’ Ride” features an official USA Cycling bike race, a youth bike race, and a multi-stage concert featuring nationally renowned talent and a family fun zone. This event is presented by Main Line Health and Independence Blue Cross.

The race course 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. The course remains the same and highlights a finish line in the center of Downtown Ardmore!

Entertainment for All Ages

Cyclists of all ages looking to experience the course for fun, rather than for victory, can try out the “Lower Merion Township Family Race Course Experience,” a unique opportunity to navigate the pro course at their own pace. In addition, 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, a family fun zone and musical performances starting at 1 p.m.  There is no charge for attendance. Musical performances include Rubblebucket, Rayland Braxtor, Yam Yam, Philly artist Ivysole and more. “Community members can listen to live music, grab a bite to eat, and walk around Suburban Square throughout the day while cheering on the riders. With over 7,500 attendees at last year’s event, we cannot wait for this year,” said Jeanine DiTomasso Narberth’s Philanthropy Director.

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

Gearing up for a Great Cause

The event is free and open to the public. Narberth Ambulance hopes to generate donations to support its stellar pre-hospital emergency medical care and medical transportation services. Established in 1944, the highly trained volunteer members and career staff at Narberth Ambulance responded to almost 12,000 last year in Lower Merion and Haverford Townships, as well as the Narberth, Conshohocken and West Conshohocken 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 support 150,000 residents, 9,000 businesses, and visitors in the 50 square miles we cover 24/7,” said Narberth Ambulance President David Zaslow, J.D. EMT-P.

This year Narberth Ambulance aims 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 the event website, ArdmoreRockNRide.com, Venmo, or cash or check. Organizations interested in sponsoring the “Ardmore Rock N’ Ride” can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Jeanine DiTomasso at [email protected].

Benefitting the Community

A unique benefit to the “Rock N’ Ride” is the visibility it brings to the area and organizations that support it, such as the Ardwood Civic Association, a non-profit volunteer-based organization that represents parts of Ardmore and Wynnewood in the Lower Merion Township. Area retailers and restaurants will often get in on the excitement with race day discounts or customized menus.  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.

Bike Race Details

The bike race is inclusive to all members of the community. The day kicks off with the Women’s 5 at 10:15 a.m. Other categories include Men’s 4/5, 3/4, Men’s pro 1/2, Women’s 5, 3/4/5, Women’s pro 1/2/3, and Master’s 45+ and 55+. Entry fees are $35 or $40, depending on the category. There are two categories for kids; one for kids ages four to six years old and one for kids seven to nine years old. All kids ride free. The “Lower Merion Family Race Course Experience” is $5. Helmets are required. All proceeds go to Narberth Ambulance. The deadline to register is Friday, August 18, 2023at 9a.m. ET.

To sign up for the bike race and view specific information on categories, start time, fees, and parking register with BikeReg at https://www.bikereg.com/ardmore-rock-nride.

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