LOWER MERION \u2014 In a monumental year where Greater Philadelphia is in the global spotlight for America 250 and the FIFA World Cup, Narberth Ambulance is bringing the official state cycling finals to the Main Line.<\/p>\n
The emergency services organization will host its 10th annual Ardmore Rock N\u2019 Ride on Sunday, Aug. 9, and it will serve as thehost for the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championship.<\/p>\n
The family-friendly event takes place 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 music and a host of other activities and vendors. There is no charge for festival attendance.<\/p>\n
Those participating in the bike race can expect the same course as last year. It consists of six sharp turns.<\/p>\n
It starts at Lancaster Avenue, runs through the center of Suburban Square and onto Church Road Bridge, and back to Lancaster Avenue to finish before a crowd of cheering spectators.<\/p>\n
A new release continues:<\/p>\n
Fun for all ages<\/p>\n
From 10:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. there will be 10 different categories, so cyclists of all ages and experience can participate.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Children can ride on their standard, modified or tandem bike in one of two age categories: age 4 to 6 years or 7 to 9 years.<\/p>\n
Musical acts such as Too Many Zooz, Young Gun Silver Foz, Palmyra, Oh He Dead and Sicard Hollow kick off at noon.<\/p>\n
Rock N\u2019 Ride will also feature local vendors, a beer garden and a family fun zone, including carnival games, a rock-climbing wall and an obstacle course.<\/p>\n
The event will shine a spotlight on Ardmore\u2019s vibrant local businesses in and around Suburban Square.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re grateful to celebrate 10 years of Ardmore Rock N\u2019 Ride,\u201d said Jeanine DiTomasso, Narberth Ambulance philanthropy director. \u201cIt\u2019s our way of connecting with our community and having fun while also spreading awareness about our life-saving mission.\u201d<\/p>\n
Narberth Ambulance will display and offer tours of its state-of-the-art ambulances, and staff will be available for a meet-and-greet.<\/p>\n
While Rock N\u2019 Ride is a free event, Narberth Ambulance aims to generate donations to support its life-saving services.<\/p>\n
Established in 1944, the highly trained volunteer members and career staff serve community members in Lower Merion, Haverford and Ridley townships, as well as the Narberth, Conshohocken, West Conshohocken and Lansdowne.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year we responded to over 20,000 calls, and this year that number is expected to increase,\u201d said ambulance President Michael Brafman. \u201cAs a nonprofit, the generosity of community members allows us to provide the best prehospital emergency medical service with state-of-the-art tools and technology.\u201d<\/p>\n
Narberth Ambulance\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Attendees can donate to Narberth Ambulance directly at NarberthAmbulance.org<\/a>, via Venmo, PayPal, cash or check. Organizations interested in sponsoring Rock N\u2019 Ride can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by contacting DiTomasso at JDiTomasso@NarberthAmbulance.org.<\/p>\n Bike race info<\/p>\n The bike race is inclusive to all members of the community.<\/p>\n The Pennsylvania State Criterium title races are in the following categories: Suburban Square Men\u2019s 4\/5, Valley Forge Sports Women\u2019s 5 In Honor of Andrea Gonzalez, Aqua, Essential Utilities Men\u2019s 3\/4, Porsche Main Line Women\u2019s 3\/4, Main Line Health Women\u2019s Pro 1\/2\/3, and Servpro Team Fabiani Men\u2019s Pro 1\/2.<\/p>\n Other races include Streamlight Inc. Master\u2019s 55-plus, PECO Master 65-plus and RDS INEOS Grenadier Masters 45-plus. Entry fees are $35 or $45, depending on the category.<\/p>\n There are two categories for kids: Axum Advisors kids, ages 4-6; race and Ardmore Music Hall kids, ages 7-9.<\/p>\n Kids ride free, except during The Lower Merion Township Family Fun Race, which is $7 per person.<\/p>\n To sign up for the bike race and view specific information on categories, start time, fees, and parking, register at www.bikereg.com\/ardmore-rock-n-ride<\/a>. The deadline to register is Saturday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n