Ardmore Rock N’ Ride Celebrates 10 Years and Hosts the PA State Criterium Finals Aug. 9

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. The emergency services organization will host its 10th Annual Ardmore Rock N’ Ride on Sunday, August 9, and will serve as the official host for the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championship Finals.

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 live music and a host of other activities and vendors. There is no charge for festival attendance.

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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 Road Bridge, and then cuts back to Lancaster Avenue to finish at a crowd of spectators cheering.

Fun for All Ages

From 10:15 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.

Musical acts such as Too Many Zooz, Young Gun Silver Foz, Palmyra, Oh He Dead and Sicard Hollow kick off at 12 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 an obstacle course.

The event will shine a spotlight on Ardmore's vibrant local businesses located in and around Suburban Square.

“We’re grateful to celebrate 10 years of Ardmore Rock N’ Ride,” said Jeanine DiTomasso, Narberth Ambulance Philanthropy Director. “It’s our way of connecting with our community and having fun while also spreading awareness about our life-saving mission.”

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

Support Narberth Ambulance’s Life-Saving Services

While Rock N’ Ride is a free event, 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.

“Last year we responded to over 20,000 calls, and this year that number is expected to increase,” said Narberth Ambulance President Michael Brafman. “As a non-profit, the generosity of community members allows us to provide the best prehospital emergency medical service with state-of-the-art tools and technology.”

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 JDiTomasso@NarberthAmbulance.org.

Bike Race Information

The bike race is inclusive to all members of the community. The Pennsylvania State Criterium Title Races are in the following categories: Suburban Square Men’s 4/5, Valley Forge Sports Women’s 5 In Honor of Andrea Gonzalez, Aqua, Essential Utilities Men’s 3/4, Main Line Health Women’s Pro 1/2/3, and Servpro Team Fabiani Men’s Pro 1/2. Other races include Streamlight Inc. Master’s 55+, PRACO Master 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 $45, depending on the category.

There are two categories for kids: Axum Advisors kids, ages 4-6, race and Ardmore Music Hall 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 https://www.bikereg.com/ardmore-rock-n-ride. The deadline to register is Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. ET.

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