Narberth Ambulance Partners with Ardmore Food Pantry for Main Line Bike Race Food Drive

ARDMORE, PA — As if the fresh air and exercise, the fun of competition and the children’s activities weren’t enough, Narberth Ambulance -- through a new collaboration with the Ardmore Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church -- just gave the community one more reason to come out on Sunday, August 20 from 8 am to 4 pm for the Main Line Bike Race: the opportunity to provide much needed food donations to the less fortunate residents of the region.

Cyclists and spectators are encouraged to participate in the food drive by bringing their donations of canned goods and non-perishables -- specifically cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna and canned chicken – to the Race on the 20th. Donation collection sites will be located throughout the course.

“The Ardmore Food Pantry is a place that belongs to the entire community, and this is a wonderful example of community spirit -- of community supporting community,” said Liz Henry, a volunteer with the organization. “We’re thrilled that Narberth Ambulance has stepped up and allowed us to be a part of it.”

“We’re really gratified that we can partner with the Ardmore Food Pantry and utilize this opportunity to help our residents,” said Narberth Ambulance Chief Christopher B. Flanagan.

The Ardmore Food Pantry is dedicated to getting to know their guests by listening to them and learning from them in an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding and radical hospitality. Financial donations to the Food Pantry are used to purchase food and toiletries for their guests. “No one is ever turned away,” said Henry.

The 6-corner criterium-style bike race consists of a one-mile loop through Ardmore, located in Lower Merion Township. Spectators will be able to watch cyclists compete on a race loop that runs along Lancaster Ave., W. Athens Ave., School Lane, E. Athens Ave., and Rittenhouse Place.

Other attractions include live music and an exhibition area promoting local businesses and non-profits, as well as local food vendors, a Family Fun Zone featuring a moon bounce and mini-golf, and a Beer Garden operated by Iron Hill Brewery.

“There is so much growing excitement for this event – which will have something for all ages – even if they are not here to cycle,” said David R. Zaslow, Esq., President of Narberth Ambulance.

Proceeds from the race will support the operations of Narberth Ambulance, which responds to 911 calls in Lower Merion and Haverford Townships, as well as the boroughs of Narberth, Conshohocken, and West Conshohocken. Narberth Ambulance provides pre-hospital emergency care and medical transportation to nearly 145,000 residents. All of Narberth’s volunteers and employees are professionally certified paramedics and EMTs.

Narberth Ambulance responds to approximately 11,000 calls per year. Many citizens may not know that Narberth Ambulance is a non-profit organization that is not supported by taxpayer dollars. Less than one percent of the annual operating expenses are provided through grants from the municipalities within the regions that Narberth serves.

The event is being coordinated with the professional assistance of Human Zoom Bikes & Boards. Categories for the race include Women’s 5, 3/4/5, and 1/2/3; Men’s 4/5, 3/4, and Men’s Pro 1/2. There are also Master’s 45+ and 55+ categories. Kids in the 4/5/6 and 7/8/9 categories ride without cost. Check-in begins at 7:15 am and race start times range from 8:00 am to 3:15 pm, depending on your category.

Entry fees are $30 or $37, again, depending on your category and kids up to nine years of age race for free. The deadline for online registration is August 18, 2017 at 7:00 pm. An additional $10 fee will be charged if you register the day of the event. There will be no charge for race spectators.

To sign up for the Main Line Bike Race, and to learn specific information on categories, start times and fees, register with BikeReg at www.bikereg.com/main-line-bike-race.

More event details can be found at www.mainlinebikerace.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mainlinebikerace.

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