August 11 Main Line Bike Race Preparations Announced at Kick-Off

Ardmore … Cycling fever will soon pedal back into town, as preparations for the 2019 Main Line Bike Race, benefitting Narberth Ambulance, are officially underway, following a kick-off celebration at The Bercy restaurant, in Ardmore, on the race route April 26.

The 2019 Main Line Bike Race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019. Lankenau Medical Center and Independence Blue Cross are each returning as the primary sponsors of the race for a second straight year and new sponsors are welcome. To register or become a sponsor of the event, visit mainlinebikerace.com.

This year’s event follows the same race route as years past, but will feature improved access to restaurants, the annual car show, businesses and Schauffele Plaza, with improved barricade placement and communication with race marshals. The race has the full support of the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners and the Township Manager.

The 2019 Main Line Bike Race kick-off celebration served as a thank you to the previous year’s donors. Each organization that donated to the race was recognized and received a plaque for their contribution.

The event also provided a way to meet new people who share Narberth Ambulance’s goal of financial sustainability. The race has been so successful in the past that Narberth Ambulance was able to cover 85 percent of the cost of its newest ambulance using only proceeds from the past two years of the event. The vehicle is still the first Narberth-owned ambulance to have the Stryker Power load system, which increases patient safety and reduces injury to the provider during loading and unloading.

“What happens in these ambulances is critical,” said Narberth Ambulance President David Zaslow. “It is essentially an ER being brought right to YOU - life-saving care to reduce mortality right in the ambulance. We call this the ‘state of readiness,’ that we are ready and able to respond.” He cited the cost of a new ambulance as $275,000. Normal revenue does not pay for that - it is made possible by the generosity of donors.

During the event, Bryn Mawr resident and business owner Jerry L. Johnson III, president and CEO of Axum Advisors, LLC and advisory member to Narberth Ambulance, shared a personal story about a time his wife needed medical attention and how Narberth Ambulance was there for her. “I rest easily every time I see Narberth Ambulance on the scene,” he said.

The event lastly recognized unique, life-saving situations involving Narberth Ambulance rescuers, ranging from stroke detection to saving a tree worker who was electrocuted. Representatives from the National Guard also commended Narberth Ambulance Executive Director Al Davey for permitting EMT Joe Ellis to take leave in order to fulfill his National Guard duties.

“We were delighted at the turnout for our kick-off event and it was an honor to showcase everything that Narberth Ambulance does all day, every day to support the safety of the communities we serve,” said Narberth Ambulance Chief Christopher Flanagan. “We look forward to collaborating with our partners to make our Aug. 11 Bike Race another great success.”

For more information on the 2019 Main Line Bike Race, visit https://www.mainlinebikerace.com/.

About Narberth Ambulance

Narberth Ambulance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing excellent pre-hospital care and medical transportation to the 145,000 community members living in Lower Merion, Narberth, Haverford, Conshohocken and West Conshohocken. In 2018, Narberth Ambulance responded to 10,200 calls for emergency medical and advanced life-saving support services. To learn more about Narberth Ambulance, visit narberthambulance.org.