Narberth Ambulance is hosting the Pennsylvania State Criterium Championship Finals at Suburban Square on Sunday, Aug. 9, the centerpiece of a free all-day festival the organization says it needs to raise $300,000 for a new ambulance.
The 10th annual Ardmore Rock N' Ride runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with pro and amateur bike racing, five live bands, a beer garden and a family fun zone. Admission is free.
A decade of growth
The event started as the Main Line Bike Race. In 2021, Narberth Ambulance partnered with Ardmore Music Hall to add a free outdoor music festival, and the event was renamed Ardmore Rock N' Ride, according to the organization's 2022 newsletter. By 2022, the race drew more than 370 riders and 7,000 attendees, and Narberth Ambulance met its fundraising goal to purchase a new ambulance that year.
Narberth Ambulance President Michael Brafman said the organization responded to more than 20,000 emergency calls in 2025. One hundred percent of net proceeds from the Aug. 9 event go toward purchasing a replacement ambulance, according to the organization.
Narberth Ambulance's Jeanine DiTomasso, who directs the group's philanthropy efforts, said the event has become a way to connect with the community "while also spreading awareness about our life-saving mission."
The races
Ten categories of bike racing start at 10:15 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. on a course that loops from Lancaster Avenue through the center of Suburban Square, over the Church Road Bridge, and back to Lancaster Avenue, with six sharp turns and a finish line in front of spectators.
State championship title races include men's and women's pro fields. The Lower Merion Township Family Fun Race gives riders of all levels a chance to navigate the pro course at their own pace. Children ages 4–6 and 7–9 can ride standard, modified or tandem bikes for $7 per person. Two separate kids' races, sponsored by Axum Advisors and Ardmore Music Hall, are free.
Adult race entry costs $35 or $45 depending on category. Registration closes Saturday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m. via BikeReg at bikereg.com/ardmore-rock-n-ride.
Music and activities
Live music kicks off at noon with five acts: Too Many Zooz, Young Gun Silver Foz, Palmyra, Oh He Dead, and Sicard Hollow. The festival grounds include local vendors, a beer garden, carnival games, a rock-climbing wall, and an obstacle course.
Narberth Ambulance will display its fleet and offer tours; staff will be available for a meet-and-greet.
Main Line Health is the presenting sponsor. Donations can be made at NarberthAmbulance.org, via Venmo, PayPal, cash, or check. Sponsorship inquiries go to DiTomasso at [email protected].
Coming up
- Saturday, Aug. 8 — Bike race registration deadline, 2 p.m., bikereg.com/ardmore-rock-n-ride
- Sunday, Aug. 9 — Ardmore Rock N' Ride, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Suburban Square, free admission
