Tom Salerno, director of operations with the Scott Township Emergency Medical Service, has ridden his Yamaha 850 in a number of motorcycle charity runs.

But this year, like last, he'll keep his bike parked in his garage Aug. 18-20 while he does his good works in an ambulance instead. He's driving more than 500 miles to provide support services for America's 9/11 Ride.

The event is sponsored by the nonprofit 9/11 Ride Foundation as a way to commemorate the police, fire and emergency personnel who lost their lives responding to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and to raise funds in support of those who answer the 911 call.

"It's a very impressive event with motorcycles stretched out as far as you can see," Salerno said.

Reflecting the event's growth, two ambulances will accompany the ride this year, as the Robinson Emergency Medical Services joins Scott in providing a staffed ambulance. Ted Sjurseth, of Leesburg, Va., founder of the foundation, expects the event to attract as many as 2,000 riders in this, its fourth year.

"Last year, we had some 1,500 riders and indications are that we will exceed that figure this year," said Sjurseth, who calls it the largest, fully dressed, police-escorted motorcycle ride in the nation.

Kevin Nemec, a University of Pittsburgh motorcycle officer, was the one who alerted his brother, Michael, of the need for ambulance backups. He's one of five Pitt officers participating.

This year, Michael Nemec, now assistant director of Robinson Emergency Medical Services, will provide a second medical team to give initial treatment of injuries or other health concerns.

"The ambulance was needed last year," said Sjurseth, who expressed his appreciation to the local ambulance services for their planned support this year. More than 200 bikers from Pennsylvania are expected to participate in the three-day ride.

Starting in Somerset and traveling through seven states, the ride begins next Thursday with a visit to Shanksville, site of the crash of Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, where a memorial service will be held.

On Friday, the bikers travel to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and Saturday, they finish the trip with a visit to Ground Zero in New York City.

"It was a very exhilarating and fulfilling experience," said Nemec,adding that support shown to the riders and the ambulance crew "was just fantastic."

Participating from the Robinson service are Harry Meredith, director of operations; Michael Nemec; Michael Hamilton; Sharon Hughs; and Angie Miller.

Those from Scott include Salerno, Jessica Frederick and Steve Crawford.