More than 225 cyclists — including 18 from Dartmouth — are registered to pedal along the western shore of Buzzards Bay on Sunday, Oct. 4 to support clean water in the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 14th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride cycling fundraiser.

Proceeds from the ride go to benefit the Coalition’s environmental education, protection, restoration and advocacy work throughout the Buzzards Bay region.

This year’s Watershed Ride will be like no other. It has been adapted to keep cyclists safe during the ongoing fight against Covid-19. 

While social distancing naturally occurs as cyclists spread out over the length of the route, this year the ride will include a rolling start, expanded rest stop spaces, and a lunch to go instead of the traditional post-ride party to prevent participants from gathering in large numbers. 

The routes have changed as well. This year, cyclists will follow one of two routes — a 62-mile option that takes off from Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, RI at 8 a.m. and a 30-mile route beginning at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport at 9 a.m. Both routes end at the historic Fort Taber Park in New Bedford, which offers expansive views of the bay. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to go forward with the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride in a way that will be safe for cyclists and the communities they ride through,” said Mark Rasmussen, president of the Coalition. “This has been a tough year. But throughout it all, outdoor activities like bicycling have provided an important outlet for relaxation and recreation. This year’s ride celebrates the incredible natural resources we enjoy around the Bay, and it provides support to help protect the Bay and the watershed.” 

So far more than 30 teams have formed for this year’s event, with participants already raising more than $80,000 for the cause. Registration for the event will remain open until Wednesday, Sept. 30 at midnight. 

To sign up for the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

Support for the 2020 Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride comes from lead sponsor Hutker Architects and corporate sponsors Anderson Insulation, BayCoast Bank, the BETA Group and The Valle Group.