The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride returns for its 15th year on Sunday, Oct. 3.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities can sign up now for the traditional ride, which provides one of the most scenic coastal cycling courses in all of New England.

Funds go to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition in its mission to reduce pollution and keep the water in Buzzards Bay clean.

More than 300 cyclists participate in the Watershed Ride each year, pedaling through 11 coastal communities and passing more than 3,300 acres of conservation land protected by the Buzzards Bay Coalition and other conservation organizations.

Participants who sign up before Monday, April 5 will save 50% on the registration.

They can sign up to bike 35, 75 or 100 miles at the ride by visiting www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

“The ride is the highlight of the fall because it brings together so many people who are excited to be outdoors enjoying the beauty of our Buzzards Bay watershed region, and it celebrates the resources we are working to protect for the future,” said coalition president Mark Rasmussen. “Last year’s ride was a great success, despite the changes we made to adapt to the pandemic. We’re looking forward to an even better event this year.”

In 2021, the coalition plans to return to its traditional 100-mile route, starting at Sakonnet Point in Little Compton and picking up the 75-mile riders at Horseneck Beach in Westport and the 35-mile riders at East Over Farm in Rochester.

All three route options finish at a waterfront celebration in Woods Hole on Cape Cod.

Cyclists are supported with a food truck lunch stop, water and snack stations every 20 miles, bike mechanics, and shuttles for both people and bikes. 

Marion resident Daniel Cooney plans to be part of the ride, along with other members of the cycling team that he led last year.

“Team Naughty by Nature will be back and better and stronger than ever for this year's Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride,” he said.  “We came for the incredible ride and volunteers and are staying for the cause of a swimmable, sustainable bay. We can't wait to (lovingly) trash talk the strong, generous and capable teams that will ride along with us in October. Game on!”

Last year, riders like Cooney collectively raised more than $200,000 to support the coalition. 

Each rider raises a minimum of $300, with prizes for the riders and teams that raise the most.

Many riders participate as members of a team. The teams are organized by friends, community organizations, such as the “Bourne Rail Trail Blazers” and the “South Coast Bike Alliance,” and local companies, such as Hutker Architects, Blount Seafood, and Stone Path Malt.

To learn more or sign up for the ride, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.