Hundreds of cyclists pedaled through Dartmouth and across Buzzards Bay to raise awareness and funds for clean water during the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. 

The ride, held on October 6, attracted a record-breaking 307 cyclists across three routes, starting at Little Compton, RI, Horseneck Beach in Westport, or East Over Farm in Rochester, and concluding in Woods Hole. 

Dartmouth’s Kathryn Hiller was among those riders participating in the longest route, a 100-mile “century ride” from Little Compton to Woods Hole. 

“It is just a really great ride, it always is,” Hiller said. “It’s a great time to be able to gather as one big group and celebrate where we live.”

Hiller was motivated by her brother Christopher, who participated for six years starting in high school but was not able to continue. However, this year the Hillers rode together, which was a highlight of the ride. 

“I thought this was my turn and I wanted to keep this tradition up,” Hiller said.

Every year, she looks forward to her favorite part of the ride: A point on a bike path on Cape Cod which provides a view directly across Vineyard Sound. She always tells the group she is with to slow down and take in the beauty of where they live. 

“Those moments are just breathtaking for me,” Hiller said. “You know you’re exhausted, but you break through there and it’s just beautiful. The water is so blue and you can see right across the vineyard.” 

In addition to raising awareness and cycling along the bay the Buzzards Bay Coalition dedicates itself to protecting, the ride is also one of the Coalition’s biggest fundraisers. This year, riders raised $213,000. 

Hiller, who is now at medical school at UMass Medical in Worcester, was not able to focus as much on fundraising as she did in the past, but did exceeded her goal and brought in $325.

Dartmouth was also represented in the top fundraisers. Leslie Knowles raised $5,066 to finish in the top three individual fundraisers. 

Next year’s 14th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2020. Registration will open in spring 2020. The Coalition’s other large outdoor fundraising event, the Buzzards Bay Swim, is set for June 27, 2020.