Riders raised over $265,000 (and counting) to protect and restore Buzzards Bay

After a summer full of rainy weekends, 390 riders enjoyed a crisp and clear fall day at the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride on Sunday, October 1. 

This annual fundraising event has become a cherished tradition, bringing together cyclists from all over Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and beyond to raise over $265,000 to advance the mission of the Buzzards Bay Coalition. 

Participants chose from 100, 75 or 35-mile course lengths that led them past coastal farmlands, windswept beaches, cranberry bogs, and scenic harbors between Rhode Island and Upper Cape Cod.

“I’ve always wanted to join the Watershed Ride and it finally came together for me last year,” said Jennifer Wong of Mattapoisett. “The whole event was exceptionally well done. I simply had to ride again this year!”

This year’s riders were the first to experience the inclusion of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail’s Shining Tides Mile, which added an extra layer of beauty and charm to an already scenic route. 

Riders from all three courses were met by cheering crowds at the finish line in Woods Hole, and enjoyed a vibrant finish celebration featuring delicious food, beer from Westport’s Buzzards Bay Brewing, and live music provided by Falmouth favorite Puffy Elvis.

“I really support what the Coalition does,” said Julian Race of Dartmouth, “especially the preservation of open space. It’s amazing to ride through our beautiful region and know that they are actively working to protect it.”

The top fundraisers were Drew Dimmick of North Falmouth, who raised a total of $12,200, Chip Johns of Mattapoisett, who raised a total of $11,505, followed by Ken Cheitlin of Pocasset, who raised a total of $6,445.

The top fundraising team was the Sippican Sailors, whose total donations of $30,275 will be generously matched by a group of anonymous donors from Marion to benefit the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s research, outdoor exploration, advocacy and protection efforts. 

Tremendous thanks to Demakis Family Real Estate, lead corporate sponsor of the event.

Donations are being accepted until Sunday, October 15, and can be made at savebuzzardsbay.org/ride. The 2024 Watershed Ride will take place on October 6.