The weather was perfect for one of the most scenic rides in all of New England. Taking place this past Sunday, October 4, with 100-, 41-, and 20-mile route options, the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride wound through farmland, villages, cityscapes, cranberry bogs, and coastal country backroads, and ended in a rollicking post-ride party in Woods Hole.
One rider, who has done the ride for five years, called it "the best one yet." Another called it a "gorgeous coastal ride."
Riders enjoyed the music of numerous artists along their routes—a saxophone quartet, a bagpiper, a trombone trio playing at dawn. Local Falmouth band Puffy Elvis entertained people, including riders after they completed their respective courses, at the finish line as they enjoyed complimentary beer and food truck cuisine.
The Ride started 20 years ago with 41 intrepid riders. Over the years, it has grown tenfold. Ten of the original riders participated in this 20th Ride, and they were identified by their “OG Rider” ribbons. Long-time participants were awarded with a commemorative Watershed Ride pin upon finishing, connoting their 5- or 10-year milestone.
The 20-mile option was added this year to commemorate the 20th Ride and to offer a shorter option. Riders on that route started from the Bourne Intermediate School on Trowbridge Road and pedaled directly to Woods Hole without having to cross the Bourne Bridge.
Our 430 registered riders' fundraising efforts have put us on track to surpass our $400,000 goal. Riders still have two weeks to add to their totals. If you are interested in supporting a team or rider still, go here. As of Friday before the Ride when we determine our totals for awards, the highest fundraisers were Chip Johns with $15,116, Geoffrey Sullivan with $13,680, and John Dickinson with $9,335. The top first-time rider/fundraiser was Emmit Bennett, who raised $2,845.
Our top fundraising team this year is South Coast Bikeway with $42,400. In second place is Sippican Sailors with $38,200 and, close on their heels, in third place is Woods Hole or Bust with $37,240.
Other notable team achievements: Woods Hole or Bust is the top fundraising among our new teams and also boasts the highest average fundraising per team member. The Sippican Sailors take the crown for top fundraising among town-based teams. And Onset Stuffed Quahogs were our biggest team with 28 members.
Corey Hunter of the Scuttlebutt Velo Club was the first to cross the finish line.
Raised funds goes to the Coalition’s work to protect and restore clean water in Buzzards Bay and its surrounding lands.
The Coalition thanks all of the volunteers that made this day possible as well as the support from the following sponsors: Southcoast Health, Blount Clam Shack, Town Hall Dental, Jim’s Organic Coffee, Hutker Architects, Eversource, Cape Cod 5, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union, Fiber Optic Center, Buzzards Bay Brewing, Lanagan & Co, Martha’s Vineyard Bank, Eastern Bank, Walecka Movers, Stone Path Malt, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Envirotech Laboratories, Fuss & O’Neill, Taunton Federal Credit Union, and ZipWall.
