The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride will return for its 15th year on Oct. 3.

Sign ups are open for athletes of all ages to to bike 35, 75 or 100 miles at the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. Participants who sign up before Monday, April 5 will save 50% on registration.

The Watershed Ride supports clean water in Buzzards Bay. Cyclists pedal through 11 coastal communities and pass more than 3,300 acres of conservation land protected by the Buzzards Bay Coalition and other conservation organizations.

Marion resident Daniel J. 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!”

In 2021, the Coalition plans to return to its traditional 100-mile route. Starting at Sakonnet Point, it travels past coastal farms and villages, picking up the 75-mile riders at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport and the 35-mile riders at idyllic East Over Farm in Rochester. All three route options finish at a waterfront celebration in Woods Hole on Cape Cod. The route includes a food truck lunch stop, water and snack stations every 20 miles, bike mechanics, and shuttles for both people and bikes.

“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.”

Details on the finish line festivities will be determined closer to the date of the event.

Last year, riders like Cooney collectively raised more than $200,000 to support the Coalition. Each rider raises a minimum of $300, and prizes go to riders and teams that raise the highest totals.

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