The ninth annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride returns to the South Coast Sunday, Oct. 4 to raise fund for the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

More than 150 cyclists participate in the Watershed Ride each year, pedaling across the Buzzards Bay region to protect clean water.

Avid cyclists and casual riders are invited to join the ride through coastal villages, farmlands, working waterfront and cranberry bogs. Choose from a 75-mile route starting in Westport or a 35-mile route starting in Rochester. Both routes end with a seaside finish line party on Quissett Harbor in Woods Hole that includes dinner, drinks and live music.

Cyclists ages 12 and over are welcome to sign up. Many riders also form teams with their friends and families. Together, they put their cycling skills to work to raise thousands of dollars for Buzzards Bay. The ride has a lunch stop, water and snack stations along the course and on-the-road repair technicians available at call.

Each rider raises a minimum of $300, but many participants set loftier fundraising goals. All funds go directly to programs and projects that protect land and clean water around Buzzards Bay.

To learn more about the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride and sign up, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.