More than 225 cyclists—including more than 35 from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester will pedal along the western shore of Buzzards Bay on Oct. 4 to support clean water in the 14th annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, hosted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Collectively, participants have already raised more than $80,000 to support clean water. With less than two weeks to go, registration for the event remains open. Sign ups will close on Sept. 30 at midnight. 

The Watershed Ride is a cycling fundraiser to benefit the Coalition’s environmental education, protection, restoration and advocacy work throughout the Buzzards Bay region.

Taking place during a global pandemic, the event has been adapted to keep cyclists safe.

“We’re thrilled to be able to go forward with the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride in a way that will be safe for cyclists and the communities they ride through,” said Mark Rasmussen, president of the Coalition. “This has been a tough year. But throughout it all, outdoor activities like bicycling have provided an important outlet for relaxation and recreation.”

Social distancing is built into the ride. In every year, cyclists naturally spread out over the length of the route, and this year’s version includes a number of measures designed to facilitate that distancing. The changes include a rolling start that avoids the need for cyclists to gather in large numbers, expanded rest stop spaces and a box lunch to go in lieu of the traditional post-ride party. 

The routes have changed as well. This year, cyclists will follow one of two routes—a 62-mile option that takes off from Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, R.I. at 8 a.m. and a 30-mile route that begins at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, Mass. at 9 a.m. Both routes end at historic Fort Taber Park in New Bedford, which offers expansive views of the Bay. 

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