Much like the water it seeks to protect, the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride is open to anyone, says Buzzards Bay Coalition President Mark Rasmussen.

“It has a Tour De France quality to it, but it’s also just for people who want to ride with their friends for a great cause,” he said. “Some people take it very seriously, but it’s not actually a race. It’s a great opportunity to see the watershed and all the surrounding towns and the impact that the Coalition has on all these beautiful areas.”

On Sunday, Rasmussen was one of 120 bike riders who embarked on the ninth annual tour of the Buzzards Bay watershed, that also included 18 tri-town participants. The race began at 9 a.m. in Westport for those who wished to complete the 75-mile course. A shorter version, only 35 miles long, began at Eastover Farm in Rochester at noon. All of the riders ended up at Quissett Harbor in Falmouth where they celebrated with food, drinks and live music from local artists.

“I’ve certainly got a lot of respect for these riders,” said Chris Parks, a Coalition volunteer who spent her Sunday afternoon checking in the long distance riders at the 40-mile mark. “I’m very involved in the Coalition. I’ve been volunteering for the race for about four years, and I test water for them as well. They always do an amazing job with the fundraisers.”

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting clean water around the 18 towns that border the Bay, and the ride is one of several fundraisers throughout the year that supports the Coalition’s mission.

“Every participant is required to raise at least $300 to be able to ride, but most people go well over that. We’ve had about four teams raise well over $3,500 this year which is incredible,” Rasmussen said. “At the end of the fundraiser, we’ve usually made around $100,000 and it’s all for a great cause. It’s really very rewarding.”

Harry Yates, a Rochester resident and the development assistant for the Coalition, works alongside Rasmussen to put together the logistics of the various fundraisers throughout the year.

“I majored in environmental sciences and economics in college, which is how I got involved with the Coalition,” he said. “They do great work for the Bay and its surrounding towns.”

From volunteers to repeat riders, the event has drawn a faithful following, and this year cyclists came from almost 70 communities in eight states and Washington, D.C.to participate.

“What’s so great about the ride is that everybody is doing it for the same cause. Fifty percent of the people riding this year are returning riders and that’s really awesome to see,” said Rasmussen. “You get to actually see the work done by the Coalition and the impact of all the fundraising while you’re still riding the course. The scenery is beautiful and we couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The Coalition reported an estimated $90,000 has been raised. The top fundraiser was John Mendelsohn of Falmouth who raised $3,622. The top fundraising teams, The Buzzards and The Patch Pedalers, raised $6,000 and $3,400 respectively. Thirteen riders raised more than $1,000 each.

Donations will still be accepted through Oct. 19. Visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride to give.