Lunch, bike tune-ups, and an opportunity to stretch their legs were all waiting at Eastover Farms Sunday as more than 100 participants in the annual Ride for the Bay rolled in.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition held its fifth annual 75-mile Watershed Ride around Buzzards Bay with 116 riders and 72 volunteers helping along the way. For those preferring a shorter ride, an additional starting line was at Dexter Lane Athletic Fields.

The ride started in Westport and ended at Quissett Harbor in Woods Hole with a party including live music, a pedal-powered smoothie stand and, of course, some cold beer. In addition to registering for the ride, participants were required to raise a minimum of $300.

Outreach Coordinator Shannon McManus said a total of $55,000 was raised. Rochester resident Cindie Aadland was one of the top fundraisers with $1,800.

Proceeds go to the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a non-profit organization that works to restore, protect and maintain the sustainable use of the Bay.

Rochester residents Russ and Wendy Keeler have been involved with the ride for the past four years. Although Russ didn’t ride this year, he volunteered as Wendy took to her bike.

“There are two things we love about the whole thing: the ride and the cause,” Russ said. “Buzzards Bay means a lot to us. We see new things every time and get to see the bay we love.” Russ could be seen Sunday putting up tents, double-checking route markers and encouraging riders along the way.

“After a couple of years, it just becomes one of those things we have to do every year,” he said.  “This is how we start fall. I just love going around and seeing the land or taking roads we’ve never done before. You learn about the part of the world you live in.”

Wendy said she wasn’t riding for speed but just to challenge herself and enjoy the views.

“There’s some people that really fly and take it seriously, and then you have the people that are happy to finish,” she said. “I’m one of the latter.”

Wendy also said each ride has a special memory attached to it.

“You’ll get flat tires or other mishaps,” she said. “But each year is different. The first year I did it, it rained most of the whole ride. People were getting hypothermia. But the next year was just perfect. There was a lot of sun and little wind.”

Her favorite part of the route?

“I like farmland, and Westport has beautiful farms right on the water,” she said. “Plus, coming downhill to the finish is awesome. You have all these people cheering you on, and you know that you’ve finally made it.”

Several SAG (support and gear) stops were set up along the route. Eastover Farms in Rochester, hosted the lunch stop. A steady stream of cyclists flowed toward the green and yellow buildings after 11 a.m. for soup, drinks or just a chance to talk about the ride or the weather. The sun peeked in and out of clouds the whole ride according to Buzzards Bay Coalition Vice President of Education and Public Engagement Rob Hancock.

“I was just happy to make it to the lunch stop,” he joked. “But this year has just been great. The event continues to grow and more people are getting involved. Part of the reason we do this is because it’s a beautiful watershed. This is a great way to get out and see the farmland and communities and enjoy it while getting a work out.”

Riders also had the chance to get some quick tune-ups or fixes at the Gilly’s Cycling Adventures tent at Eastover Farms.

Mattapoisett resident Gary Johnson said he has been a cyclist since the 1970s, but the Watershed Ride is the only charity ride he does.

“It’s just beautiful,” he said. “The cranberry bogs, the coast. There are so many different views, which makes the whole thing intriguing.”

Wareham resident Geoff Swett, 62, was one of the older riders and said the ride held a special meaning.

“Last year was my mother’s 90th birthday, so several family members and I rode wearing custom jerseys for her. And she was there at the finish line, cheering us on. It was amazing.”

Swett said he isn't what one would call an avid cyclist, but takes pride in the fact that each year he has improved his time. For him, the ride is a chance to get in shape.

“I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon,” he said. “If I did, my family would accuse me of getting old!”