On Oct. 6 Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride participants will whizz through Rochester on their way to Woods Hole, as part of a tradition that started in 2006. 

The Watershed Ride supports clean water in Buzzards Bay. More than 200 cyclists participate in three routes of varying length, pedaling across 11 coastal communities and through scenic conservation reserves. 

Starting in Little Compton, R.I., the 100-mile route 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 in Woods Hole on Cape Cod, where organizers offer hot dinner, a beer and wine bar, live music and massages.

With a food truck lunch stop, water and snack stations every 20 miles, ace bike mechanics on the route, and shuttles for both people and bikes, cyclists are well cared for and supported. 

Last year, riders raised a total of more than $162,000 to support the Coalition. Each rider raises a minimum of $300, and prizes go to riders and teams that raise the highest totals. 

Many riders form teams with friends and training groups like the “Bourne Rail Trail Blazers,” “ReThink Plastics,” “Team Southcoast Bikeway” and “Cape Cod MOVES.” 

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