Cycling enthusiasts, from weekend warriors to triathlon veterans, crisscrossed the South Coast on Oct. 5, as part of a fundraiser for the non-profit Buzzards Bay Coalition.

The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, now in its seventh year, featured two routes, a 75-mile route that left Westport and a 35-mile route that began at East Over Farm in Rochester.

With 130 riders, this year’s race raised $63,000, according to Alicia Pimental, the coalition’s outreach and communications manager.

The ride raises awareness for the entire Buzzards Bay watershed, and helps raise money to protect the bay and the region.

For Lizanne Campbell, of Mattapoisett, this was her first time riding in the event. She began the race at the 35-mile route in Rochester. She came out, despite overcast skies and rain, to support the cause.

Campbell is also an athlete who took part in three triathlons this year, including the Mattapoisett triathlon.

“I just love Buzzards Bay,” she said. “My husband and I spend a lot of time swimming, kayaking, and sailing in it. Riding today supports the coalition.”

Participants paid a $30 registration fee and were required to raise a minimum of $300. Those funds will go towards the coalition’s restoration, protection, education, and advocacy work across the watershed.

Artist Michael Waugh, who splits his time between Mattapoisett and New York City, began volunteering with Buzzards Bay Coalition as a way to learn more about the area in connection with his latest art project.

This year was his second 75-mile Watershed Ride.

Waugh said his “deep appreciation for the organization” lead him to do the ride and get friends to help support the money.

Everyone who donated to his ride received a print of his artwork. So far, he has raised $500.

“I worked in nonprofits for ten years, and I think they’re a really good one,” said Waugh, who has helped at the office and gone out on the coalition’s boat to help do water testing.

“I’m not from a boating family, I know nothing about it," he said. “Being able to volunteer with them has taught me a lot.”

The coalition’s Board of Director Chair Laura Ryan Shachoy was also on hand Sunday. She said her connection to the bay dates back to when she was a child. She would spend summers sailing, quahogging, and collecting shells.

The route, which wound through farmland, coastal villages, and scenic backgrounds, highlighted the watershed’s beauty, she said.

“Buzzards Bay itself is a gem. We do the ride to raise awareness for the whole watershed,” she said.

At the ride’s end, cyclists were greeted with food at the finish line in Falmouth. For more information on the coalition, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org.