400 riders had registered for the Buzzard Bay Watershed Ride and so far have raised more than $270,000 for the Coalition’s efforts to protect land, ensure clean water, and make the area’s natural spots accessible to all.

On Sunday, they enjoyed beautiful, but unseasonably warm weather, which made water stops crucial along the scenic landscapes of the South Coast and Cape Cod, which feature coastal farmlands, windswept beaches, cranberry bogs, and scenic harbors between Little Compton and Woods Hole.

There were three routes of varying lengths, starting from the following locations: Sakonnet Point (100 miles), Horseneck Beach (77 miles), and Red Brick Farm (41 miles). It was the first year at Red Brick Farm, the newly acquired Buzzards Bay Coalition property in Mattapoisett, connecting to the 2,000 acre Mattapoisett River Reserve with its 8 miles of public walking trails. Enjoying lunch and the 41 mile start line at Red Brick Farm allowed riders to see what their efforts make possible.

“My son and I had a great time during the ride and after,” said architect Chris Cote. “Can’t wait for next year.” Both Chris and Eli were part of the Falling Waffles, which raised $1,925.

The top fundraising teams were: South Coast Bikeway ($43,902), Sippican Sailors ($20,675), and Quickstep Quissett ($9,250).

Geoff Sullivan of the South Coast Bikeway team raised the most as an individual with nearly $23,000. Sullivan earned the yellow jersey (reserved for the highest fundraiser) but he chose instead to wear the jersey his late wife Susan wore when she last participated. (Read more about Geoff here). Jean Pitcairn and Toffer Winslow were second and third, both with more than $8,000 raised.

All riders were fully supported along the routes with local food and beverages all day, welcoming volunteers, and SAG wagons with ace bike mechanics and first aid. They ended the day on the shore of Eel Pond in Woods Hole listening to the music of Puffy Elvis and reveling in their collective accomplishment.

“It might have been the best-organized charity events I have ever seen, with so many moving pieces working perfectly and great attention to every detail,” said Matt Knowles, a 100-miler who came in as one of the first finishers. “We all had a great time.”

Many thanks to the following:

• 2025 sponsors Southcoast Health, Jim’s Organic Coffee, Hutker Architects, Valle Group, Blount Clam Shack, Cape Cod 5, Raybern Consulting, Fiber Optic Center, Imtra Corporation, Eastern Bank, Lanagan & Co, Stone Path Malt, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Envirotech Laboratories, Martha’s Vineyard Bank, and the Art Drive
• Location hosts MBL’s Swope Center and the Sakonnet Point Club
• In-kind donors and bike mechanics that make this event one-of-a-kind
• More than 100 volunteers spread out over the course

You can still donate to the ride and help us meet our goal! Go here.

Bike riders come into the finish at Woods Hole.