Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQs below answer some of the most common questions we are asked by riders. If you don't see your concern listed here, contact us and we'll answer you as quickly as possible!

Cycling

Fundraising

General Event

Cycling

How long do I have to complete the Watershed Ride?

100-mile route from Sakonnet Point: 7:30am to 5:00pm (9.5 hours)
75-mile route from Horseneck Beach: 9:00am to 5:00pm (8 hours)
35-mile route from Eastover Farm: 12:00pm to 5:00pm (5 hours)

If you’re still on the road at 5:00pm, a SAG wagon will pick you up and bring you to the finish line.

How old do riders have to be to participate?

Cyclists must be 12 years of age or older on the day of the Ride.

Do riders need to wear a helmet?

Yes. You must wear a helmet at all times while cycling in the Watershed Ride.

What supplies do I need to bring?

We recommend that cyclists bring the following supplies:

Helmet (mandatory)
Water bottle
Cycling gloves
Foul weather gear (for unpredictable weather situations)
Warm, dry clothes to change into at the finish line
Identification and your health insurance card
Cell phone
Cash
Basic bike repair kit (Although there will be SAG wagons available to help you if needed, it’s always a good idea to carry supplies such as a spare tube, a bike pump or quick-fill device, a tire lever, and a hex/Allen wrench.)

We’ll provide supplies like water, sports drinks, snacks, and energy bars/gels at the start lines, lunch stop, and water stops. But it's always good to bring your own snacks just to be safe.

Can I check in early?

Yes. Early check-in is strongly encouraged for all riders to avoid long lines and crowds at the start. At early check-in, you can pick up your bib, SAG wristband, cue sheet, and jersey (if you ordered one) and drop off any cash or checks to count toward your fundraising total. (A credit card can secure your bib if you’ve not yet reached your minimum.) Early check-in dates for 2023 will be announced at a later date.

If necessary, riders may check in at their designated start line 90 minutes before their route opens on event day.

Can I leave the Watershed Ride in the middle of the route?

You can leave the Watershed Ride at any time. If you leave, you must call the Watershed Ride phone number (listed on your event wristband) to let us know that you’re leaving so we don’t think you’re missing.

Where should I put my belongings before I get on my bike?

At all three start lines, there will be a vehicle marked “Rider Belongings” that will transport rider bags to the finish line. Make sure your bag is clearly marked with your name and contact information. If you prefer, you can have a friend or family member transport your belongings to the finish line, where you can all enjoy dinner and a fun celebration!

Fundraising

What does my fundraising support?

The Watershed Ride is a fundraiser for the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a membership-supported nonprofit organization that protects clean water in communities across the Buzzards Bay region. Every dollar you raise helps support the Coalition's work to improve the health of the Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research, and advocacy. Visit the Fundraising page to get tips and ideas for fundraising.

How much do I need to fundraise?

All participants must raise a minimum of $300. Often, riders find that they are able to raise much more. For more information and tips on fundraising, visit the Fundraising page.

What if I haven’t raised my $300 fundraising minimum by the day of the Ride?

If you have not raised the minimum of $300 by the morning of the Ride, you’ll need to secure the funds with a credit card hold. You can continue to raise money for two weeks after the Ride to reach your fundraising goal. If, after two weeks, you still have not reached your fundraising goal, your credit card will be processed for the remaining balance.

How does team fundraising work?

Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $300. Teams are required to raise $300 x # of riders (e.g. A team with 5 riders must raise $1,500, but 3 riders could each raise $400, and the other 2 riders raise $150. Any combination to get to $1,500 is acceptable).

What do I do with the cash and checks I’ve collected?

Checks and cash can be mailed in to the Buzzards Bay Coalition at 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Please be sure to include the names of the rider and donor(s) with the donations. For each donation, print out this fundraising form and include it in the envelope. You can also bring cash and checks to the start line on the day of the Watershed Ride, or to early check-in. All checks should be made out to the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

When does fundraising end?

We will process online donations for two weeks after the Watershed Ride. Cash, checks, and credit card payments made at check-in will be counted toward your fundraising total. If you have not raised the minimum of $300 by the morning of the Ride, you’ll need to secure the funds with a credit card hold. You can continue to raise money for two weeks after the Ride to reach your fundraising goal. If, after two weeks, you still have not reached your fundraising goal, your credit card will be processed for the remaining balance.

General Event

Who runs the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride?

The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride is organized by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit organization that works to protect clean water in communities across the Buzzards Bay region.

How long has the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride been held?

The Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride will celebrate its 17th year in 2023. The first Watershed Ride was held in 2007. Visit the Past Rides page to learn more about the Ride's history.

How do I get to my start line on the morning of the Ride?

You have a few options for transportation, depending on which location you are starting the Watershed Ride. For more information about start lines, parking, and shuttle transportation, visit the Schedule and Directions page.

100-mile route (Sakonnet Point): Limited parking is available at this start line, so you can drive here and park yourself. The better option is to get dropped off here by a friend or family member, or you can sign up for shuttle transportation from Woods Hole.
75-mile route (Horseneck Beach): Parking is available all day at Horseneck Beach until 8pm, so you can drive here and park yourself. You can also get dropped off here by a friend or family member, or you can sign up for shuttle transportation from Woods Hole.
35-mile route (Eastover Farm): Parking is available all day at Eastover Farm, so you can drive here and park yourself. You can also get dropped off here by a friend or family member, but there will be no shuttle transportation to Eastover Farm before the 35-mile route opens.

If you need shuttle transportation but didn’t sign up when you registered, contact us and we’ll reserve a space for you on the shuttle.

How do I get back to my car at the start line after the Ride?

If you (and your bicycle) need a ride back to the 100, 75, or 35-mile start lines, you can sign up for shuttle transportation when you register for the Watershed Ride. The bus and truck carrying bicycles departs promptly from the finish line at 5:00pm.

If you need transportation but didn’t sign up when you registered, contact us and we’ll reserve a space for you on the shuttle.

I need a hotel during the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. Where should I stay?

There are several inns, B&Bs, and hotels near the finish line in Woods Hole.

What is the Ride cancellation policy?

The Ride is a rain or shine event. Cancellation could occur if unsafe conditions exist such as active storms or heavy fog. Any decision relative to safety is made on the morning of the Ride. Cancellation notification will be provided by email to all participants and volunteers, and also posted on the event homepage and on the Coalition's Facebook page. Donations and registration fees are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, free registration codes will be provided for the next year's event, however the fundraising minimum would still be required for all riders.