Rider Stories
Participants in the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride are people of all ages and abilities — people just like you! Together, they help save Buzzards Bay by biking for clean water and supporting the Buzzards Bay Coalition's work. Get to know some of our riders and join them by registering today!
Team Girl Power
First Ride: 2015
“The Ride is well organized and a lot of fun. In fact, we talked about it so much to our friends we've recruited even more members to join our team this year! Cycling is a great form of exercise that anyone can do.”
Jeff Gonsalves
First Ride: 2014
“I’ve always had a very close relationship to Buzzards Bay, exploring Apponagansett Bay in my Dyer dinghy as a boy and now sharing my favorite spots with my children. I’m happy to do my own small part today.”
South Coast Almanac
First Ride: 2016
“We’re biking in the Ride because we believe in bicycles and we believe in Buzzards Bay. As P. Martin Scott said, 'Bicycles are the indicator species of a community, like shellfish in a bay.'”
Fred Makrauer
First Ride: 2007
“I have participated in the Watershed Ride since its inception. I return each year, often with family, because of our commitment to the Bay’s health and to the Coalition, and because it is a really great ride.”
Emma Keeler
First Ride: 2016
Fresh off completing her first 35-mile ride, 15-year-old Emma Keeler is already planning to come back next year — with friends. Her parents, Russ and Wendy, have done the ride for many years.
Karl Audenaerde
First Ride: 2010
“For me, the Ride neatly combines something I like doing — cycling — with something I consider important: taking care of the watershed and keeping the place I live in working order.”
Team Pleasant Spokers
First Ride: 2015
“We love biking in our neighborhood in Sagamore, we love the Bay, and we all feel like giving back in this way. Cycling is healthy, functional transportation as well as a swell way to see the backroads.”
Peter Pereira
First Ride: 2016
“Cycling is the perfect mode of transportation to enjoy the natural beauty of our region. The Watershed Ride is the perfect opportunity to support the Coalition by doing an activity that I love.”
Leslie Knowles
First Ride: 2007
"I've come back to the Watershed Ride every year because I love to bike and I love Buzzards Bay. Everything about the Ride is so nicely organized. And the party at the end overlooking the water is great.”
John Mendelsohn
First Ride: 2015
"The Buzzards Bay watershed is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and the Ride snakes a course through some of the beauty that’s visible from the road. I ride to help sustain our local area.”
The Needham Flukes
First Ride: 2015
“As a family, we have a strong commitment to preserve our environment. We were happy to find an organization that keeps the Bay clean and offers ways for us to involve our whole family.”
Ann Parson
First Ride: 2010
“I always found fundraising difficult, but that was before I started doing the Watershed Ride. I really want to raise money for the Coalition...they are so dedicated and really get things done.”
Gary Johnson
First Ride: 2009
“Buzzards Bay has so much diversity in the landscape, going by salt marshes, then cranberry country. It’s a truly beautiful ride...It’s the only charity ride I’ve ever done. I’m glad we can contribute.”
Dan Cooney
First Ride: 2020
“There’s such great energy before the Ride starts, everyone wishing each other well. Interacting with other teams you can feel that we are in this thing together. Really positive juju. It’s a lot of fun.”
Lizanne Campbell
First Ride: 2012
“The Watershed Ride is an absolutely beautiful ride and very well organized...I love the challenge of the longer distances and the comradery of the people with whom I ride.”
Ken Cheitlin
First Ride: 2014
“When you’re riding on your bike you’re seeing things in a different way then cruising in a car or walking. I enjoy having that perspective. When you’re driving you don’t get the feel of the land the same way.”
