Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs below answer some of the most common questions we are asked by riders. If you don't see your question listed here, contact us and we'll answer you as quickly as possible!
Cycling
- How long do I have to complete the Watershed Ride?
- How old do riders have to be to participate?
- Do riders need to wear a helmet?
- What supplies do I need to bring?
- Can I check in early?
- Can I leave the Watershed Ride in the middle of the route?
- Where should I put my belongings before I get on my bike?
Fundraising
- What does my fundraising support?
- How much do I need to fundraise?
- What if I haven’t raised my $300 fundraising minimum by the day of the Ride?
- How does team fundraising work?
- What do I do with the cash and checks I’ve collected?
- When does fundraising end?
- What happens if I can't ride?
General Event
- Who runs the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride?
- How long has the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride been held?
- How do I get to my start line on the morning of the Ride?
- How do I get back to my car at the start line after the Ride?
- I need a hotel during the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. Where should I stay?
- What is the Ride cancellation policy?
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 before Ride day (Ride Precheck)?
Yes. Ride Precheck is strongly encouraged for all riders to avoid lines and crowds at the start. At Ride Precheck, you can pick up your bib, SAG wristband, cue sheet, and jersey (if you ordered one). You can also drop off any cash or checks you have towards your fundraising.
Precheck riders still need to let us know they've arrived on ride day by signing in at the Ride Precheck station. Look for the big green checkmark marked Ride Precheck.
Ride Precheck will take place on the following dates.
- Tuesday, October 1, 4pm - 7pm (tbd)
- Wednesday, October 2, 4pm-7pm at Stone Path Malt (11 Kendrick Road, Wareham MA 02571)
- Saturday, October 5 9am-12pm at BBC New Bedford Headquarters (114 Front Street, New Bedford MA 02740)
If necessary, riders may check in at their designated start line up to 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 support 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 outdoor exploration, land protection, research, and advocacy. Visit the Fundraising page to get tips and ideas for fundraising.
How much do I need to fundraise?
All registered participants commit to raising the minimum $300 whether or not they participate in the event. Often, riders find that they are able to raise much more. You have up to two weeks after the Ride to continue to fundraise. If after two weeks you still have not reached the fundraising minimum of $300, your credit card will be charged for the remaining balance as a self donation.
What if I haven’t raised my $300 fundraising minimum by the day of the Ride?
You do not have to meet your fundraising minimum in order to participate. You have up to two weeks after the Ride to continue to fundraise. If after two weeks you still have not reached the fundraising minimum of $300, your credit card will be charged for the remaining balance as a self donation.
How does team fundraising work?
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 Ride Precheck. 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 or checks turned in at Watershed Ride Precheck or day of check-in will be counted toward your fundraising total for prize eligibility. 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 the fundraising minimum your credit card will be processed for the remaining balance.
What happens if I can't ride?
If you are unable to ride and you let us know prior to race day, we can defer your $65 registration fee to the following year's event, but you are still responsible to meet this year's $300 fundraising minimum. The $65 registration fee is non-refundable.
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 18th year in 2024. 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 if space is available.
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 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 if space allows.
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, Riders are still required for the fundraising minimum of $300.
