The Day of the Watershed Ride
Here are the preliminary details for the day of the Watershed Ride: where to go, what to bring, how to dress, and what to do in case of an emergency. If you still have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
Routes and Directions
You should review the Watershed Ride route and practice riding along it if possible before the day of the Ride so you’re familiar with where to go. To view and print a map of the route, visit the Routes page.
For directions to the start lines, lunch stop, and finish line, head over to the Schedule and Directions page. There you’ll find times, locations, and maps that will help you get where you need to go.
Schedule
- The 100-mile route at Sakonnet Point opens at 7:30am, with check-in beginning at 6:00am and a mandatory safety briefing at 7:20am (note: 90 minutes earlier than last year).
- The 75-mile route at Horseneck Beach opens at 9:00am, with check-in beginning at 7:30am and a mandatory safety briefing at 8:50am (note: 1 hour earlier than last year).
- The 35-mile route at East Over Farm opens at 12:00pm, with check-in beginning at 10:30am and a mandatory safety briefing at 11:50am (note: 1 hour earlier than last year).
The route closes at 5:00pm. If you’re still on the road at that time, a SAG wagon will pick you up and bring you to the finish line.
Visit the Schedule and Directions page to view the full schedule.
Cycling Rules
To make sure everybody has a fun, safe Watershed Ride experience, familiarize yourself with the following “rules of the road”:
- Obey all traffic laws and regulations, including coming to a full stop at stop signs and traffic lights.
- Wear a helmet at all times while on your bike.
- Watch out for cars, both moving and parked.
- Do not use your phone or listen to music on headphones while cycling. Stop your bike and pull off the road if you need to call or text someone.
- Allow pedestrians the right of way and communicate with them as necessary when approaching.
- Ride single file unless passing. Only pass another cyclist when it’s safe to do so, and always pass to the left. Call out “On your left!” to alert the cyclist that you’re passing them.
- Use hand signals (preferably with your left arm) to let vehicles and pedestrians know when you plan to stop or turn. You should also consider using hand signals to point out hazards such as sand, glass, gravel, and grates.
- If you see a car trying to pass a group of cyclists, call out “Car back!” to alert the cyclists to form a single file so the car can safely pass.
- You should only draft if you have done so before and are riding with a group of cyclists you know. The day of the Watershed Ride is not the day to learn how to draft!
- Use verbal communication when necessary to avoid danger to cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
Weather
In early October, temperatures in southeastern Massachusetts average in the upper 60s for a high and in the lower 50s for a low. However, the weather can change dramatically over the course of several hours on the day of the Watershed Ride. Be prepared for rain, wind, and clouds by dressing in layers and packing light foul weather gear.
Food and Water
We provide food, water, and sport drinks at the start line, but do yourself a favor by eating a real breakfast before you arrive.
It’s critical to keep yourself hydrated during the Watershed Ride. Plan to drink about a liter of water for each hour of activity. There are water stops along the route in addition to the lunch stop where you can get food and water during your ride.
Medical Support
In the event of an emergency during the Watershed Ride, call 911 first. Be prepared to identify what town you’re in and the name of the road that you’re on. Make sure you carry identification and your health insurance card with you during your ride. Once you have notified 911, contact the Watershed Ride call center at (508) 999-6363 so we’re aware of what happened.
If you have a minor medical issue that needs attention, check in with a volunteer at a water stop, the lunch stop, or the finish line for basic first aid.
