While artists of Dartmouth painted the village’s natural scenery Sunday, Oct. 1, cyclists from across Massachusetts and Rhode Island breezed through Padanaram at the same time, coming from Smith Neck Road and heading up Dartmouth Street. 

The annual ride begins on Little Compton’s coast for the 100-milers, Horseneck Beach for the 75-mile club and Rochester for the 35-mile riders. Riders from all three start points finish in Woods Hole. 

In Padanaram, some supporters of the ride and specific riders gathered to cheer them on as they rode by. 

“I think what they do is terrific,” said Charlotte Smith, whose son-in-law biked in the ride. “It’s such a worthy cause, I think they use their money carefully.”

Alongside Smith stood her daughter, Betsy Rivard, who was dressed in a giant inflatable dinosaur costume. The group waved and cheered to every rider that turned the corner from Smith Neck Road onto the bridge. 

According to the Buzzards Bay Coaltion, the 17th annual ride raised $265,000. For the first time, the ride also included Mattapoisett’s new Shining Tides Mile on its route. 

The top fundraisers were Drew Dimmick of North Falmouth, who raised a total of $12,200, Chip Johns of Mattapoisett, who raised a total of $11,505, followed by Ken Cheitlin of Pocassett, who raised a total of $6,445.

The top fundraising team was the Sippican Sailors, whose total donations of $30,275 will be matched by a group of anonymous donors to benefit the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Donations are being accepted until Sunday, October 15, and can be made at savebuzzardsbay.org/ride. The 2024 Watershed Ride will take place on October 6.