The Buzzards Bay Coalition: Swimming, Cycling, and Fighting for Clean Water

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we chat with Marlissa Briggett and Scott Lajoie of the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit that works to protect clean water in the region. 

We explore the connection between endurance sports and environmental stewardship by diving into two of the Coalition’s signature endurance events: the Buzzards Bay Swim, a 1.2-mile open water crossing of New Bedford Harbor, and the Watershed Ride, a scenic cycling event featuring distances up to 100 miles around Buzzards Bay.

But this episode goes beyond race logistics. Marlissa and Scott explain how water quality, development, sewer overflows, and conservation efforts directly impact the places endurance athletes train and compete. They also share the remarkable story of having to relocate the swim (in 2025) due to unsafe water conditions, and what that moment revealed about the importance of protecting New England’s waterways.

Along the way, they discuss:

• The history and mission of the Buzzards Bay Coalition
• What makes the Buzzards Bay Swim such a unique event
• Why the Watershed Ride has become a favorite among cyclists
• The role volunteers play in long-term water quality monitoring
• Why endurance athletes are uniquely connected to environmental advocacy
• The beauty and recreation opportunities throughout Buzzards Bay
• The South Coast Almanac
• Their connection to the Falmouth Road Race

Whether you’re a swimmer, cyclist, runner, or simply someone who loves the outdoors in New England, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the environments we often take for granted.

Links to register are here:

Savebuzzardsbay.org/swim

savebuzzardsbay.org/ride

Info on the Falmouth Road Race is here:

Falmouth Road Race - Buzzards Bay Coalition

Learn more:
SaveBuzzardsBay.org

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.