Nova Scotia:
Bicycle & Yoga Getaway on the South Shore
5 days. Cycle quiet coastal roads of the Aspotogan Peninsula and Mahone Bay, and practice yoga in beautiful locations along the route - a relaxed but energizing excursion into mindfulness. Stay in small inns or B&B’s and eat delicious food. Enlightenment is assured!
Freewheeling’s home base is in a coastal
paradise, on the beautiful Aspotogan Peninsula. No wonder we were
inspired to build a yoga studio on the edge of the ocean here.
We watch whales, seals, gulls, eagles, and, occasionally, fishermen,
kayakers, and sailboats in Virabhadrasana (Warrior posture), staring
out at the always changing ocean in Padmasana (Lotus posture)
and are lulled into blissful Savasana (relaxation pose) by the
sound of waves. As Freewheeling’s co-founder, Cathy Guest’s
interest in yoga has grown, so has her realization of its benefits
in enhancing bicycle skills. This trip offers an opportunity for
avid or want-to-be- avid cyclists to build strength and focus
with yoga, and so become more comfortable on their bikes. Over
the first two and a half days we are based near Hubbards, where
we will ride our bicycles around our neighbourhood ocean community,
honing up on our bike skills; cycle the 50 km Blandford Loop;
devour (with gentle restraint!) a sumptuous Freewheeling picnic
at Bayswater Beach; and enjoy yoga in the Boathouse, near Freewheeling
Headquarters. During the next few days, we will explore Mahone
Bay, Lunenburg (a Unesco World Heritage Site), picturesque Blue
Rocks, and the famous LaHave Bakery, easily accessible by bicycle
over the LaHave River by cable ferry. Our getaway is designed
for visitors in the area who may or may not need accommodation.
Flexibility is our goal: anything is possible!
The Plan:
Day 1:
The tour begins with an optional pickup in Halifax at 13:00
(at your hotel or the Waverley Inn on Barrington Street),
for a transfer to Hubbards, stopping en route at Peggy’s
Cove for a hike to the lighthouse. Otherwise, meet in Hubbards
at 17:00, in time for introductions and a traditional lobster
dinner. D
Anchorage House & Cottages, Hubbards, www.anchoragehouse.com
Day 2: 40 miles/60km
The cycling begins on the quiet roads around the Aspotogan
Peninsula. Today’s ride has a few short hills. Pass
through fishing villages of Blandford, Aspotogan and Northwest
Cove, and by the beach at Bayswater; making a side trip to
see where the old whaling station used to operate in "New"
Harbour; take another side trip to see a fairytale castle.
Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at Bayswater Beach, then stop
at our Boathouse en route Hubbards for yoga and meditation.
For your independent dinner in Hubbards tonight, there are
a number of wonderful choices, ranging from the casual and
delicious Trellis Café, to elegant dining overlooking
Hubbards Cove, to a fresh and friendly fish and chip take
out! BL
Same lodging
Day 3: 11 or 27 miles/17 or 43km
After a light breakfast, we prepare for our cycling day with
some yoga at the boathouse. A one hour van transfer brings
us to Indian Point Road, where we can cycle leisurely along
quiet, scenic roads to Mahone Bay. En route to Indian Point,
we may be tempted to visit a nearby bakery for coffee and
pastries. Mahone Bay is lovely to visit and explore. We may
choose to have an independent lunch/snack there, then make
our way to Lunenburg by way of Second Peninsula and Sunnybrook
in time to explore the architecture, galleries, fisheries
museum and associated ships on the waterfront of this UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Lunch and snack opportunities abound
in Lunenburg as well. We dine together in Lunenburg, choosing
among more than a dozen delectable options. BD
Boscawen Inn, Lunenburg, www.boscawen.ca; or
Bluenose Lodge, Lunenburg, www.bluenoselodge.ca
Day 4: 27 miles/43km + options
After an early morning meditation and relaxed yoga session
at our inn, we leave Lunenburg for an exploration of the seaside
hamlets of Rose Bay, Hirtle's Beach, Kingsburg and Riverport
on the way to the LaHave Ferry. Stop if you like to visit
the sea-caves reached through underground tunnels at the Ovens
Park. Savour your independent lunch at the sweet-smelling
LaHave Bakery on the other side of the ferry before heading
off to Crescent and Risser's Beaches. At suppertime, the choices
for dinner in Lunenburg are overwhelming: we will help you
choose! You will be dining independently this evening. B
Same lodging
Day 5: 20 miles/32km
We cycle from Lunenburg to Blue Rocks and Stonehurst, stopping
for yoga outside on the rocks or at various scenic locations
by the ocean. After our lunch, we say Namaste and Farewell!
BL
The Details:
| Start: | Halifax at 13:00 or Hubbards at 17:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Lunenburg at 14:00, Hubbards at 15:00, or Halifax at 16:00, day five. |
| Guided Cost: | $1795 per person (4 nights, 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, luggage transfers, guide and van support, maps and route notes. |
| Self-Guided Cost: | Not yet available. |
| Single Occupancy: | $315 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195. |
| 2010 & 2011 Guided Dates: | Call 800-672-0775 to check for updates or click to add a new date. |
| Note: | The Bicycle and Yoga Getaway
shares guides, inns, support vehicle, and route notes
with the Lighthouse Route Cycling Adventure, with a few
modifications. Cathy is your dedicated yoga teacher, and
also shares guiding duties. The amount of yoga and bicycling
offered each day is up to the Bicycle and Yoga participants.
Lighthouse Route cyclists sometimes join in the yoga activities.
Groups of five or more can schedule a trip whenever they
like, and run separately from the Lighthouse Route. Because
of Cathy’s connection to the south shore, the trip
can be easily altered to suit the needs of the group.
If you are not in a group, and would like a specially
designed Bicycle and Yoga adventure just for you, you
have two options: self guided cycling complemented by
yoga appointments with Cathy during the trip; or private
guided cycling and yoga. Please contact Cathy to enquire
about these. |
| Custom Retreats: | Organize your own retreat, using our services or bringing in your own. Services available are: retreat space (max. 20); accommodations: dormitory style and camping; food catering; guided kayaking, cycling, walking, and yoga. Please call for details. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 15% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadian residents.
