It was a beautiful sunny Sunday with a temperature of 26 degrees.  With a jam packed agenda I head to Montague for an afternoon full of new adventures and physical challenges.  I’m prepared to bike 60 km today, the longest distance this season.  How should I fuel my body for this quest?

Did you know that I’m a spiritual seeker? I enjoy learning about new religious ways. I've recently joined a Buddhahood study group which is taught by the monks from the Montague Enlightment Academy. Today the local Buddhist community hosted a Gratitude Festival with the monks on the “Old Lobster Shanty” grounds.  The public was invited to share a vegetarian meal and browse the many educational booths. Entertainment and prayers followed a Q&A session with the monks.

Buddhist Monks are vegans and the food was served cold, aside from the tasty baked spring roll. I really enjoyed the 2 cold noodle salads with tempha for protein. One with Udon noodles the other rice as the monks also try to avoid wheat. Vegetarian sushi and pineapple cake were also served as well as organic green tea and lemon water.  The food was served in a wooden box that was kept to be washed amd reused. 

I especially enjoyed walking the grounds and exploring the booths which explained the Buddhist lifestyle and philosophy in more detail.  They were plastered with posters that educated the public about the importance of eating vegetarian food, respecting the environment and giving back to others.  We could sample organic crackers, lolly pops and tea biscuits.

With a belly full of Buddah blessed food I left the celebration and headed to the Confederation trail. Today’s first course is 40km to Georgetown, around Cardigan and back to Montague.  Happy to say I completed the course in 1 hr 41 min. When I bike long rides I need to refuel half way through. 

While munching on my organic gala apple and Power Bar Energy Bites it occurred to me that I needed to bike another 20 km to complete the 60. Should I bike to Cardigain and back? Maybe it’s time to pack it up and hit another trail. And off to St Peters I go!

In my opinion, the Morell to St Peters treks the most beautiful along the Confederation trail.  It winds around the Bay with stunning views and plenty of cooling breezes.  I ran into many other cyclists which was to no surprise. This 22 km trek is popular among Islanders and tourists.  I completed it in exactly 1 hour.

This summer I’m a biking Buddha in training for the BIG Tip2Tip bike race in October. I’m prepared to bike 273 km over 3 intensive days.  So any day I can hit the trail this summer I’ll be off! Always with a new play list and mind full of teachings from Buddhists past.

I hope that you’re enjoying the summer as much as I am