Lisa Stokes
Travel with a Bicycle Tourism and Advocacy Focus
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Lily Cheng Community Ride – 2026
More than 120 cyclists and three dogs joined Toronto Councillor Lily Cheng’s third community ride from Willowdale to the Port Lands. The 25 km route highlighted Toronto’s trails, cycling infrastructure, and gaps in safe connections, while bringing together riders of all ages for a welcoming day of advocacy, community, and unexpected weather.
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Europe 2026 – Day 17 – Wroclaw
Wrocław’s layers of history unfolded throughout the day — from communist-era protest dwarves and martial law symbolism to restored churches, fortifications, and riverside promenades. Along the way, we enjoyed Michelin-reviewed breakfast, renowned ice cream, panoramic tower views, and stories from Alina’s childhood and longtime friend, Krystyna.
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Europe 2026 – Day 16 – Wroclaw
A relaxed morning led to groceries and errands at a Carrefour-anchored mall. After eSIM delays, we rode a short local route past Park Mamuta and a striking Polish Soldiers’ Cemetery. As evening hunger set in, we opted for pierogies, feeling rested and ready for tomorrow’s Michelin-listed breakfast outing.
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Europe 2026 – Day 15 – Wroclaw
After a late start, Alina and I cycled to an ethnographic exhibit of decorated eggs and palms, then met her friends. I explored Rynek, admired historic architecture and sculptures, and noted the city’s strong cycling and transit networks there
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Europe 2026 – Day 14 – Amsterdam to Wroclaw
We packed up, said goodbye to friends, and took a canal tour highlighting Amsterdam’s iconic sites, including the Dancing Houses and Magere Brug. After coffee at a historic pub, we stored luggage, visited the Holocaust memorial, and caught a packed train to Schiphol before an uneventful flight to Wroclaw, arriving late.
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Europe 2026 – Day 13 – Haarlem – Amsterdam
The group set off together toward Haarlem, following a custom route to avoid a longer ride. After briefly losing two riders, we reunited near a wartime memorial. The day included windmills, and a visit to Haarlem’s historic centre, before returning to Amsterdam for an evening walking tour.
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Europe 2026 – Day 12 – Keukenhof
We had a relaxed morning before traveling from Amsterdam to Keukenhof, where vast, colourful gardens drew heavy crowds. Despite limited time, we explored extensively, admired stunning displays, and appreciated the park’s organization before returning, with a brief preview of Haarlem.
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Europe 2026 – Day 11 – Alkmaar to Zaandam
Fatigue shaped the day as I chose a shorter 38 km route after heavy recent mileage. We cycled through Dutch countryside, visiting a Benedictine monastery and a rare bulb garden. Zaandam’s striking architecture and bustling center contrasted with quiet villages, while navigation systems, infrastructure, and canal crossings defined the journey.
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Europe 2026 – Day 10 – Alkmaar Loop
We rode from Alkmaar through dunes, villages, and forests, sharing coffee at Egmond aan Zee and ice cream in Bergen. Quiet roads and “cars as guests” made cycling relaxed. After returning, I explored the city on a walking tour, learning its cheese-trading history before ending a long, scenic, exhausting day.
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Europe 2026 – Day 9 – Enkhuizen (Volundam) to Alkmaar
We woke to engines and sailed to Volendam, beginning a 50 km ride through canals, locks, and villages like Edam and Monnickendam. Highlights included swans by the path, a tiny ferry crossing, and quiet fietsstraat roads. We finished at crowded Zaanse Schans before a scenic evening sail, steak dinner, and sunset views.
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