Outdoor writer Tim Renken of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch correctly predicted that Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails by Walter G. Zyznieuski and George S. Zyznieuski would "become the definitive trail guide for Illinois hikers". Now the brothers Zyznieuski have teamed up again and, following the same procedures that produced their classic hiking guide, have produced the definitive guide for the rapidly growing sport of mountain biking. The Zyznieuskis tell you all you need to know about mountain biking in Illinois. They note that mountain bike trails exist throughout the state, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area. The forty-eight trails they explored for this book run from three to seventy-eight miles long (the Hennepin Canal State Trail) and range in difficulty from extremely easy to challenging. Along with a map and a complete description of each trail, this illustrated book is packed with practical information. The brothers discuss the various surfaces: dirt, mowed grass, limestone screenings, and old railroad beds. And they advise riders as to what they need to take on the trip, stressing safety necessities such as a helmet. The appendixes discuss the Grand Illinois Trail, provide information on where to order maps, and list mountain bike clubs, trail organizations, International Mountain Bicycle Association rules of the trail, and Illinois bike rules. As they did with Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails, Walter and George have explored every trail they mention in this illustrated guide.

From Chicago's magnificent lakefront to the mountain trails of the Shawnee National Forest, no state has more varied terrain for the cyclist than Illinois. Large, full-detail maps guide you confidently on city streets or prairie back roads, and concise, entertaining trail descriptions make your bicycle adventure come alive. Includes 60 rides for cyclists of all ability levels, tips on where to find water, snacks, lodging, repairs, fascinating notes that help you appreciate the nature and history along the trail, and much more.

Be the first to open your mountain biking patrons' eyes to the surprising geographic diversity of the Midwest. From vast prairies to rolling, forested hills, and from roaring rivers to tranquil lakes, the Midwest is much more than cornfields! Newly revised and expanded to include 96 rides throughout Illinois. Indiana, and Ohio, Mountain Bike! The Midwest will dazzle fat-tire buffs with its array of excellent off-road tours. From challenging single-track ascents to leisurely jaunts along white, sandy beaches, bikers will find trails to fit all skill levels and tastes. Authors Richard Ries and Dave Shepherd save bikers precious time by leading them straight to the classic trails in the Midwest. Enthusiasts will find tours in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, Chicago-area forest preserves, and Shawnee, Hoosier, and Wayne National Forests, among other exciting areas. Riders will also appreciate a few new elements in this edition -- concise, at-a-glance key information at the beginning of each route profiled and handy ride recommendations for special interest groups.

Written for the cyclists of all stripes, Best Bikes Rides Near Chicago marks the debut of a new series that offers a diverse array of scenic tours in some of America’s largest urban destinations—from easy excursions for the Sunday cyclist to challenging treks for the veteran. Here, veteran author and cyclist Ted Villaire presents 35 diverse rides in and around the Windy City. As amply demonstrated by this guide, Chicago’s heritage as a transportation hub has reaped huge rewards for local cyclists. Twenty miles of lakeshore parkland and an elaborate system of leafy boulevards connect a series of mega-parks throughout the city. Coupled with this is an ever-expanding cycling infrastructure featuring more than 100 miles of bikes lanes. The Illinois Prairie Path, which runs between the Des Plaines River and Wheaton, was one of the first linear trails in the nation converted from a railroad line—and today it is part of the most extensive collection of rail trails in the Midwest, perhaps the nation.

The very best Chicagoland spots for running, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor or gym activities are revealed by an ETHS graduate from the class of 1987.