With vast prairies, rolling forested hills, and tranquil lakes, the diversity of mountain biking terrain in the Midwest will surprise even the fat tire elite. We promise you'll discover more than single-track winding through endless cornfields. Home to some of the best family-oriented trails around, Midwest mountain biking also possesses great white-knuckle, teeth-rattling rides. You won't find dicey rides teetering on the brink of thousand-foot cliffs, but you will encounter trails as technically challenging as anywhere else in North America.

Authors Richard Ries and Dave Shepherd live and ride in the Midwest, and they've uncovered trails to suit every mountain biker's ability and tastes. If it's good riding in Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois, it's in here. This guide saves bikers precious time by leading them straight to the classic trails. Fat tire enthusiasts will find tours in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys, Chicago-area forest preserves, and Shawnee, Hoosier, and Wayne National. Mountain Bike! The Midwest covers almost 100 of the best of the Midwest - twice the rides included in the first edition.

Each route profile features:

• at-a-glance key information
• a thorough ride description
• a detailed trail map
• helpful sources of information
• proximity of important services
• valuable commentary on elevation changes and possible hazards
• a rescue index

Mountain Bike! The Midwest also features candid and evocative photographs, vivid descriptions of the native flora and fauna, a glossary of mountain biking terms, and tips on mountain biking etiquette.

Richard Ries has published articles on bicycle maintenance, fitness, training, and destinations in BIKE, Bicycle Guide, Bicycling, and Dirt Rag,. He is also the author of Building Your Perfect Bike. Richard is a charter member of the Indiana Bicycle Coalition and the Madison Area Bicycle Club. Dave Shepherd enjoys traveling both off- and on-road and is a member of the Joliet Bicycle Club.