Best Bike Rides Chicago

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.

Detailed descriptions and maps of forty of the best bicycle rides in Illinois, from easy afternoon jaunts to multi-day tours.

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.

Los Angeles is home to some of the best paved roads, dirt roads, mountain bike trails, and bike paths. Best Bike Rides Los Angeles describes over forty of the most diverse recreational and scenic rides in the Los Angeles area. With most rides between 3 and 50 miles, ranging in altitude from just above sea level along the beaches to over 5,600 feet ascending a peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, it's easy to find a ride that suits your tastes. Each route includes complete point‐by‐point miles and directions, map, text description of the riding area, GPS coordinates of the start/finish point, and full‐color photos of the ride's features. More than just a trail guide, Best Bike Rides Los Angeles gives the reader important information, such as flora and fauna, history, folklore, special events, and cultural happenings. Look inside to find: GPS coordinates Detailed miles and directions Descriptions of what you'll see along the way Full-color photos

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Chicago was the center of bicycle manufacturing in the United States. As an early industrial and transportation center, two-thirds of all bicycles manufactured in the United States were from Chicago--it was the Detroit of bike manufacturing. For decades, Chicago was also a center for cycling track and road racing. Six-day races drew capacity crowds at the Chicago Stadium, Chicago Coliseum, and International Amphitheatre. Road and track competitions were also held at Sherman Park, the Humboldt Park Velodrome, and on Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile. Today, Chicago is a hub for recreational cyclists. Hundreds of miles of bike lanes, rail to trails, and bike paths, such as the Illinois Prairie Path, the Bloomingdale Trail, Lakefront Path, and the Big Marsh, provide cyclists with numerous recreational and commuting options in a crowded urban environment. Chicago was awarded Bicycling Magazine's Best Bike City of 2016.

Detailed descriptions and maps of forty of the best bicycle rides in Illinois, from easy afternoon jaunts to multi-day tours.

Hidden in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul are some great roads, trails, and bike paths that are fun to explore. Best Bike Rides Minneapolis and St. Paul describes 40 great recreational rides in the metro areas. With most rides between 5 and 30 miles—including road rides, rail trails, bike paths, and mountain bike rides—it’s easy to find an interesting place to ride. Each route includes complete directions, a map, a text description of the area you’ll be riding, the GPS coordinates of the start/finish point, and color photos of one the ride’s features. Also included is information on local restaurants, lodging, maps, bicycle shops, other facilities for cyclists, and community resources. Features: • Detailed maps and directions • Rides that explore the city as well as the surrounding area. • A variety of rides, from 5-mile trail rides to 60-mile destination rides and everything in between • In-depth information about each ride, including length, terrain, traffic conditions, and road hazards • Interesting facts about each area • Options to create longer or shorter rides