Ted Villaire is the author of Best Bike Rides Chicago, Rail-Trails Illinois, Road Biking Illinois, and Camping Illinois. Ted has worked as a news reporter for various daily and weekly newspapers, and he currently works as the communications director for the Active Transportation Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works to improve options for biking, walking, and public transit in Chicagoland. He received a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago. He rides his bicycle year-round for transportation. He, his wife, and their dog live on Chicago’s Northwest Side. He frequently gives presentations about biking and hiking in Chicagoland. Get in touch with him by visiting www.tedvillaire.com.