It depends on where you live in Indiana but I've ridden over there and our hills aren't any worse. Have you ridden the Hilly Hundred? This area (Makanda loop) isn't any worse and offers some of the most challenging local hills we have. The most challenging of course is what we call "The Wall" at Makanda. It is a 20-22 percent climb but it is always an option if you want the challenge---there is another route. I've done it once just to say I have but have taken the other route since. I leave that for the guys

If you are coming from out-of-town, I would recommend starting at Giant City Lodge south of Carbondale, Illinois and going from there. The Carbondale Bicycle Club http://pctt.tripod.com/cbc.htm has a link on the bottom of the webpage showing a 50 mile radius bike map of the area. There are many rides you can take from there depending on how long you want to ride. Just let me know and I can help you map one out. I will even bring some friends, meet you there and go along. I would love to meet another TEr and everyone loves to ride this area.....just give me a few months to get back in bike shape.

After we are done we could share a delicious meal at the Giant City Lodge.