The Great Lakes region is rightly known for its natural beauty, industrial, agricultural and technological production, and hard-working people. Covering over 1,900 miles in late summer 2015, I pedaled beside dark-green fields of corn and soy, along the shores of the Great Lakes, and through the hearts of America's classic industrial cities, all while seeking out folks willing to share their thoughts on and roles in the history and transitional future of this region.