Cottage Grove, into Minnesota
Today was a ride with several large hills along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. I ended up in Cottage Grove, Minnesota and am staying with friends of the family. More details to come later.
![](http://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195418_8740.jpg)
Today was a slightly longer and hilly ride. I heard thunder as I was about to leave. However, weather radar didn’t look bad so I left and not too much later the rain stopped. The photo above is one of many Laura Ingalls Wilder signs around town.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195420_0197.jpg)
Farmers market leaving town.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195421_1281.jpg)
Stockholm had a population of less than 100 and a very small downtown.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195423_3246.jpg)
Not sure what butt nuggets are but they were for sale along the way.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195425_5154.jpg)
Lake Pepin was along my route much of the morning.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195429_9971.jpg)
Maple syrup for sale.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195427_7037.jpg)
Oak City had many of these newly hatched.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195429_9028.jpg)
Once I climbed up the bluff, I saw farms like this one.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195428_8041.jpg)
Descending back down.
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195430_0954.jpg)
After crossing the St Croix River, I was in Minnesota
![](https://mvermeulen.org/gone2look4america/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Resize_20230719_195431_1934.jpg)
Welcome to Cottage Grove. I stayed with family friends here and we had a great dinner and conversation. I had also stayed 31 years ago on my first trip across the USA in 1992. Below is the strava map. I also cycled 0.40 miles after stopping the map below.
Hi Mike
today is still a good day for biking, weather wise. Biking along the river is great. I will keep following you.(but NOT on a bike)
Groetjes, Anja
Mike I forgot to mention how nice it was to see you again after 31 years. It makes me wonder where you will be biking the next 31 years.
I can hear you singing: “On the road again, can’t wait to bike on the road again”.
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the memories. Have a great ride and also greetings from Kirsten and Mike Gjere. They really enjoyed seeing you.
Groetjes van allemaal.
Anja