July 31, Milaca Town Park, Milaca, Minnesota

 Today was a relatively flat 61 mile day with just two climbs totaling about 1,600 feet.  It would have been even easier if it wasn't for the poor road condition.  We biked for miles on roads that were rough with cracks and bumps every 15 to 20 feet.  Laura also experienced bike issues along the route.  We ran into a man who previously owned a bike shop and he gave her bike a quick look.  She needs a new derailleur cable and new chain ring.  We are hoping her bike will stay together until we reach Fargo, where there are a couple of bike shops.  The scenery is changing from corn and soybean fields to horse and dairy farms.  There is some corn but it looks short and pretty dry.  Maybe that is why they don't grow that much here.  

July 30, Wild River Park, Chisago Cty, Mn

 Today was a day of variety.  We traveled along highways country roads, bike paths, gravel roads and even a road that the sign stated "No Maintenance, travel at your own risk."  We went through the towns of Stillwater and Osceola.  We even crossed back into Wisconsin for a while.  The Wild Mountain campground was remote with no cell service.

July 29, Lake Elmo Park, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

 Today was an important day by many measures. First we entered our 11th state, Minnesota.  It was also our longest day of the ride at 83.4 miles with over 4,200 ft of elevation.  It also pushed us over the half way point for miles at 2,200.  Only 44 more days and 2,100 miles to go.  The day felt even longer as a headwind popped up in the afternoon.   Our camp is a nice group site with clean pit toilets nearby and showers a short bike ride away.