Frank’s Gravel Route Part 4: Angora
When it comes to gravel riding on the Range this is a 40 mile route that starts about 10 miles north of Virginia, MN just off Hwy53. The route heads north and goes through the town of Cook, MN. You could easily start and end this route in Cook if you wanted to and explore around town a bit after. There is Montana Café, the Comet Theatre and Rose Cottage Baking Co. Coffee shop and baked treats. All good stuff when you are done with a longer ride! If you don’t start in Cook, we usually just park on the gravel road. The road is wide and we have never had a problem with parking on gravel roads.
This route is really fun as it offers it all. Hilly areas as well as flatlands. Farmlands where the roads are dry and fast as well as forested areas that are dark and hold moisture for the entire summer. It goes by old farmsteads and then goes by lakes that are basically wilderness areas. You’ll head east initially and then north. You’ll be going by the Rice River and the Littlefork River during the ride. You can stop in Cook if you need a snack, forget something or need to use the bathroom.
You’ll be leaving Cook heading west and the ride gets somewhat flat for a while, but the climbing is yet to come. There will be some long climbs midway through the ride, but these will offer some long fun downhills that offer some rest and recovery. There is very little traffic on most of these roads as there is not much reason for cars to be on them unless they live in the area or they are fishing somewhere.
That is the beauty of gravel. You can cruise the countryside in peace. The scenery is always better by bike. Enjoy!