Olmsted Co Rd 105

View Bicycling for Co Rd 105 NW in a larger map

I would file Olmsted County 105 as a "classic" gravel grind.  At just over 7 miles you will not be dissappointed in the scenery and the challenge this road offers.  This end of the road begins just north of Byron, MN at the intersection of County 4 and County 5, both of which are paved and heavily traveled. There are many gravel roads that intersect 105 and therefore sections of this road are often incorporated into longer rides.  This road begins following the South Branch Middle Fork of the Zumbro River and with a gentle rise leads into Oxbow Park.

Oxbow Park is an excellent place to take an extended break or even a place to camp (refer to park website) for those who are bicycle touring.  The park is free and open to the public for daily visits and offers water fountains, restroom facilties, and vending machines.  The Zollman Zoo is also located within the park and houses a variety of native animal species including a variety of raptors, wolves, a black bear, big cats, etc. Entrance to the zoo is also free (donations are accepted) and is worth the stop to see some amazing animals and learn about Minnesota wildlife.

The first gravel road that intersects 105 will be County Rd 103 which has a nice climb out of the river valley and leads back to County Rd 4.  From here, the road remains fairly flat until you reach the next intersection of 110th Ave NW and the start of "The Oxenberg".

"The Oxenberg" is the steepest section of the road and is more of a wall than a climb.  It is short, not even a quarter of a mile but my GPS took a reading of 24% at its steepest.  This section is paved, but not very well kept up, and is seasonal.  You can bypass this climb by taking a left at 110th Ave NW.  110th Ave NW will give you a nice climb out of the valley and will also add on some mileage.

Out of the valley you will be treated to the wide open vistas of Minnesota farmland and then you will come to your first crossing of a paved road at County Rd 14 (75th St NW).

If necessary, this is an easy bailout point down to the towns of Genoa and Douglas.  The former of which is merely a grouping of houses.  Douglas has a bar/restaurant, the Douglas Saloon, and an entrance to the Douglas Trail which connects Rochester and Pine Island.

County Rd 105 continues straight across County Rd 14 with some nice rollers and then you will come to the intersection of 85th St NW.

85th St NW offers a nice gravel descent into Genoa and also heads west to access more miles of gravel.  A little ways further and you will come to a steep descent into the Plum Creek valley.

I measured a maximum descent of -16% which, if your going towards Oxbow Park, creates a nice gravel climb the rivals "The Oxenberg".

Just when you think you've made it to the end of the road there is another small rise out of the Plum Creek Valley.  If you take the time to stop and look back, it is well worth it.  Take in the serenity of this hidden valley as soon you will be on pavement again searching for the next gravel grind.

County Rd 105 ends at County Rd 3 which you can access many more miles of gravel or head back via the Douglas Trail.  For those of you who like a little competition, I have created a segment on STRAVA which encompasses the entire route.  Enjoy, have fun, and be safe.