ABOUT THE BOOK

Some journeys begin with years of planning.

This one began with a text message.

What started as a quick trip to Minneapolis and a World Cup soccer match in Kansas City became something far bigger: a 2,000-mile bicycle journey from Minneapolis to New Orleans, following the course of America's greatest river.

But Mississippi Ramble isn't about riding a bicycle.

It's about following the river that built a nation.

From the towering limestone bluffs of Minnesota to the cypress swamps of Louisiana, award-winning author Cory Mortensen pedals through bustling river cities, forgotten farming towns, ancient Indigenous landscapes, Civil War battlefields, blues country, and the quiet backroads where America's history still lingers.

Every mile uncovers another story—from the first people who walked these riverbanks and the ancient mound builders who reshaped the landscape thousands of years ago, to explorers, steamboat captains, river pilots, musicians, farmers, and ordinary Americans whose lives have always been intertwined with the Mississippi.

Part travel memoir, part American history, and part personal journey, Mississippi Ramble is a celebration of curiosity, adventure, and the places that continue calling us home.

Why do certain places refuse to let us go?

What does freedom really mean?

Why are some roads impossible to ignore?

With Mortensen's signature storytelling, fascinating history, unforgettable characters, moments of humor, and quiet reflection, Mississippi Ramble invites readers to slow down, look closer, and discover that every bend in the river carries another story waiting to be told.

Whether you're drawn to history, travel, cycling, or simply the idea of disappearing down an unfamiliar road to see what waits around the next bend, Mississippi Ramble is an unforgettable journey through the heart of America—and through one of the greatest rivers, and greatest stories, ever told.

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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

An enjoyable read. Thanks for letting this arm chair traveler come along on your ride. Just enough travelogue, and plenty of humor. Keep traveling, and keep writing of the experiences. A wonderful trip down the coast of CA..

Anne

I've read all of Cory's books, and hope he is busy writing another book.

I love his humor and style of writing. Never boring. I've learned much from him about history and quirky asides.

What a guy!

Susan Boychuk

I've read all of Cody's books & they've all been good, but none have been as good as Buddha & the Bee (IMHO). This is my second favorite of his books. It reads a lot like Buddha, but a little more mellow. Kind of like you'd expect the 50 year old version of the 20 year old rider in Buddha.

Great book & a quick read.

mk313

Cory does a great job of telling stories of his life. I felt like I was there! Definitely a great read!

JoetheBroFESSor

I'VE READ ALL HIS BOOKS. I LOVE HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND I'M WITH HIM ALL THE WAY ON HIS JOURNEYS. I DO HOPE HE WRITES ANOTHER BOOK. I FEEL I KNOW THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA VERY WELL AFTER FINISHING THIS BOOK AND THE BEST PART IS I FEEL I KNOW CORY BETTER. THIS MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE OF HIS BOOKS BUT I MAY CHANGE MY MIND WHEN HE WRITES ANOTHER!! PLEASE !!

Elly

I loved this book! I feel like I experienced his adventure with him, enjoying all the history, descriptions of each town, motel, and interesting people he encountered along the way. I admired his spirit and perseverance throughout his journey.

RD Nelson