To waynesville, mo in the Mark twain national forest

For me a successful day consists of three things. 1. ) I make my destination before dark 2.) No mechanical problems with the bike and no flats 3.)  No constant rain.  Today was a success.

On Route 66 near Waynesville.

The partial Stonehenge  is half sized and is located at Missouri University of Science and Techology.

On these hot days I use the hydration pack from Camelbak.  It holds 100 oz of water.  I usually fill it to  64 oz and that will last me a couple of hours.   Getting a drink while you are riding is easy. 

I have never biked through the Ozarks; I have only heard of them.  The area is mostly forested (oak, hickory and pine) and  many rivers.  I enjoy the shady spots on these hot days.   The trees give a nice fragrance to the air.  My route has some low rolling hills and some parts where I use my easier gears.

Can you see Rolla?  That is where I was and the route goes SW. It looks like the mountains will be taller.  

I did not know the name Leonard Wood until I did some research and discovered that he was a commanding office of the Rough Riders.  I knew of them  because of Teddy Roosevelt and their fame during the Spanish American War.  Following the war, Wood served as the military governor of Cuba and later of Philippines.  Wood narrowly lost the Republican nomination for President in 1920.

Devil's Elbow got the name due to a bend in the Big Piney River.  This bridge was built in 1923.

There are many reminders of the glory years,  such as this abandoned motel.