Mileage: Approximately 30 miles.
Climbing: 1560'.
Terrain: Only a couple of hills of any significance.
Road Saftely: Highway 65, very busy, but very wide riding shoulder. Old Springfield road, rural road, no shoulder, but very minimal traffic. Level for several miles.
One of the favorite loops to ride in the Branson area is a 30+ mile ride, that takes you through Hollister then down towards Omaha, Arkansas. It's a nice ride, not too many hills by southern Missouri standards and includes a nice, quiet scenic section.
If you start from the Branson area, you head south on highway 65 from Hollister. I think many of the locals park at the Hollister school, but there are also plenty of places to leave your car near the College of the Ozarks exit.
Ride south on 65 to highway 86 (the Big Cedar Lodge exit). Turn left onto 86. Go to Ridgdale Road (about 1/8 mile) and turn left. You'll pass the Cedar Junction General Store. Approximately 3 miles, Ridgedale Road ends and becomes highway 14. Stay to the left. You'll come to highway 65 again, but only ride on it for less than a mile, then turn left towards Omaha, Arkansas. Be looking for the "Old Springfield" road, less than 2 miles. Turn left onto "Old Springfield" (unless you want to check out the Roberson's
There are several convenience stores along the way, so you are never more than 10-15 miles from facilities.
There used to be maps of this, and other rides in the Branson area at Branson's only bike shop, Downhill Bikes....... http://downhillbikes.biz/
I parked my car in the Commuter Parking lot at the highway 86 & 65 junction. There is a convenience store across the road. Since I came in from Arkansas on highway 86, this is the most convenient place to begin the ride. Most Branson riders will start in or near Hollister.
I headed south on the old highway 65, now known as the Ridgedale Road.
What is other wise just "brush", turns a nice flaming red in fall.
A few miles down Ridgedale Road, you come to highway 14, which then follows highway 65 for a short distance. Highway 65 is a busy road, but has a good shoulder.
About 1 1/2 miles off this loop, is Roberson's Orchard , near Omaha. You stay on highway 14 and pass the Old Springfield Road. In addition to fresh seasonal fruit, they have all sorts of dried fruits, trail mix, nuts, and candies. Well worth the extra 3 mile round trip (no big hills).
Beginning the Old Springfield Road, heading north. Not much of a shoulder to ride on, but very little traffic . This road is fairly level for several miles.
You circle the new Branson airport on this loop ride. This is looking north west.
Can't pass an old country church, without stopping and doing a few photos.
Don't forget to turn onto Gobler's Knob, or you'll end up in Kirbyville (been there, done that).
This is the Basore Limousin Farm, owned by College of the Ozarks.
Going down the hill into Hollister.
Can't pass up a pretty stream. This one runs through Hollister. I think it's Turkey Creek.
Hollister is a small, but interesting town to see. Sorry, I forgot to get a photo of where I ate. It's called the "Japaneese Kitchen". Had a great vegetable dish for less than $5.
A scenic railroad runs from Branson down into Arkansas.
Crossing highway 65.
The College of the Ozarks. If you get a chance, visit their college. The museum has the original Beverly Hillbillies car. The Keeter Center is a place for fine dining.
Highway 65, headed back south.
