In the last issue of Studying in America, we embarked on a journey across America following the historic Route 66 highway. The next phase is through Missouri where many vintage icons and original Route 66 signs still exist. We've got approximately 300 miles to cover so fill her up and get your best driving gloves on coz we're in it for the long haul.

Chain of Rocks Bridge, Mississippi River

So, we're ready to leave Illinois behind and embark on our Missouri adventure. Departure point is the Chain of Rocks Bridge, the most famous crossing of Route 66 over the Mississippi River. You might want to dismount the Harley though, this bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists after millions were spent renovating it after the bridge fell into disrepair and closed in the 60s. The 'Historic Route 66' sign leads the way and our next stop, Gateway Arch, can be seen downriver.

Gateway Arch, St. Louis

The Harley's roaring down Market Street and we're fast approaching the foot of the 630 feet high, stainless steel, Gateway Arch. Completed in 1965, Gateway Arch is one of America's most popular tourist attractions. Built to commemorate Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the US, this amazing structure weighs an incredible 17,246 tonnes and used more steel for it's construction than any other project in the world. Get the best views of St. Louis and beyond by taking a tram all the way to the top!

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis

If you can stomach food after scaling the heights of Gateway Arch then the next stop is the famous Ted Drewes for a frozen custard fix. This Route 66 classic opened in Chippewa in the 40s and is still going strong. You can't come here and not order a 'concrete', and yes, it is like it sounds! Turn it upside-down and watch your spoon go absolutely nowhere.

Leaving the biggest city we'll encounter before we hit our final destination, we're more or less following Interstate 44 out of St. Louis and breathing in that fresh country air.

Meramec Caverns, Stanton

This is one of the most interesting attractions we'll visit on our Route 66 expedition. Meramec Caverns are a 26 mile cavern system in the Ozarks of Missouri formed over 400 millions years from deposits of limestone. Watch your head as you make your way through these eerie but mesmerising caves. Make time to visit the Wine Room where you'll the world's rarest cave formation, The Wine Table, a 6ft high onyx table with 3 natural legs.

Memoryville USA, Rolla

A restoration shop and auto museum of antique cars, Memoryville USA will make any classic car enthusiast go weak at the knees. Memoryville USA was born from George L. Carney's passion for restoring cars and continues to be a business run on enthusiasm. Some of the restorations include: a 1913 Indy race car, John Wayne's 1917 Federal Truck and news commentator, Paul Harvey's 1938 Nash Lafayette.

Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon

So we've travelled through Devil's Elbow and Waynesville, now it's time to pull off the highway into Lebanon where the neon lights of Munger Moss Motel beckon us towards this vintage Route 66 roadside establishment. The news of Munger Moss' legendary BBQ recipe spread far and wide in the hey-day of Route 66, firmly establishing the Motel as a Mother Road must-see. Generations later, the business is still thriving, winning the Route 66 Preservation Foundation Business of the Year Award in 2006. Bob and Ramona lovingly manage the business and even provide themed rooms dedicated to the old highway.

After plenty of rest and refuelling the Harley, we travel through Springfield, Carthage and Joplin, ready to enter Kansas where the next leg of our journey begins.