Rain and Snow to Hesperia

Quote of the Day: Welcome to America!!! -2nd graders at Stanley G. Oswalt Academy, Walnut, CA

 Our day started out gray and cold, and very soon turned to gray, cold, and wet, but we were soon re-energized at Stanley G. Oswalt Academy in Walnut, CA where we stopped for lunch, as well as spoke to a few 2nd grade classes about the importance of being active and eating healthy.

The kids presented the Oswalt Eagle mascot as a "thank you" for our presentation.

Cute kid wanted to take a picture with Rosie

 Unfortunately for us riders, the rain came back with a fury not long after we left Oswalt. I was the first to call it quits as my lack of wet-weather gear combined with my meager reserves of natural insulation proved too much to bear - I wasn't ready to experience hypothermia just yet. 

 Eventually, each small group of riders called in the support vans as the elements overwhelmed our systems. We also felt that the lightning was becoming too frequent and the thunder too close for comfort.

 Makeshift clothes-rack at the Hesperia Christian Academy gym. 

 The sun made a brief appearance as we pulled into the Hesperia Community Church, although it was fleeting and I missed the rainbow photo-op. Later, it started to snow as we unloaded the cargo truck :(

A light moment in the gym kitchen as Rosie dries off.

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Today was fairly miserable as portions of the ride were essentially torrential downpours. Once the thunder and lightning intensified, group after group of riders called in for the support vans to pick them up. Even the most seasoned riders among us were no match for the rains. Hopefully we don't encounter too many more days like this one, otherwise we will be driving much more than planned. Tomorrow is a short 50-miler to Barstow, CA.