(1) Halfway to LA, Day 4. Cold weather made the 800 ft climb bearable, but the intense fog and drizzle made the 10 mile downhill nerve rattling. A half dozen people slid off the road and had to be stitched up. Luckily, I was unharmed.
(2) Oceano, Day 5. The gloomy faces tell the story. It rained that night and most people slept in wet sleeping bags, including moi. That morning was no different as we broke camp and ate breakfast in the rain, then rode several hours in the rain with 30 mph cold winds. Many people caught colds, and I had a nasty sore throat for the remainder of the ride.
(3) Car wash, Guadalupe, Day 5. The bikes were caked with mud from the morning ride. Most riders stopped at this car wash to use the power sprayer and "ungunk" their bikes. For $1.50 in quarters you could wash 5 bikes.
(4) River Park, Lompoc, Day 5. The rain stopped around noon, but nothing escaped it's wrath. Everything got wet, clothes, sleeping bags, tents, even my camera case. Every tree, pole, and wire was used to dry out belongings that afternoon and evening.
(5) Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, Day 7. The finish line of our journey was a small crowd of people, and lots of food. Jamba Juice, Peets Coffee, Clif Bars, and other sponsors served their specialties to the tired throngs of cyclists and crew members.