4 July 2011, Claremont, California...

Wheeeeewwww, thunderheads were building over the mountains in the late morning, a sure sign that the heat (and humidity) was turned on high. Undaunted though, people - single, groups, families - rode over to Memorial Park to enjoy the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, stretch their legs in the Freedom 5000, and just hang around the festival grounds. Yes there were bikes a-plenty. Thank goodness for the grand old oaks in the park, shade was in demand. So was the wading pool. There were speakers most of the day at the T. Willard Hunter Speakers Corner, the dunking booth was ever popular in the glaring sun, but then so were the rope bridges, the rock climbing, the game and activity booths, the food booths, and the stage where a series of bands played throughout the day. Later, the crowds shifted over to Indian Hill Blvd along the west side of Memorial Park for the start of the parade. As per tradition, the bikes led off, and it seemed as though there were more than ever. Kids of all ages, decorated bikes, plain bikes, tandems, recumbents, trikes, you name it, they were there. The only thing I didn't see was a tall bike; there must be one somewhere nearby. I suppose right about now the stadium at the colleges is getting quite full, people listening to the Ravelers, anticipating the coming firework show. It was a good day around here, I hope it was where you were as well.

by the time the thunderheads started expanding into the sky, most people were

content to sit in the shade, listen to the music and talk...

not these three though, they were jammin'

families arrived at the park throughout the day...

others popped into some of the nearby houses for bbq's and what not...

then it was time for the parade to roll...

and roll...

roll...

and roll...

and roll...

and roll. 

and a slide show of all the day's images: