Great weather draws huge crowds to off-roading spots

By KRIS REILLY
EDITOR

Campers and toy haulers from all over Southern California descended on Lucerne Valley over the holiday weekend.

The first weekend of the year always draws large numbers of off-roaders to the desert areas northeast of town. This year the visitors were blessed with sunny skies, very little wind and daytime temperatures reaching into the low 70’s.

By Saturday afternoon, the Cougar Buttes area had been transformed into a small city of motorhomes.

“This is as busy as it gets,” said Rusty Bennett, 52, of Hesperia. “The weather is just beautiful.”

Bennett said he rides quads and dirtbikes in Cougar Buttes eight to 10 times a year with family and friends. He said Lucerne Valley offers a wide variety of terrain for off-roaders, and those who don’t ride can enjoy hanging out on the rocks.

Cody Wise, 16, said he regularly comes from Torrance with his family to ride quads and dirtbikes.

“Every time you ride here, it’s a different experience,” Wise said.

See Page 5 of this weeks Leader for photos from Cougar Buttes.