I have alot of stories of dangerous cross winds as well... one of the funniest (cause thankfully it did not include me)... I was riding behind this big pack during a Santa Ana event... they were all in a large group going up this steep hill and whoosh, strong gust; knocked a couple of riders on the left down towards the right and I watched the bowling pin effect take the whole group down. It was awesome to watch... thankfully no one was seriously hurt. I turned around at that point... I ain't no fool (well sometimes).