TOUR DE FRANCE

While people have been obsessing over the final stages of the World cup we have been getting super excited about the Tour de France. Unfortunately we weren't able to be with our family in Yorkshire to see it in the flesh but we were in constant communication with them during the race plus watching it on the tele; this added up to a lot of screens to see what was going on.

I know it looks excessive but I will explain. You see, to get the most amount of coverage of what is happening I have to watch ITV and NBC SN both at the same time, this is because they generally have advert breaks at different times, thus producing an almost continuous view of Le Tour. Exciting right?!

Well maybe you don't think so but you should have seen the crowds in Yorkshire, they at least share my excitement.

As the tour goes on it has turned out to be a very eventful one. Started by Cavendish having to pull out after crashing in the final seconds of the first day. Then Froome dropping out to an accumulation of crashes which led to him not even being able to hold his handlebars without serious pain. Then a few others dude to crashes or mechanical difficulties. These picture sum up the nature of the tour so far. Extremely difficult!!

So 90 minutes running around a pitch chasing a bag of wind or cycling for 21 days in all conditions covering about 2,276 miles. You decide which is the better sport...

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KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

When heard we were posted to California we knew we would miss a lot of things, one being hanging out with the Snuggs family to watch the beginning of Le Tour de France power through the Yorkshire hills. 

This Saturday however we got to see The Tour Of California as the cyclists climbed up to Mill creek summit on day 6. Not as great as Le Tour I know but great to see some live cycling and cheer them up the hill. Obviously supporting Wiggo who then went on to win the tour.

Here are some photos of day. 
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Team Woodruff un-officially sponsored by VW Rabbit and Nature Valley Trail Mix.

TO SEE THE SEA

After a very long week of work and driving around house hunting we just needed some time to let the dust settle for a day and mull over the decisions to be made in the coming week. So we decided to head to the coast. This begun with amazing views over the our valley as we headed west into the hills.

We drove down the incredible Bouquet Canyon Road through the Angeles National Forest, a small winding road that cuts right through the mountains and hills north of LA. Emerging from the forest road we drove through vast orange groves nestled between the hills. From a single lane the Canyon Road widens to seven lanes as we pass through Santa Clarita.

We headed out towards the state beach at Ventura and parked up only to discover we were near to a minor bomb threat cordon, our first one in the USA. No one seem too worried though and it was all gone by the time we got back.

We then walked, yes walked down the beach, we had been driving everywhere during the week we just needed to stretch our legs for a good stroll. It was a lil cooler than the climate we are slowly getting used to. The water was freezing so we had a quick paddle before heading further down the beach. We were more in the residential part so I enjoyed the different designs of houses along the beach, pointing out the positives and negatives of each one to Hannah (much to her dismay)

We then headed back to the Social Tap, a restaurant bar half way along the beach frequented by cyclists with some very cool bikes. We enjoyed a burger and a BLT sandwich whilst listening to the Americans get very excited about the Kentucky Derby. Two mins of craziness. We then strolled back along the warm sand to the car to head back through the hills and finish the day with a Ben and Jerry's Ice-cream and a beer.

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SOME FRESH AIR

Today I went for a ride down to one of the beaches on the inland side of Chocotawhatchee Bay. Noy a long ride and the sky wasn't blue but it was peaceful, lazily cruising along under the trees draped with 'old mans beard' lichen. Here are a few snaps of the ride. If only I had a canoe on the back I could have gone further.

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BICYCLES, BITS & BOBS

So I have now completed my first full week here and have an that odd feeling of 'been here for ages' as well as 'I have only just arrived'. This mixed feeling has filtered down to my room which is now looking abit more lived in and inviting, though even I am suprised how tidy I have kept it. Well that is apart from the new guest that is curreny blocking my view of the TV (which shows almost nonstop adverts so rarely goes on).

Yup I have bought a 2nd hand bike; a single speed beach cruiser for that small slice of freedom. I found it on the local Craigslist (an online free ad). It seems solid and hopefully will last me through as I have no tools. Yes I know this is the land of drive thru everything from cash machines to pharmacies but around here seems very pro cycling and have pretty good on and off road bike lanes and trails around so I'll keep you posted on any forthcoming adventures! Where's  my map...

Here are a few photos of the machine. Any name suggestions?

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