Scottish Pipe Band Championships

Karen played in her first major competition of the season on the weekend - The Scottish Pipe Band Championships at Dumbarton. I managed to squeeze through the crowd (really, these things are huuuuge over here!) and grab a couple of shots. Sadly, it's a little tough to spot Karen amongst the band.

They are the Boghall...

The mighty Boghall!

Massed bands.

It's Arrived!

After missing the UPS delivery guy twice, I finally managed to arrange delivery of one very big box, all the way from the States. Sure, the box was cool and all, but the bike inside was way cooler.

I was a little concerned with buying a bike over the net (despite the cost savings), but I couldn't be happier with the sizing, the finish or the ride.

All I have to do know is wait for the weather to clear and get out there!

Oooh, I wonder what's in the box?

Could it be...

A new bike!

All put together.

Ready for the first ride.

And off I go.

The Wrong Side of the River

Sure, you could spend the better part of a weekend swanning around the West End, but there's plenty to see on the South side of the river. Despite catching the subway under the Clyde every day to work, I'd never ventured too far from the office. This weekend, Karen and I took a wander aound two of the larger parks in Glasgow - Pollok Country Park and Bellahouston Park.

Pollok House Gardens.

On the lawn of Pollok House.

House for an Art Lover.

Nebo And Glorious Don't Really Cut It Anymore

While waiting for my bike to arrive, I've been checking out some of the stages in this year's Giro d'Italia. Like it's bigger brother, the Tour de France, the Giro is one tough race. This year, though, they've really gone and done it.

On the second to last day, after having ridden a good 170 km and topping 2 2000m cols, the 19th stage takes the peloton to a mountain-top finish at Sestriere. The final climb is a good 18 km long at a gradient of 9.1%. That's tough enough by itself, right?

Now just imagine if the last 7.5 km of the stage was on a dirt track.

Shiny New Toy

I just wandered over to Competitive Cyclist and spotted my shiny new toy on their website! It's been built up, has cleared customs and should be in my hands tomorrow or Monday. Ooooh, yeah!

The Waifs

We headed down to The Arches on Friday night to check out The Waifs in concert. I think it's fair to say there was more than a couple of Aussies in the crowd. Great night and great band. (Even if I did only know the one song!)

The Waifs in action.

More Waifs goodness.

We're in Glasgow, still.