Living Vicariously

For almost a week now, I've had a viscous head cold that's had me down and out for the most part. Usually, in years past, if I got something like this I'd just take a day off, get some good rest and be good to go a day later. This year, taking a day off isn't an option so instead of being over the cold quickly and getting back to normal, I'm left to suffer (mildly) for an extended period of time and watch as ride opportunities drift away. Thankfully, there has been enough race action recently in the form of cross races to help me cope. All sorts of people I know race cross so I get a chance to read a bunch of race reports that somehow, even though they're usually only competing for upper mid pack status, really get me amped up and wanting to race cross next year.

The other day a friend, who is a professional photographer, sent me a link to some shots he took of the first inaugural Casco Bay Cross. I'm bummed I wasn't able to make it but from the looks of the pics, a bunch of my Bikeman peeps did. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Big (I'm not gay) Al and Ryan Rumsey grinding up one of the steep climbs. (note: almost all of the pics of Ryan have Al on his wheel)

wow, that was a quick foreshadow. there's al on ryan's wheel.

don't know who this is but I liked the shot.

Wheels winning the old fart elite class.

All of the cross action has definitely piqued my interest for next year and since I don't plan on making any changes to my mtb quiver for 2010 I'm hoping I'll be able to whore myself out enough to scrape the coin together for some sort of franken-cross bike so I can hit 4-ish races next year. Anybody know of a good but cheapish cross bike? I'm open for ideas!