Get your freakin' vote in!

You don't have to be from Nebraska to do it either. Just a simple web poll --- http://www.gamjams-midwest.net/2011/12/vote-for-the-nebraska-rider-of-the-year.html

Turning our attention to 2012

Yeah, I know it's not the new year just yet, but if you haven't planned your 2012 events yet, you'd best get on it.

SHECLISMO is getting it's list of favored events together. We're focusing on MTB, Gravel and CX this season. Here's the link to the list.If you've events we should consider, please let us know.

We're also putting plans together for trainer sessions for January and February. Stay tuned for details on that.

Grindcore at Jingle Cross 2011

If anyone felt like they'd lacked the experience of a "real" 'cross race, this year's Jingle Cross was an easy way to end that.

Friday:

After 5 hours of driving, I wasn't really too excited to race. Legs didn't feel good, stomach didn't feel so great either, and though it was exciting to be there and under the lights and such, the doomy cloudy sky wasn't really revving me up. I did a practice lap and headed to the line with all the rest of the Cat 4s. 

GO! Watch 608, she's my competition...

The mess began just after the start, as the officials had only left a 15-second gap between the 60-ish Cat 4 men and the women. We'd caught the tail end of them in a bottleneck right after the first corner, and trying to maneuver through the group was going to be critical in the first lap.
Click on for more

Midwest CX Stitch gets thumbs up from cool kids

CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE
http://www.cxmagazine.com/midwest-cx-stitch-great-cyclocross-women-women

STEVE TILFORD even gave us a shout-out

and as if it couldn't get any cooler...ALL HAIL THE BLACK MARKET

http://www.allhailtheblackmarket.com/2011/11/sometimes_you_just_gotta_get_a.html#more

Emily and Grindcore rockin' it at Boulevard Cup in KS.

Aorta brings hipness to the prize table

Wow, don't you want to win something this weekend? With prize sponsors as cool as Aorta, you have to try!

Mixing vintage apparel with quirky appliqued designs, Jessica Plymate keeps her customers looking awesome in her one-of-a-kind clothing.

Aorta has been around for 7+ years, with a brick & mortar location in Downtown Lincoln's Parrish Studios that has been around for 3. I'm a one woman show, specializing in one of a kind appliqued apparel, hand-assembled jewelry and whatever else I can find time to make. The brick & mortar store also carries random vintage decor, etc that I think compliments the brand of the apparel.

my website is aortaapparel.com
the jewelry is at friendlygesture.etsy.com

Jessica has been featured in books and magazines, and on Saturday, you could go home with a piece or two of your own!

Also, as you can see by the road rash, Jessica rides a bike! But, as she says herself, "I like to ride my bike but I refuse to commit to anything with gears."

Midwest CX STITCH: It's all about WINNING

Sheen removed due to popular demand. Thanks to Josh, designer of the highly acclaimed Nintendo Hustle, for a suitable substitute.

One thing we like about CX is that are lots of ways to win - in NEBRASKA on SATURDAY, 11/19. We'll have prizes for Saturday's performances IN ADDITION TO the SERIES PRIZES. Now, pay attention. There are so many ways to win I'm getting confused just preparing to explain.

FIRST AND FOREMOST....All Midwest CX Stitch awards will be handed out at the after CX party Saturday night, beginning at 7:30, HR Lounge. You must be present to win.

DAY OF RACE PRIZES....
In the combined 3/4 field, Flatwater Cycling has contributed a BONUS pay-out to the top 3 finishers. $50, $30, $20. This is in addition to the race day payout for the top 5 finishers of the Women's Open ($100, $75, $50, $40, $35). So, if you were the first cat 3 or cat 4 across the line and got third place overall, you'd get $100 dollars for your effort.

First 3 places in EACH cat 4 and cat 3....
Thanks to Trek Bicycles of Omaha, Kansas City & St. Louis, there are gift certificates worth $100, $75 and $50 for the top three finishers in EACH category.

Special prizes...
She who makes CX look like the most fun.... If you're not having fun, you shouldn't be doing it and we want to recognize racers who are really diggin' it.

The woman with Skillz doesn't come by those out of the blue. She works at it.

One freakin' gear...this chick either likes less complicated or simply makes the most of what she's got. ROCK ON.

Now to mix it up.....on Hooligan's Hill

• Best Costume (prize table)
• Match Race ($25 prime) - If you are neck and neck with another woman, pay attention to the spectators. Conrad Castañeda who hosts the Mundo Latino radio show will let you know you've been selected for the match race. The back round the course to Hooligan's Hill wins the prime. 
• Lanterne Rouge ($25 prime) - Anyone can race around like a mad woman, but it takes measured discipline to be chill and enjoy the hand-ups. Most laps down wins this one.
• Grindcore Memorial Jump In Headfirst Award - With a bike like that, it's obvious you can't resist a dare. This goes to whoever has the MOST inappropriate bike for cyclocross. (Grindcore's first effort was on a fixed roadie.) (prize table)
• Crowd Favorite - What would CX be without the spectators? Give 'em something to holler about. There will be a ballot box on Hooligan's Hill.  (prize table)

SERIES PRIZES
We're doing it prize table style. You will get to choose what you when. We just pick in which order.

• Top three places category 3 (1st - Jersey + Prize Table)
• Top three places category 4 (1st - Jersey + Prize Table)
• Single-speed (1st - Jersey + Prize Table)
• Makes CX Look Most Fun 
• Skillz

DRAW ORDER/SUMMARY

Click image to enlarge

WHAT'S ON THE PRIZE TABLE....

Stuff still coming in, but here's a start:

• 6 envelopes with $50 in each (Thanks to Diabetic Outreach, Kinetic Brew, Duo Shoes, SHECLISMO) 
• 2 Paintings by Berly Brown
• 1 Painting by Ashlynne Elizabeth Neve
• 1 Casey Sheppard Designs
• Aorta Apparel
• Robot Luv Item(s)
• 2 Sets of Specialized Captain CX PRO Tires
• Specialized Winter Apparel
• Sheclismo T-Shirts
• Sheclismo Coozies
• Joyride bottles
• Cycling Made Real t-shirt
• Whole Bunch of mini Luna Bars
• Two PCL sweatshirts
• Bob's Steel-Cut Oats
• 60-minute Massage from The Healing Plains/Rebecca Hepburn
• and more! But, my hands are tired. Just freakin' come race and have a great time.

WHERE TO BE WHEN

• Race Saturday
• Register online at USA Cycling. If this is your first race in any discipline ever, check with me (sydney.e.brown@gmail.com) to see if there are any first timer coupons left.
• Race info
• SHEnanigans at Hour Lounge: (14th & O ST, NW corner) Free spaghetti dinner 6ish, CX Stitch awards starting at 7:30
• Sunday Survivor Breakfast. Ladies, if you partied like the rock star you are, bring yourself and your entourage to breakfast before you race Sunday. 8:30-10 am. RSVP to receive secret location. Yes, it's that posh.
• Race Sunday. You race 12:30ish. THANK YOU! For help making this a great event. 

QUESTIONS?

Post those in the comments.

Prize Pool adds Robot Luv!

Lincoln clothing, housewares, and lifestyle accessories designer Robot Luv is on board to add fun items to the Midwest CX Stitch pool at this weekend's series finale and awards party at the Hour Lounge.

Designer Carrie Masters has already added fun to the mix with patches for the leader's tall sox, and you can expect more unique goods from her in the prizes and on sale at the awards party Saturday night.

Carrie Masters grew up in rural Nebraska, daughter of an Chemical Engineer/inventor and a Archeologist/painter. Living on a acreage 4 miles from the nearest town Carrie spent most of her youth daydreaming out doors and discovering nature. Carrie received her first camera at the age of nine, and took photography lessons through the local 4H. With plenty of time to experiment Carrie spent hours snapping pictures of whatever she found interesting, and later became the official photographer of her high school.

She studied, Art, Photography, and Anthropology at the University of Nebraska.

While in college Carrie met her future husband when she walked into his shop and into his life. His store was called “The Ozone.” A team was formed. She spent the next 12 yrs. managing the store, and being the in house designer for original art work, t shirts, tote bags, and other things that they would then sell to their patrons. The years in that shop surrounded with vintage clothing and punker apparel, helped to form her design sensibilities.

Carrie started designing for an LA based t-shirt company. In July 2006. Carrie then put her focus on her photography business, C. Masters Photo and her t-shirt designs. Carrie’s t-shirts can be found at Nordstorm, Virgin Megastores and Urban Outfitters.

Midwest CX Stitch Finale November 19

Stephanie Lamb, Bike America Racing

Elisabeth Reinkordt, SHECLISMO

Saturday, November 19 marks the final race for the Midwest CX Stitch women’s category 3 and 4 racing series. With double series points on the line and cold hard cash on the barrel, the competition is bound to be fierce.  

Bike America Racing’s Stephanie Lamb leads the cat 3 standings by a mere 5 points and SHECLISMO’s Elisabeth Reinkordt holds the cat 4 standings by only 33 points. Other competitions underway during the race include making CX look fun and best technical rider. In the fun category, there will be a special prize for best costume.



Saturday’s events don’t end with competition, however. In fact, bring some party shoes because SHECLISMO’s SHEnaninigans Squad has planned some downtown fun in conjunction with Flatwater Cycling and the HR Lounge (NW corner of 14th & O). In addition to drink specials, local purveyors of wickedly hip wares such as Aorta, Robot Luv, Casey Sheppard Designs and Berly Brown will have their booths set up for your perusal.



6 ish - Free Spaghetti Dinner
7:30 - Midwest CX Stitch Series Awards



Finally, the SHECLISMO invites the racing women and their entourages to a Sunday morning SHEnanigans Survivor’s breakfast between 8:30-10:00. RSVP to get location information. http://goo.gl/dtQda  



Questions? Contact Sydney Brown, sydney.e.brown@gmail.com or 402-817-0327



CAT 3 Leaders
Lamb, Stephanie Bike America Racing 485
Richards, Laura Free State Racing 480
Lorenz, Lindsay Slimen Und Grossen 335
Dock, Aubree Tulsa Tough Racing 295
Weaver, Renae Free State Racing 275

CAT 4 Leaders
Reinkordt, Elisabeth SHECLISMO 450
Higgins, Julie Unattached 417
Vanackeren, Jessica Localcycling.com 280
Brown, Berly SHECLISMO 260
Dralle, Cheryl Rasmussen Bike Shop 175



SS: Berly Brown, SHECLISMO
Makes CX Look Most Fun: Melissa Dehner, Slimen Und Grossen
Skillz: Cheryl Dralle, Rasmussen Bike Shop

Win Some Fine Art at Midwest CX Stitch!

We're pleased to announce the donation of a fine art piece from Omaha artist and first-time CX racer Ashlynn Neve!

"My name is ashlynn elizabeth neve; I have child-like curiosity, an open mind, and enthusiasm for learning. My life began in the suburbs of Dallas with crayon in hand; my family lovingly fostered imagination into my being. Currently, I happily reside in Omaha, Nebraska with my husband and best friend, Jonathan, and our delightful kittens, Emile Wyatt and Leopold. I am studying for a Liberal Arts Transfer Associates Degree in Art, and hope to one day become a designer. I pursue whatever artistic whim comes to me; from painting and drawing, to textiles, to photography, to typography. My artistic journey is but young and anxious."

 

One lucky winner in the series will go home with a piece of her fine art. Thanks, Ashlynn!

Grindin' it up at Boulevard Cup

Sometimes, things click and you're just ON. Welcome to Boulevard Cup 2011.

Last year, Boulevard Cup was my first out of state race, and in the midst of all my documentary editing and premiering, I hadn't had nearly enough training. In a huge field of 4s, my fresh legs pulled out a 3rd place finish. Needless to say, I was really stoked.

Fast-forward to this year, where I've raced all but one weekend since the 1st of October, as well as every Wednesday night in between. I've done the training. I spent the summer riding gravel and mountain bikes, and improved my bike handling skills dramatically. And after a couple of weekends of somewhat frustrating racing on wide open power courses, we pulled up to this venue alongside a very visible, long off-camber section. My heart started pumping. This was going to be awesome.

Spent my warm-up tooling around Saturday's course with Emily Hoesly, chatting with her about off-camber riding. We watched some of the Men's Master's race, then squeezed in a practice lap on the course. After riding into the sandpit, I realized that I'd been spinning around in my big ring the whole time without even noticing. This bode well, as I've spent a couple weeks forcing myself to stay in that big chainring to build power. It also meant following my travel buddy Schmidty's assessment that this would be a big-ring course. Since I'm still rocking bar-end shifters, minimal shifting is a very good thing.

I headed back to the staging area to find 46 other women lining up. WOW. This has been an absolutely incredible year for growth in women's cyclocross. We were split into Open (fasties, 2s & 3s), 3/4s (where I opted to be), 4s, and then Master's 40+, 50+, and 60+. Behind all of the ladies were junior racers, including an adorable 11-year-old girl.

The start was on a bike path, and I worked to hold myself toward the front of the group. I'd lowered my tire pressure to about 30psi for confidence in the off-cambers, and with pretty grippy tires, this wasn't going to be my strongest part of the course. I managed to be about 10th or so through the first bit of grassy turns, and at the first sharp S-curve, traffic slowed to a near stop. Grr. Time to get a little more aggressive in the corners and move around -- these were going to be my strong sections. Not too long after that, we hit the off-camber hillside for the first time, and I was zipping past women struggling with a couple steep little rollers. This section offered a bit of recovery for me, and even the short run-up was fun!

Loving the off-camber, with Julie Higgins right on my wheel. Photo by Roger Harrison/Lanterne Rouge

We popped out of this and onto a long flat stretch. I don't know if I just get bored with these or what, but they really aren't my strong suit. Unless I'm chasing someone, being chased, or really focused, I'm pretty sure I'm slowing down on these. The first time, I was on the chase, and once we hit the sandpit, I was caught partway through by a couple racers not making it the whole way across. Bailing and running the rest of the way, I hit the pavement in front of them and drilled it into the stretch in front of the announcer's stand, holding 2nd wheel in the 3/4s pack. Renae Weaver of Women's Free State Racing wasn't far behind, and she made her attack on that long back stretch I mentioned not liking earlier. Also chasing was Jessica Vanackeren of LocalCycling.com, who had suffered a fall and a dropped chain in the sandpit.

Renae's attack stuck, and I spent the remainder of the race checking over my shoulder for Jessica on the flats and increasing my lead in the sandpit and whoop-dee-dos. I particularly enjoyed hamming it up a bit for the sandpit crowd, as it felt proper to let out a big "YEAH!" after grinding it successfully across. 

Peeking over the top of a hill on the whoop-dee-do section, having a blast! (That's on my face, right?) Photo by Roger Harrison/Lanterne Rouge

Emily crushed it! I don't know if my little pre-race off-camber lesson helped, but this girl rocked it.

Emily Hoesly, making serious progress. 5th race and a victory in the 4s. Welcome to Sheclismo! Photo by Roger Harrison/Lanterne Rouge

 After the race, we were chatting, and she remarked that she didn't think she saw anyone with a 700-number pass by her. Could she have won the 4s race? Sure enough, they did the podium, and there she was on the top step! Quick subcommittee meeting:

Sydney: Why isn't she in our kit? 

Elisabeth: We need her in our kit!

[Emily returns from the podium]

Elisabeth: Congratulations! That's awesome! Want to be part of Sheclismo?

Emily: Well, I've "liked" you on Facebook for a long time. Don't I have to be in Lincoln? I'm not getting up at 5 AM for trainer sessions...

Elisabeth: That's too damn early; I don't do that either.

Emily: I'm in!

We cheered on the Cat 3 and Singlespeed men, the highlight of which was heckling our Nebraska guys coming out of the sandpit, threatening slaps on the rear if they didn't go faster. This was particularly fun with Malcolm, all decked out in the Daisy Dukes and a Dolly Parton wig.

Best part of Malcolm's get-up: mimicking the 'cross woman's affinity for tall sox. Photo by Roger Harrison/Lanterne Rouge

It was great to have such a large Nebraska contingent at the race, but it's also been awesome to make new friends through the Midwest CX Stitch series. This weekend, I'm heading to the USGP in Louisville, and then comes our series finale and State Championships at Pioneers Park. Nostalgia abounds...that was my start to racing just two years ago, on a dare. Who are you going to dare into this?

Boulevard Cup's Whoopty-Doos Rattle the CX Stitch Standings

Superfun course. Photo lifted from Emily Pastrovich Johnson's FB feed.

With its twisty off-camber whoopty-doos and tight switchbacks, Sunday's Boulevard Cup favored the more technical riders. In the cat 4, Sheclismo's Elisabeth Reinkordt was able to extend her lead over Julie Higgins with a win, and after shooting to the top of the cat 3 standings with her upgrade bonus, Laura Richards, slipped to second with today's 5th place finish. However, Bike America Racing's Stephanie Lamb holds the lead by a mere five points and the double-points up for grabs November 19 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Flatwater CX Weekend will decide the final standings for both categories. Slimen Und Grossen's Lindsay Lorenz, Tulsa Tough's Aubree Dock and Renae Weaver of Free State Racing are all within striking distance of the top cat 3 placings. In the SS, Skillz and Fun categories, today saw the megawatt smile of Melissa Dehner of Slimen Und Grossen steal the Fun prize, Jennifer Schwartz rode one gear to the Single-Speed win and Ashley Masoni showed off some serious sand Skillz.

Who's in the tall-sox?

Cat 3: Stephanie Lamb
Cat 4: Elisabeth Reinkordt
Skillz: Cheryl Dralle
SS: Berly Brown
Fun: Melissa Dehner

Full standings

What's next? FLATWATER CX WEEKEND in LINCOLN, NE. I29 is open and we've all the host housing you need, so roll your cx-lovin' butts up here and have some fun.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Double points CX Stitch race
Awards party planned and hosted by the SHEnanigans Squad

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
SHEnanigans Survivor Pre-Race Buffet Sunday morning
Sunday's CX Race

PIX SOON!

Midwest CX Stitch Prizes: Awesome gift certs from Trek Bicycle Store!

‎Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha and Trek Bicycle Store of Kansas City support the Midwest CX Stitch with $100/$75/$50 gift certificates for the top three cat 3 finishers AND the top three cat 4 finishers in KCOI Boulevard Cycling Team's Boulevard Cup this Sunday! Laura Richards, Elisabeth Grindcore, Stephanie Lamb, Julie Higgins, Lindsay Lorenz, Berly Brown, Aubree Dock and Jessica Vanackeren TAKE NOTE!

MIDWEST CX STITCH competition heating up BIG TIME with another upgrade!

Laura Richards leads down the Joules CX descent. Photo: Becca Williams

Omigosh. I just received evidence that Laura Richards, formerly the cat 4 leader with 400 pts snuck in her upgrade by the 10/31 deadline and will jump to the top of the cat 3 stack. With 300 points up for grabs in the series, Stephanie Lamb, Aubree Dock, Renae Weaver and Lindsay Lorenz may find themselves in cahoots to bring this upstart down a few pegs. Holy moly! What a race. I'm almost tempted to sit mine out just to watch the action.

All the Local Ladies...

So, this Midwest CX Stitch series is turning into kind of a big deal. More women than ever are showing up at the cyclocross races that Sheclismo's chosen for the series, and we're having a blast racing bikes or just having fun on the course, getting the crowd into it. (See post about Ms. Twisted Sister at Spooky CX.)
But Nebraska women, we need you. We need you to dare each other into entering the Lincoln CX races on November 19 & 20 at Pioneers Park. Having been dared into my first race with absolutely no preparation, I've even decided to make a special first-timer award.
With 2 and a half weeks, you still have plenty of time for a quick lesson to get you comfortable with the basics. Last night, Stacy and I went to Van Dorn Park, and within just 20 minutes, she knows what she needs to do to use her mountain bike for a cross race.
So be in touch. If you have questions or apprehensions, please let one of us know. We want to see you toeing the line with us!
-Grindcore

Spooky ‘Cross shook up the Midwest CX Stitch standings

Current standings

Power climbs and bone rattling courses put racers to the test Saturday and Sunday in Des Moines, IA, where Kansas riders Stephanie Lamb and Laura Richards took decisive control over the cat 3 and cat 4 standings with their respective wins on both days. Tulsa Tough Racing’s Aubree Dock maintains second place, and Renae Weaver of Free State Racing sits third.

Stephanie Lamb of Bike America Racing, wearing her Cat 3 Leader's Tall Sox and retaining the top spot on Sunday. Photo: Elisabeth Reinkordt

Laura Richards of Women's Free State Cycling takes charge of the Cat 4 Leader's Tall Sox. Photo: Elisabeth Reinkordt

“I hope to get the lead back at Boulevard Cup,” Dock said.

With the three cat 3 three leaders based in Kansas, November 6^th is sure to be a showdown. Adding more excitement to the mix is Lindsay Lorenz, who moved from VeloTek to Slimen Und Grossen with her upgrade to category 3. Because she did so before the 31^st, she carried her points and received a 75 point bonus, placing her firmly in fourth place overall and within striking distance of a top three series finish, especially given that Lincoln CX Weekend offers double points.

In the cat 4 shake-up, Sheclismo’s Elisabeth Reinkordt moved into second place with her third and fifth place finishes this weekend. However, Julie Higgins, unattached, is less than 20 points down. Count on aggressive riding from Reinkordt and Higgins next Sunday.

Women's Cat 4 Podium Spooky 'Cross #1. Photo courtesy of Spooky 'Cross

Elisabeth Reinkordt nears the crest. Photo by Paul Buchanan

In the special categories, Sheclismo’s Berly Brown maintains her hold on the Single-Speed contest.

SS Tall Sox come in the Icy Bubbles style, proudly displayed by Sheclismo's Berly Brown. Photo: Elisabeth Reinkordt

Cheryl Dralle, Rasmussen Bike Shop, received the leader’s tall-socks in the Skillz division for her powerful climbs on both days.

The weekend's courses served Skillz leader Cheryl Dralle's MTB skills well! Photo: Elisabeth Reinkordt

Sandy Diavan made cyclocross look the most fun on Saturday when she laid down at the top of the climb and let spectators play Twister on her costume. Sunday, Kim Hopkins stole the show with her natty pink and black striped tights and matching kit.

Kim Beaty Hopkins nears the top of Spooky's notable climb. Photo by Paul Buchanan

Superfun Tall Sox podium. They have smiling clouds and rainbows on them! Photo: Elisabeth Reinkordt

The Midwest CX Stitch thanks Robot Luv for the nifty patches on the leaders tall-socks and welcomes Casey Sheppard Designs and Berly Brown as two of our featured artists. A big thank you also goes out to Sheclismo’s Grindcore and Skinned Knee for gracing the Robot Luv patches on the leaders tall-socks with hand-stitchery in honor of the series. Stay tuned to the website, like the series on Facebook and friend Skinned Knee to keep in the know. New sponsors and additions to the series prize pool are happening almost daily.

Junior rider Hannah Neary gets a pair of Cycling Made Real socks from Sydney for representing the future of Women's cycling! Photo: Elisabeth Reinkordt

As a reminder, all category 3 and category 4 women racers at participating events are automatically entered into the Midwest CX Stitch series. Please mark your release form with your cyclocross racing category as it appears on your USAC annual license to help us keep things straight.

For more information visit the SHECLISMO web site at http://sheclismo.blogspot.com or email sydney.e.brown@gmail.com 

Standings after Spooky CX #1

After Spooky 'Cross #1, Stephanie Lamb of Bike America Racing moves into 1st place in the cat 3 overall; Laura Richards of Freestate Racing, solidifies her lead in the cat 4 overall; Sheclismo's Berly Brown hangs onto the Singlespeed lead; GP Velotek's Lindsay Lorenz still heads up the Skilz and Melissa Dehner of Slimen Und Grossen makes CX look the most fun.

Only did calculations for the leaders categories. As soon as I get wireless I'll update the spreadsheet.

LINCOLN CX WEEKEND OFFERS DOUBLE POINTS!

THANK YOU ROBOT LUV!

Decorative patches and prizes for our Superfun category!

CX STITCH PRIZES...series winners jerseys

Courtesy of Cycling Made Real
Pink winners jerseys to be awarded the winning cat 3 and cat 4 racers!

MIDWEST CX STITCH PRIZES!!! - Leaders' TALL SOX

SS, Skilz, Superfun, Cat 3 leader, Cat 4 Leader

Series leaders TALLSOX will be awarded after 

SPOOKY CX #1, BOULEVARD CUP and LINCOLN CX #1.


currently......


Cat 3 leader - Aubree Dock (200 pts)
Cat 4 leader - Laura Richards (200 pts)
Singlespeed - Berly Brown (30 pts)*
Skillz - Lindsay Lorenz (30 pts)*
Superfun - Melissa Dehner (30 pts)*


*Special category placings are computed by adding the 10 participation points to the 10 points awarded the special category winner. Example: Berly Brown did Joules #1 (10 pts), Joules #2 (10 pts + 10 for win) to get the 30 points and the lead.

CX STITCH PRIZES! TWO paintings from Berly Brown! What a treat!

The CX STITCH prize pool continues to expand with two original paintings from Berly Brown. You'll be very lucky to take one of these home. Berly's career is taking off and getting one her works will just get harder.

Berly Brown received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Painting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2011.  She has been commuting by bicycle since 2005 and in 2006 had the opportunity to take a month-long self-supported cycling tour through the Pacific Northwest with the aid of the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Grant (UCARE) through UNL.  That tour led to another in 2008 from Lincoln, Nebraska through Colorado and down to Santa Fe, New Mexico.   She is an active member of Sheclismo and has recently fallen in love with cyclocross and related debauchery. Her work is heavily influenced by cycling, camping, and the relationships between people and their environments. She likes to work with thick painterly textures and exaggerated color schemes. She hopes to attend graduate school for painting in the near future.

Here are a few samples of her work:

CX STITCH PRIZES! .... The work of Casey Sheppard

Casey Sheppard

SHECLISMO is putting the spotlight on rising artistic talent and is enormously pleased to announce that Casey Sheppard, whose work is currently featured in Gallery 360 in Minneapolis has graciously consented to donate one of her works to our prize list, she will also have works on display at the SHECLISMO LINCOLN CX PARTY on Saturday night, 11/19. Seriously, folks, get your lycra-clad tushes in gear!

MIDWEST CX STITCH STANDINGS

Here's a link to the current standings for the Midwest CX Stitch series.

View standings

Links to the details so you can verify points and your personal info today or tomorrow. I think the spreadsheet is working properly, however. Remember, if you upgrade, you carry your points PLUS A 75 POINT BONUS to your new category.

Series prize info on it's way soon.

Gal Pals Freakin' Rule

(left to right) Berly, Vicious, Grindcore, and Deep at Joules CX 2011

There's nothing quite like having a great time on your bikes with good friends. We're hoping we can get more ladies to join us on the road next time.

Berryman Trail Epic MTB Race 2011

Ok, here's the write-up for the Berryman Trail Epic MTB race.  In short, I got the win, but it was touch-and-go for a long time -- right up to the very end.

For the record, it would be a great one for your first endurance event. Nothing too dicey technical-wise. If you're interested in this type of event, put it on your calendar for next year. Affordable. Beautiful. Great company.

http://sydspinnin.blogspot.com/2011/10/berryman-trail-epic-2011-recap.html

Girly Hustle Donations!

Check Out This Awesomeness...

photo: Berly Brown

Sheclismo and Lincoln Hustle recently put on a Girly Hustle to help raise money (over $100!) and donations for Friendship Home. Friendship Home exists to support, shelter and advocate for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. For those of you who don't know, Hustles are Lincoln's version of urban bicycle races where one must complete various tasks, often ridiculous, in order to move on to the next checkpoint. There were over 25 entrants, mostly men, which made for quite an interesting evening considering the obnoxiously girly things we made them all do (Including arm pit shaving and applying lip gloss)! It was a great evening for all the guys to "let their hair down" and celebrate their inner diva while us girls watched them struggle with their heels on the catwalk.

Photos: Left: Berly Brown Right:Angela Garbacz

identities obscured to protect the manly

cookie decorating checkpoint photo: Angela Garbacz

Big thanks to the amazing fellas at HR Lounge who let us end our SHEnanigans in their bar and who also donated Lincoln Stars Hockey Tickets to participants as well as various goods to the Friendship Home! Rick and Heath, you guys are amazing!

Girly Hustle prize: painting by Berly Brown

Another big thank you to all the lovely ladies who made the hustle a success: Berly Brown, Elisabeth Reinkordt, Angela Garbacz, Sydney Brown, Gina Kovanda, and Lindsey McCallister!