It's been an exciting two months since we saw you last! The summer season is in full swing, with races, runs, and all kinds of adventures. So sit back, relax, and we'll tell you all about it.
ALL THE RAVE: BIBRAVE PROS LOVE THE BAHAMAS1
Our most successful #BibChat yet - BibRave pros tested out the Bahamas1 polarized casuals, and took them everywhere. They're now dog-approved, husband-approved, and even moose-approved. Read reviews from Angie, Nicole, Emily, Matthew, Tedrick, and Bradford.
Get your Bahamas1
XX2i OPTICS - OFFICIAL SUNGLASSES OF RAAM
The World's Toughest Bicycle Race, RAAM is infamous for pushing some of the world's best endurance athletes to their absolute limit. Athletes leave California in teams of 8, 4, 2, or singles, and make the trek 3000 miles across the United States to Maryland. This year, XX2i Optics is the Official Eyewear of the race, and we're profiling some teams that are taking on this challenge in our sunglasses.
Love Sweat and Gears
Sweat & Gears is both a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization as well as a bicycling team competing in endurance and recreational bicycling events across the country. This year they have a 4 person team riding, and they're being followed by a documentary team for a Direct TV series. You can follow their live updates here: @lovesweatandgears
Team Beyond
Started as a way to give back to the community, Team Beyond was founded by by the intrepid Phil Theodore, who completed the Atlantic Challenge with his rowing partner in 2015. The team of two rowed across the Atlantic in 45 days, setting the record for the fastest ever Americans to complete the crossing. Phil is back with RAAM teammate Greg Maud, and they are using the race as a platform to raise awareness around what they see as a nutritional health crisis in the country. "The amount of sugar in a can of soda, you couldn't eat that much sugar straight," said Phil, who goes around to elementary schools giving talks on the importance of nutrition. "When I show kids an empty pop bottle and then fill it up with how much sugar is actually in there, their first reaction is 'gross!'" Team Beyond is racing in the Australia1 and USA1 with prescription lenses - "Prescription is the way to go," said Phil when he got his Rx Australia1s. "You can't imagine how bad it could be if you got an eye infection from wearing contacts on your bike."
The total package: Australia1
To ask about getting prescription lenses in your XX2i Optics sunglasses, call our customer service at (888) 662-6291
RED BULL XALPS PARAGLIDING RACE
XX2i Optics is the Official Sunglass of USA Paragliding, and they have three athletes participating in this incredible race. Athletes start in Salzburg and race across the Alps to Monaco, and they work their way over the legendary mountains through a combination of mountaineering and paragliding. In 2015, 19 of the 32 athletes made it across the finish line. Help us cheer on USA athletes Gavin McClurg, Jesse Williams, and Mitch Riley.
Performance Sunglasses that Stay Put When You Need Them
AJ BAUCCO: DAY IN THE LIFE
Pro Triathlete AJ Baucco wakes up early and puts in the miles, and then takes a hard-earned trip to Avery Brewing. This 2016 Major League Triathlon champion is gearing up for another stellar season.
Shop: Matte Black Frames
USA TRIATHLON AND XX2i OPTICS RENEW
OFFICIAL VALUE EYEWEAR
The Olympic governing body announced the renewal of the relationship earlier this month, making XX2i Optics the Official Value Eyewear of USA Triathlon through the year 2020.
"... XX2i Optics also offers high-quality eyewear at competitive pricing. R.A.C.E.’s ongoing commitment to technology and innovation continue to position the company at the helm of the endurance sports industry, making it one of USA Triathlon’s most valuable partners,” said Chuck Menke, Chief Marketing Officer at USA Triathlon.
Triathlete Favorite: The Hawaii1
USA WATER POLO
The men's team is taking the scene by storm in Russia this week, and defeated Kazakhstan 1-10 in the second match at the FINA World League Super Final. Read the recap here.
Pool-Ready Polarized Casuals
JIM FITZPATRICK: MMA FIGHTER JOINS THE ATHLETE TEAM
Jim Fitzpatrick is an amateur MMA fighter based out of New Jersey, and known as the guy who always has sunglasses on his head. With his 3-1 fight record, and as the coach for a gym of over 175 submission wrestling athletes, he's a welcome addition to the XX2i Optics athlete and ambassador family. The most important thing about sunglasses? "They have to be shorty-approved," said Jim, referencing his girlfriend. "And XX2i Optics totally is."
Shop Shorty Approved: France1 in Hyper Pink
ROWING SENSATION CAITLIN MILLER
Caitlin grew up on a small farm in Southwest Minnesota; about as far from the ocean as you can get. She was introduced to rowing when she went to college in Nebraska, but never dreamed that rowing on a small lake in the middle of Nebraska would lead her to rowing across the Atlantic. "My first Atlantic row made me realize that I am much stronger, both physically and mentally, than I realized," said Miller. "There was no getting off, or saying “nah this isn’t for me.” When things got tough I had to dig deep and push through. Rowing into that harbor after 58 days at sea was the most amazing feeling. I fell in love with the ocean on that journey and cannot wait to get back out there. My goal is to row across all five oceans and to inspire as many people as I can along the way!" To learn more about Caitlin, you can read her Reddit AMA here.
Shop Polarized Performance
JOURNEY RACING REVIEWS: FRANCE1
The XX2i Optics sponsored team had a successful Nomad Race, thanks to the France1 performance sunglasses. Team Captain Chelsea reviewed the France1, and talks about why the whole team relies on these bomb-proof frames.
Shop Dual Kits - Two Frames, 5 Lenses
FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Oh #bibchat with @XX2i in 90 minutes pic.twitter.com/2hGbUzyaLo
— Angie Maske-Berka (@AngieMaskeBerka) June 20, 2017