Happy spring! It's been a busy start to the season, and we're looking forward to seeing what you're up to on social media! Don't forget to tag us: #XX2iOptics
XX2i Optics Welcomes Jay Weber as
Sponsorship Marketing Manager
Jay Weber is an endurance sport industry veteran. He worked as the Western Sales Director at XTERAA WESTSUITS and XTERRA BOARDS for over three years, and is a USA Triathlon Certified Coach. You can read all about him here, but we got up close and personal with a few informal, get-to-know-you questions:
XX2i: Jay, we're so happy to have you! What's your favorite piece of XX2i gear?
Jay: I'm loving my polarized Bahamas1, in the Crystal Black frame. Best sunglasses I've ever worn.
XX2i: You moved to Denver from San Diego for this position. What's the biggest difference between the two cities?
Jay: No ocean. But mountains are nice.
XX2i: Where are we most likely to find you on a Friday night in Denver?
Jay: A local brewery. So MANY here!
XX2i: What about a Saturday morning?
Jay: In the mountains, either on my bike or skis.
XX2i: The most important question - what trivia category would you do best at?
Jay: 80's movies. The Breakfast Club is my jam.
You can reach Jay to talk sports, sponsorship, or 80's movies at jay@gorace.pro.
XX2i Optics Sponsors Two of the World's
Greatest Age Group Triathlon Teams
Long-time XX2i Optics athlete AJ Baucco partnered up with the team behind TRS Triathlon to bring us the best age group triathlon team on the planet, and XX2i Optics is their Official Eyewear Partner. Read on to learn more about the team.
Reviewed: Hawaii1
Ever wondered what you're missing when you go with gas station sunglasses over polarized sport sunglasses? Blogger Jessica from Live Slow, Run Fast saw an obvious difference when she tried out the carbon fiber Hawaii1. See what she had to say about it. Read more...
The Benefits of Joining a Training Group
Training is always better together. But what other benefits can you get when you team up with fellow athletes? AJ Baucco talks training motivation, team discounts, and other bonuses besides drinking buddies. Read more...
How To: Swapping Lenses on Your France1/2
Why Does the France2 Frame Rock?
Simple. It's one of our most versatile, classic frames, packed with features, and comes in loads of colors. And we're not the only ones who think that. Runner and triathlete Melissa Kahn found there was no contest between these and the competition when she did her review.
Nicole Ver Kuilen Runs Again: The Cheetah Blade
Nicole, aka "Forrest Stump," has been on a mission to bring more awareness to the lopsided way in which amputees are given prosthetics, and after a year of working with prosthetics company Ossur, she is running on a carbon fiber cheetah blade! Traditionally, insurance companies have posited the view that one leg fits all, and that there is no need for health insurance to cover more than one prosthetic. Nicole's counter argument is that a walking leg that is not waterproof doesn't support her lifestyle of swimming, running, and biking, but insurance won't cover a running blade or alternative prosthetics beyond just the one. You can read more about her advocacy efforts here. She's currently fundraising for her documentary about her 1500 mile trip down the West Coast, and you can watch the trailer above.
FIREPOWER Runners
What happens when you get 6 determined runners together in the desert to run 344 miles? They kick some major boot-tay! The team (a revamped version of StravaFemmes from last year) included world-record holder Sandy Villines - the fastest woman to ever run across the country from San Francisco to New York. You can follow the whole shenanigan-laden story here, on Instagram.
Chad Brock: Bass Crazy 365
Born and raised in the small town of Bedford, Indiana, Brock spent a lot of time playing basketball and riding dirt bikes. It wasn’t until later in life that he took up bass fishing and found refuge in the competition of the local tournament trail. Brock created what would later become BassCrazy365.net and with the advent of the new social media outlet, Brock began communicating with different people around the world of kayak fishing and decided he needed to give it a try. It was an immediate passion as he saw the benefits from being down closer to the water. The BassCrazy365 website is covered with different blogs and videos from Brock’s journeys in bass fishing. It has become a way of life as the passion continues to grow with every adventure.
Brock will begin the tournament season this coming weekend with Kayak-Anglers.com in beautiful Brown County, Indiana on Yellowood Lake. XX2i Optics is a proud sponsor of the Kayak Anglers trail that spans from New York to Southern Indiana boasting over 250 members. Brock and his associates can be found roaming the lakes and roads in Southern Indiana and Kentucky all season long.
Kevin Rhinehart: Stroke Survivor
In 2012, Idaho resident Kevin Rhinehart suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk or speak. "I used to think life was over for me," Rhinehart said. "I gave up hope, and was just existing." As he slowly gained back the power of speech and mobility, he decided to volunteer for an IRONMAN race in 2015 and caught the triathlon bug. His family pushed back, concerned for his health. He got a coach, started training, and did a sprint triathlon in 2015, and worked his way up to a half IRONMAN in June of 2016. On a whim he entered his name into the Kona lottery and went to the IRONMAN World Championship in 2016! "I do it for stroke survivors... there is stuff several times a day that reminds me I am not as I used to be... But for someone who thought my life was over, I have found a new one! I am humbled..." To read more about Kevin, visit his website here and read about his 2018 Boston Marathon!
PRESCRIPTION FOR ADVENTURE
Needing the versatility of sport eyewear with a prescription? XX2i Optics has you covered with our lifetime frame warranty. Order prescription through our customer service department by calling (888) 662-6291 or send us an email with your frame and lens choice at info@xx2i.com.