Inside Outdoor checks out the new Dust
Monday, August 29, 2011
Julbo in the Media: Industry Insiders Digging on Julbo in the Trades
Julbo athlete and ski legend Glen Plake talks with Eyecare Business about how the Zebra Lenses have changed the way he approaches eyewear.
Inside Outdoor checks out the new Dust
Inside Outdoor checks out the new Dust
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
iRunFar.com Editor Tackles the North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc – “The Tour de France of Running”
This Friday at 18:00 (that is 6 p.m. to us ig’nant Yankees), one of the biggest trail-running events in Europe gets under way – the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Twenty-three-hundred competitors will take their first strides on an epic 103-mile journey through the Italian, Swiss and French Alps.
Bryon Powell, founder and editor-in-chief of iRunFar – a trail running and ultrarunning site with a broad range of content, from gear reviews to race coverage – was in Chamonix last year to cover the event. Just witnessing the energy and excitement was enough for Powell to commit to returning again in 2011, but this time to race it.
His training this summer has consisted of running the Western States 100 in California’s Sierra Nevada in June and walking up/running down the huge mountains in Colorado’s San Juan Range during July (90 hours of such training, to be exact).
Even though Bryon has previously run seven 100-mile races in the U.S., the UTMB will present new challenges, such as not being familiar with the course or European trail-running customs.
Bryon with last year's winner's of the UTMB, Lizzy Hawker and Jez Bragg.
“The 100-plus-mile length of the race will, of course, be difficult, as will the 31,000 feet of climbing and descent,” says Bryon. “However, time on trail compounds distance, climbs, and every other challenge that runners face. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that I’ll likely be out there for at least 28 hours, even if things go well.”
The second night may prove to be the biggest test for Powell: “I’m confident I can handle one night, but the thought of spending a second straight night on the trail without any sleep is quite daunting!”
Powell’s usual M.O. for sustenance will be challenged as well: with no energy gels at aid stations, he’ll have to carry 20 to 30 gels from the start and just as many from the midpoint aid station, where his drop bag awaits.
“At the aid stations, I’ll snack on baguettes, cheese, chocolate and other foods I’d only find at a gourmet food store in the U.S.; however, as I’ve never trained or raced with these foods, I can’t rely on them as my primary sources of energy.”
Once the sun comes up, Bryon sports the Julbo Race because of its full coverage, great ventilation, and the Zebra photochromatic lens. For an event like this, he does not want to miss a thing.
Bryon recalls more memories of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc from last year: “The vibe is unlike anything I’ve seen at any other foot race, whatever the distance. In the days before the event, Chamonix swells with 5,000-plus runners and many additional supporters. The town, which already had an unrivaled mountain sports ethic, starts to live and breathe Mont Blanc.
“By the time the start rolls around on Friday evening, the energy is unbelievable. The 2,300 racers start lining up hours before the race. The organization pumps in music that rises and falls in waves, while further pumping up the crowd with occasional announcements.
“The streets of the first few towns on the course are deeply lined with spectators. Brass bands play. The crowds sing. It’s party after party. Every runner I’ve spoken with gets carried or, perhaps, carried away by the waves of energy exuded by the fans. The UTMB is huge among European runners. I’ve likened it to the Tour de France of running.
“As a journalist, I’ve seen how packed the press room is with folks from around Europe. That definitely doesn’t happen at American ultras at this point.”
For comprehensive coverage of the UTMB, before, during, and after, check out www.irunfar.com.
– By Christine Rasmussen
Bryon Powell, founder and editor-in-chief of iRunFar – a trail running and ultrarunning site with a broad range of content, from gear reviews to race coverage – was in Chamonix last year to cover the event. Just witnessing the energy and excitement was enough for Powell to commit to returning again in 2011, but this time to race it.
His training this summer has consisted of running the Western States 100 in California’s Sierra Nevada in June and walking up/running down the huge mountains in Colorado’s San Juan Range during July (90 hours of such training, to be exact).
Even though Bryon has previously run seven 100-mile races in the U.S., the UTMB will present new challenges, such as not being familiar with the course or European trail-running customs.
“The 100-plus-mile length of the race will, of course, be difficult, as will the 31,000 feet of climbing and descent,” says Bryon. “However, time on trail compounds distance, climbs, and every other challenge that runners face. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that I’ll likely be out there for at least 28 hours, even if things go well.”
The second night may prove to be the biggest test for Powell: “I’m confident I can handle one night, but the thought of spending a second straight night on the trail without any sleep is quite daunting!”
Powell’s usual M.O. for sustenance will be challenged as well: with no energy gels at aid stations, he’ll have to carry 20 to 30 gels from the start and just as many from the midpoint aid station, where his drop bag awaits.
“At the aid stations, I’ll snack on baguettes, cheese, chocolate and other foods I’d only find at a gourmet food store in the U.S.; however, as I’ve never trained or raced with these foods, I can’t rely on them as my primary sources of energy.”
Once the sun comes up, Bryon sports the Julbo Race because of its full coverage, great ventilation, and the Zebra photochromatic lens. For an event like this, he does not want to miss a thing.
Bryon recalls more memories of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc from last year: “The vibe is unlike anything I’ve seen at any other foot race, whatever the distance. In the days before the event, Chamonix swells with 5,000-plus runners and many additional supporters. The town, which already had an unrivaled mountain sports ethic, starts to live and breathe Mont Blanc.
“By the time the start rolls around on Friday evening, the energy is unbelievable. The 2,300 racers start lining up hours before the race. The organization pumps in music that rises and falls in waves, while further pumping up the crowd with occasional announcements.
“The streets of the first few towns on the course are deeply lined with spectators. Brass bands play. The crowds sing. It’s party after party. Every runner I’ve spoken with gets carried or, perhaps, carried away by the waves of energy exuded by the fans. The UTMB is huge among European runners. I’ve likened it to the Tour de France of running.
“As a journalist, I’ve seen how packed the press room is with folks from around Europe. That definitely doesn’t happen at American ultras at this point.”
For comprehensive coverage of the UTMB, before, during, and after, check out www.irunfar.com.
– By Christine Rasmussen
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Testing Physical and Mental Limits: The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
At 6:30 p.m. on August 26, 2,300 runners will embark on a beautiful, excruciating journey – The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
Thirteen-hundred volunteers come together to make this epic event happen – 103 miles and 9,500 meters (about 31,350 feet) of positive altitude change, 11 refreshment posts with food, 6 with drink, and a maximum time of 46 hours to complete one of the most grueling trail races on Earth (the last winner did it in 21:30). http://www.ultratrailmb.com/page/37/Technical_data.html
Conditions of participation include:
- Be fully aware of the length and peculiarities of the race and be sufficiently trained for it
- Acquire, prior to the race, a real capacity for self-sufficiency in the mountains, which permits the management of problems induced by this type of course
- Know how to face, without outside help, climatic conditions which can become very difficult due to the altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow)
- Have the know-how to face the physical and mental problems as a result of extreme fatigue, digestive problems, articular and muscular pain, minor wounds
- Be fully aware that it is not the role of the organization to help a runner overcome these problems and that for such an activity in the mountains, security depends upon the capacity of the runner to adapt to the problems encountered or envisaged
Julbo USA’s own Nick Yardley is going to race his third UTMB, wearing the Julbo Ultra performance sunglasses with the Zebra light lens. Yardley ran the CCC (Courmayeur Champex Chamonix), in 2009, a shorter 100K race referred to as the “little sister of the UTMB.”
After reading the conditions of participation for the UTMB, I better understood Nick’s answer to my question, “What are the most challenging aspects of the race?”
“The hardest part is not the running, but managing the down’s and suffering,” explains Nick. “You are running for many hours, and emotionally there will be times where you are just suffering so much you want to give up – dealing with this is the hardest, and maintaining adequate food intake.”
To be sufficiently trained for the UTMB, Nick runs “a lot of miles!” Since January 1 he’s been working towards this epic experience, averaging 50 to 70 miles a week, peaking at 90 miles, and only recently tapering off. To work on his speed, Nick raced three 50K races and a marathon. He also runs “plenty of hills, both up and down.”
Despite the misery during the race and the incessant preparation required, Nick loves the UTMB because the atmosphere is unparalleled to any event of its kind. “It’s a very special and emotional vibe, unlike anything we have in the U.S.,” he says. “All the towns you pass through really get into it.”
Last year, contenders ran a shortened UTMB because of a mud slide and bad conditions. Although it was still exciting, it wasn’t what Yardley came for, so he’s really psyched on racing the whole thing this year. And to that, when I ask the question “Do you have anything else to say about it?” he adds: “Gulp!”
~By Christine Rasmussen
Follow Nick and other racers during the event via this link.
Thirteen-hundred volunteers come together to make this epic event happen – 103 miles and 9,500 meters (about 31,350 feet) of positive altitude change, 11 refreshment posts with food, 6 with drink, and a maximum time of 46 hours to complete one of the most grueling trail races on Earth (the last winner did it in 21:30). http://www.ultratrailmb.com/page/37/Technical_data.html
Conditions of participation include:
- Be fully aware of the length and peculiarities of the race and be sufficiently trained for it
- Acquire, prior to the race, a real capacity for self-sufficiency in the mountains, which permits the management of problems induced by this type of course
- Know how to face, without outside help, climatic conditions which can become very difficult due to the altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow)
- Have the know-how to face the physical and mental problems as a result of extreme fatigue, digestive problems, articular and muscular pain, minor wounds
- Be fully aware that it is not the role of the organization to help a runner overcome these problems and that for such an activity in the mountains, security depends upon the capacity of the runner to adapt to the problems encountered or envisaged
Julbo USA’s own Nick Yardley is going to race his third UTMB, wearing the Julbo Ultra performance sunglasses with the Zebra light lens. Yardley ran the CCC (Courmayeur Champex Chamonix), in 2009, a shorter 100K race referred to as the “little sister of the UTMB.”
After reading the conditions of participation for the UTMB, I better understood Nick’s answer to my question, “What are the most challenging aspects of the race?”
“The hardest part is not the running, but managing the down’s and suffering,” explains Nick. “You are running for many hours, and emotionally there will be times where you are just suffering so much you want to give up – dealing with this is the hardest, and maintaining adequate food intake.”
To be sufficiently trained for the UTMB, Nick runs “a lot of miles!” Since January 1 he’s been working towards this epic experience, averaging 50 to 70 miles a week, peaking at 90 miles, and only recently tapering off. To work on his speed, Nick raced three 50K races and a marathon. He also runs “plenty of hills, both up and down.”
Despite the misery during the race and the incessant preparation required, Nick loves the UTMB because the atmosphere is unparalleled to any event of its kind. “It’s a very special and emotional vibe, unlike anything we have in the U.S.,” he says. “All the towns you pass through really get into it.”
Last year, contenders ran a shortened UTMB because of a mud slide and bad conditions. Although it was still exciting, it wasn’t what Yardley came for, so he’s really psyched on racing the whole thing this year. And to that, when I ask the question “Do you have anything else to say about it?” he adds: “Gulp!”
~By Christine Rasmussen
Follow Nick and other racers during the event via this link.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Julbo in the Media: Outdoor Trade Publications Get Hyped on New Julbo Dust
Outdoor trade publications Outdoor Retailer Daily and Outdoor Insight recognize the new Jublo Dust as a leader of the pack for 2012's new performance eyewear products.
From Land to Sea – the Dust and the Dolphin Launch this Fall
Julbo is debuting two new performance models for Fall 2011 (available for purchase Oct. 1): the Dust, a lightweight, durable model perfect for running and cycling, and the Dolphin, floating sunglasses that ensure watersport enthusiasts will not be left “up a creek” if their shades go overboard.
Runners and cyclists sporting the Dust will have the consistent protection they need while cross-training or competing, and the frame’s minimalist design will undoubtedly make some heads turn. Julbo’s new bright blue color SKU is being introduced with this stylish model, offered with the photochromatic Zebra lens for $160 or with an interchangeable lens set – Spectron 1 , polarized and clear – for $130.
The Zebra’s crazy transitioning powers make it go from Category 2 to the darker Category 4 for brighter light conditions in just 28 seconds. Its anti-fog coating, integrated directly via laser, is critical for high-output activities that require dependable eye protection.
The Dolphin is the adult version of Julbo’s popular children’s floating sunglasses launched in 2010, the Sailor, recommended for kids ages 10 to 13. With the introduction of the Dolphin, Mom and Dad will not be left “sans sunglasses” at any point during lake or beach vacations (unless they just plain misplace them!).
The Dolphin’s polarizing Spectron 3+ lens eliminates dazzle and redefines contrasts, super important traits when out on the water all day. Available in Black/Black or Black/Yellow for $100.
– Christine Rasmussen
Runners and cyclists sporting the Dust will have the consistent protection they need while cross-training or competing, and the frame’s minimalist design will undoubtedly make some heads turn. Julbo’s new bright blue color SKU is being introduced with this stylish model, offered with the photochromatic Zebra lens for $160 or with an interchangeable lens set – Spectron 1 , polarized and clear – for $130.
The Zebra’s crazy transitioning powers make it go from Category 2 to the darker Category 4 for brighter light conditions in just 28 seconds. Its anti-fog coating, integrated directly via laser, is critical for high-output activities that require dependable eye protection.
The Dolphin is the adult version of Julbo’s popular children’s floating sunglasses launched in 2010, the Sailor, recommended for kids ages 10 to 13. With the introduction of the Dolphin, Mom and Dad will not be left “sans sunglasses” at any point during lake or beach vacations (unless they just plain misplace them!).
The Dolphin’s polarizing Spectron 3+ lens eliminates dazzle and redefines contrasts, super important traits when out on the water all day. Available in Black/Black or Black/Yellow for $100.
– Christine Rasmussen
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Low-Down on Julbo Rx
So, you’ve decided on which pair of Julbo glasses will suit your needs, but you are visually challenged. Now you are wondering: Will I be able to get them with prescription lenses?
Loads of variables go into filling prescriptions for high-performance sunglasses: face shape, distance between your eyes, prescription, frame, lens preference, intended use, on and on.
According to Nick Yardley of Julbo, frames that say Rx on model spec sheets are recommended for prescriptions because they are a 6-base curvature and take a wider range of Rx’s. Many Julbo frames are 8-base, which is more of a wrap and thus more challenging for heavy prescriptions.
Opticus out of Superior, Colorado is an awesome source for finding out what’s possible with Julbo frames. Owner Fred Seitzman gives us the scoop on the prescription process:
Julbo's Dolgan frames, just one of the many models that can be outfitted with Rx lenses.
What Julbo models can you make with prescription lenses?
We primarily specialize in glacier-type models of Julbo frames. Some of Julbo’s more-heavily wrapped (curved) models are only practical for very mild prescriptions; we do some of those by special request.
How close are the lenses you offer to the ones offered by Julbo?
We can make lenses that are practically the same or close. For example, Julbo has the Camel, and we also do a photochromatic and polarized lens. But what works in non-prescription does not always work in prescription; sometimes you cannot duplicate exactly. We have a good reputation because we work hard to get close to what you need when you’re up on that mountain.
What is the process for ordering prescription Julbo’s from Opticus?
Ordering can be done by email (techhelp@opticus.com), fax (303-499-0119) or by phone (800-870-5557), but we encourage customers to use the good old-fashioned phone because deciding on prescription glacier glasses is often a back-and-forth process of questions and answers. Trying to fit this into a neat little automated shopping cart rarely achieves the best results. All faxed or emailed orders are confirmed for accuracy and also to be sure that what the customer has chosen will meet the intended use, and that the frame will work optically with their particular prescription.
What is the turnaround time?
Our turnaround time depends heavily on the specific coatings and materials involved, spanning from as little as a week to as much as a month. Our average fabrication time is about two weeks.
Why is it important to go to an optician that specializes in glacier/sport sunglasses?
Most local opticians have no desire to get involved with the special requirements employed in glacier glass fabrication: routing lens backs for sport frame lip clearance, extra dark bases that require color balancing, custom bevels to adapt lens placement to curves, mirror coat coordination, and the list goes on.
We’ve dedicated ourselves to this little facet of eyewear for more than 25 years, starting with customizing prescription glacier glasses for Antarctic expeditions conducted by the Bureau of Standards back in the ‘80s. We’ve benefited from the unique ability to repeat the same kinds of orders over and over – we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. What we enjoy most about our relationship with Julbo is that the company bends over backwards to treat not just us, but every retail customer fairly.
-By Christine Rasmussen
Loads of variables go into filling prescriptions for high-performance sunglasses: face shape, distance between your eyes, prescription, frame, lens preference, intended use, on and on.
According to Nick Yardley of Julbo, frames that say Rx on model spec sheets are recommended for prescriptions because they are a 6-base curvature and take a wider range of Rx’s. Many Julbo frames are 8-base, which is more of a wrap and thus more challenging for heavy prescriptions.
Opticus out of Superior, Colorado is an awesome source for finding out what’s possible with Julbo frames. Owner Fred Seitzman gives us the scoop on the prescription process:
What Julbo models can you make with prescription lenses?
We primarily specialize in glacier-type models of Julbo frames. Some of Julbo’s more-heavily wrapped (curved) models are only practical for very mild prescriptions; we do some of those by special request.
How close are the lenses you offer to the ones offered by Julbo?
We can make lenses that are practically the same or close. For example, Julbo has the Camel, and we also do a photochromatic and polarized lens. But what works in non-prescription does not always work in prescription; sometimes you cannot duplicate exactly. We have a good reputation because we work hard to get close to what you need when you’re up on that mountain.
What is the process for ordering prescription Julbo’s from Opticus?
Ordering can be done by email (techhelp@opticus.com), fax (303-499-0119) or by phone (800-870-5557), but we encourage customers to use the good old-fashioned phone because deciding on prescription glacier glasses is often a back-and-forth process of questions and answers. Trying to fit this into a neat little automated shopping cart rarely achieves the best results. All faxed or emailed orders are confirmed for accuracy and also to be sure that what the customer has chosen will meet the intended use, and that the frame will work optically with their particular prescription.
What is the turnaround time?
Our turnaround time depends heavily on the specific coatings and materials involved, spanning from as little as a week to as much as a month. Our average fabrication time is about two weeks.
Why is it important to go to an optician that specializes in glacier/sport sunglasses?
Most local opticians have no desire to get involved with the special requirements employed in glacier glass fabrication: routing lens backs for sport frame lip clearance, extra dark bases that require color balancing, custom bevels to adapt lens placement to curves, mirror coat coordination, and the list goes on.
We’ve dedicated ourselves to this little facet of eyewear for more than 25 years, starting with customizing prescription glacier glasses for Antarctic expeditions conducted by the Bureau of Standards back in the ‘80s. We’ve benefited from the unique ability to repeat the same kinds of orders over and over – we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. What we enjoy most about our relationship with Julbo is that the company bends over backwards to treat not just us, but every retail customer fairly.
-By Christine Rasmussen
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