Optic Nerve Embarks on Epic Attempt to Bike to South Pole

Denver, CO – Optic Nerve will be part of the first-ever attempt to bicycle across the Antarctic to the South Pole as the official goggle and sunglass of Cycle South, another foray to the poles by renowned polar explorer and longtime Nerve Champion, Eric Larsen.

“Optic Nerve is thrilled to be part of this historic adventure,” said Optic Nerve President Bill Cotton. “It’s a little crazy and a lot exciting but we’ve got the utmost confidence in Eric’s chances for success due to his skill as an athlete, Antarctic experience and passion for all things polar.”

Larsen will be traveling with Optic Nerve’s new Boreas interchangeable spherical lens goggle as well as the Antero. Protective eyewear is essential for any outdoor athlete and even more so in extreme winter environments. Goggles provide the best face coverage, block harmful extra intense UVA and UVB rays and help Larsen see subtle changes in the snowy landscape he’ll be pedaling across.

In the history of the South Pole, expeditions have employed tractors, snowmobiles, trucks and more, but never has a traverse been completed on a bicycle. Larsen’s goal with Cycle South is to combine adventure and advocacy to demonstrate the many ways in which people can use a bicycle to protect our environment as well as improve the quality of our lives. Larsen’s adventure will be documented for film, book and a multimedia lecture.

The route will cover nearly 750 miles from Hercules Inlet to the Geographic South Pole, and conditions permitting, 750 miles back to the coast again. It’s the same route Larsen traversed on skis over the course of 51 days in 2009.

Larsen explained the terrain in Antarctica is relatively conducive to snow bike travel, as the snow is dense and compact. “That said, storms can deposit large quantities snow which can create debilitating pockets of soft powder,” Larsen said, adding, “Crevasses, whiteouts and sastrugi also pose formidable obstacles.”

Cotton is also excited to catch up with Larsen while he’s on his mission. Larsen will conduct a live interview from the South Pole thanks to Delorme InReach technology and other sponsor. The interview, moderated by Backpacker magazine Editor-in-Chief Jon Dorn, is scheduled to be held Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. at Wenger booth #25001 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City.

About Optic Nerve 
Independently owned and firmly rooted in Colorado, Optic Nerve is committed to supporting its communities through making performance-driven, price-conscious sunglasses and goggles. All styles have the same 100 percent UVA and UVB protection; lightweight, durable construction, and fashion-conscious styling found in more expensive brands, at a fraction of the price with a lifetime guarantee. To check out the Boreas goggle and the full line of Optic Nerve product, visit them at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Booth #34054 or click here to visit the website.