Flatlanders take note:

[Brick]

For those of you who have not ridden at an altitude please take note: When you first arrive in Avon take a little time to try to adjust to the altitude... be sure to hydrate a LOT the first day or so. Altitude sickness got to me one of my first rides up in the altitude and fluids... = aka WATER is the only thing that really helps.

NOTE: Beer while being a liquid is NOT water and will only make it worse... just take a bit of time to make the rest of your stay much better!

From TravelDoc: Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatisation is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least four to six litres per day). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.

While Avon is not at extreme altitude I've seen it every time I've been there that someone gets the symptoms:

• Shortness of breath at rest
• Tightness in the chest, and a persistent cough bringing up white, watery, or frothy fluid
• Marked fatigue and weakness
• A feeling of impending suffocation at night
• Confusion, and irrational behaviour

I know some of you have the last one all the time.

First day there just drink more water than usual... that's my Rx.

YMMV

[stevegrab]

Great advice Brick.

I'd add, when at extreme altitudes (all these 10+ thousand feet passes), take a few moments when you get off the bike to acclimate. Deep breaths are a good way to help.

I was shocked how hard it was to breath at Independence Pass, the higher up the thinner the air, 12K is a lot compared to 5-6.

See all y'all in Avon

[Mac]

I'm feeling the altitude in Denver. Rocky mountain NP in the next couple of days should be fun (for some values of fun)

[Brick]

Mac,
You made it... Great enjoy! Hope you don't get into the forest fires.

See you in Avon.

I'm feeling the altitude in Denver. Rocky mountain NP in the next couple of days should be fun (for some values of fun)

[Mac]

I checked fire / road interfaces with Harry H. Should be OK

[Michael Snyder]

Great advice Brick! I will also add that the wildlife in Co can also be different for alot of folks. Bears, wolves, mountain goats, sheep and elk along with the normal forest rats can all cause a really bad day on a motorcyle. I know everyone if very vigilant but a reminder doesn't hurt.

[roginoz]

And, don't forget that you'll sunburn more quickly at altitude.

[joannam]

Thanks, Brick. And YEAH, Mac! I'm so glad you are back...

[stealth1]

When riding at high altitudes give yourself a little more room to complete that pass.
On many bikes the loss of horsepower due to the thin air is noticeable.
I spent most of my life living at 300' and moved to 5700' last year.
Power is noticeably down on my fuel injected bike since most of my rides start at 5700' and go higher.
This may apply only to systems with an O2 sensor.

[Mac]

And, don't forget that you'll sunburn more quickly at altitude.

I can testify to this. I'm redder than a red thing that's been painted red