My first time cycling at high elevations.

During a recent trip out to Colorado, I had the opportunity to cycle at over 10,000 feet.  I was not sure how I would handle the thinner air.

Two years ago I road at Fort Collins at around  5200'.  I was able to handle this elevation ok.

I was so happy to have my bike with me. I could have rented an ebike like many of the visitors, but this gave me a good sense of what I can do up there.

 From here I was moving into the woods and had rolling hills. My first miles was a steady climb and a stiff wind off the lake.  I was glad that there was a wide, paved path.  I could stop as I needed to catch my breath, but it was a good excuse to take a photo. I find going into the wind and going up hills can really exert me and cause me to take a short break.  This was the same experience. I limited myself more based on my available time than my fatigue.

I think that it is important to note that this was the second day at this altitude.  Yesterday afternoon, about 24 hours before we arrived in Breckenridge at 9600' and spent the afternoon walking around.  I needed  to take some breaks to rest for a couple of minutes.  I walked at an easier pace than I would normally do. I had spent the previous days at 5200' and I felt my usual self there.

Before I loaded the bike on the back of the car, I decided to do some loops around the lodge parking lot. It did not feel bad. I was at 10,100 feet. I even went up a 25' hill. This little one mile spin gave me confidence to do more.

WHAT DID I LEARN?

1. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.
2. Don't be hard on yourself with diminished results.
3. Enjoy the experience.
4. Pat yourself on the back. You did it!
5. Rent or use an ebike for longer and more aggressive experiences