High Altitude Cycling

      A number of people considering this trip have commented on worries about the altitude.  About five years ago, before I spent a week in Estes Park, I had similar concerns.  Our cabin was at 10,000 feet and I hiked between it and 11,000 feet.  Before then I had spent time with groups of people in Vale at 5500 feet and skied Vale Mountain at 11,000 feet.
      No one in our party experienced any discomfort or unusual fatigue. Did we do anything different in prep? No, but I suspect our experience is not universal. I would surely recommend everyone become familiar with high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Symptoms range from a combination of headache, insomnia, anorexia, nausea, and dizziness, to more serious manifestations, such as vomiting, dyspnea, muscle weakness, oliguria, peripheral edema, and retinal hemorrhage.  We experienced none of these.
     On our YS Tour I have specifically kept our daily distances short in recognition of these potential issues.  Our first day ride to Colter Bay is flat, meaning those in the van will have two to three days for acclimation to the altitude.
    For further information I suggest you read, Cycling and Performance Tips -- Altitude and Athletic Performance and Altitude 101.