Well, I don't know that I would actually call it "altitude sickness". I think that's really where your lings start filling with fluid, etc. (pulmonary edema). But we had one very strong (with ego to match) guy humbled by feeling really badly - so much so that he almost didn't want to go over the back side of Ebbetts. And another moderately strong guy was the same way. Both ended up doing the entire ride, and felt a lot better the second day.
From what I have seen both climbing and cycling, altitude effects are largely genetic - either it affects you a lot or it doesn't. Even for those whom it doesn't affect drastically it will raise (or lower in some cases!) your HR for the same perceived exertion, make you breathe more, often make your GI tract "off" and dehydrate you QUICKLY.
But remember, at DR, you're always coming back down to the 6000 foot range (just over Tahoe lake level). So lingering effects of "altitude sickness" won't be bad.
I'd hate to scare anyone off this ride - it is a beauty. And you would be very well trained after BTC. My friend Susie Bump trashed her bike and won't be riding.I think you may know her - ask her about her entry....





I hope I am smart enough to keep drinking water and lucky enough that it does the trick. Any tips??
Reply With Quote
I think you may know her - ask her about her entry....
