Colorado altitude sickness
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 20
Colorado altitude sickness
Planning on a bucket list trip at the end of the month and have a question about rideing in the rocky mountains. Has anyone experienced altitude sickness around the Pikes peak area ??
I am planning on trailering to the Denver area and riding as I feel like it. On the days that I don't feel up to rideing I can always roll my Blazer. I got alot of heart issues but there are still things that I need to see from the seat of my scooter and pikes Peak is one of them.
I am planning on trailering to the Denver area and riding as I feel like it. On the days that I don't feel up to rideing I can always roll my Blazer. I got alot of heart issues but there are still things that I need to see from the seat of my scooter and pikes Peak is one of them.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,470
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From: on the road
I have rode all over on a bike as well as on a snowmobile at altitude.My suggestions are to make the trip gradually.If possible.So in other words get to the springs and camp out the first day then make sure you drink lots of water then ride part way up the hill.Hang out for some time and see how you are doing,if you are okay at that point I would say go back down and hang out until the next day then go up slowly.People who fly in to colorado usually end up having worse issues with it-------------one more thing leave the booze alone as it will make the altitude sickness worse.You can also head west out of denver and go up to the casino and see how that works for you as well
Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I rode Pike's Peak in 2004 and it's amazing! You will definitely feel the altitude. I was light headed, but not bad. They had oxygen in the gift shop at the top if needed. Like 3408pete said, take it slow and easy if you tink you will have issues.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
Take a few days to get acclimated to the altitude. Where are you coming from? what altitude? Maybe stay in Denver a couple days, then a day or 2 somewhere a few thousand feet higher, before you try to ride to 12,000 feet or more. That last couple thousand makes a difference. I could feel it when I went through there earlier this year.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 363
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
In 2005, we rode from Iowa to Fraser CO which I think is about 8500 feet. I felt bad for one day but then was OK. I think where I live is about 1200 feet. Was out of breath just climbing the stairs at the condo. Take a few day to get used to the altitude.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 294
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From: N/A
You'd enjoy Trail Ridge road more than Pike's Peak. On PP you'll likely get stuck behind a line of slow cages
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
Most people arent affected until they get above 8,000'. Stay in the springs for a day or so if you are concerned before heading to the top. Drink plenty of water.
I just had my Mom out here for 3 weeks and she is wheelchair bound with a weak heart and pacemaker. She had no problems but drank lots of fluids. Now I know she is wheelchair bound but the altitude did not affect her.
I think if you don't plan on a lot of physical activity you will be ok. Heck stop at my place and relax if you want...
Drink lots of water...
I just had my Mom out here for 3 weeks and she is wheelchair bound with a weak heart and pacemaker. She had no problems but drank lots of fluids. Now I know she is wheelchair bound but the altitude did not affect her.
I think if you don't plan on a lot of physical activity you will be ok. Heck stop at my place and relax if you want...
Drink lots of water...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 4
From: on the road
ITs been a few years since I have gone to the top but in my opinion it would be a better ride going trail ridge road than pikes peak just due to the gravel on the road at the top
what the hell do them both
what the hell do them both