this i understand, as i lived in taos for 5 years, riding mouintain passes for entertainment. But that was on a road bike, and I'v e lived at 900 feet for 4 months since leaving taos, certainly long enough to 'unacclimate'. fortunately, a lot of the trip is from 450' above sea level to 1350 (st louis to wichita ks). by the time i get to syracuse KS, its 3223 feet, probably high enough to start feeling an effect. from syracuse to walsenburd, its a 3000' gain, and then a 20 mile clib to 3500, then 75 miles back to 8000' and riding in a range from 8200 to 7000'. I am targeting 50 miles a day for elevations below 4000', not sure how much to adjust above 4000' - comments?

and from 6000' on, well i have an additional 2 weeks in my plan. if I could do 50 till i hit syracuse (3200'), I be almost 2/3 way there, and i think i can do the remaining 304 miles in my two weeks fudge factor. You see I alloted 2/3 of my 50/day estimate of 3 weeks to accomodate altitude unknowns.

i didn;t ask about this because I do understand the alti=tude factor plenty enough to add a HUGE fudge factor. If I cant make it in 5 weeks, the only penalty is losing a 130 dollar airplane ticket, which is not enough to make me want to do crazy things (push too hard) to save the ticket. I have an open ended sechedule except for the ticket, so i feel good. still I'd like to cross la veta as early as i can, even though I could take a bus or hitch if i have to. i dont want to but i would.

comments welcome.