Just read a different post and made me think of this.

Moved to Colorado Springs (elevation 6200) from Sacramento (elevation 50). I went to the local bikeways map. Sorted out a decent route. Came to my first big climb up Flying W Ranch Road and walked the last 300 yards because I new I would pass out if I didn't. Made it to Garden of the Gods park and barely made it up a few of those short steep sections. Road back to where I was staying at the time which is at the top of a hill and my legs locked up 30 feet from the house. Locked up as in could not move them at all. Had to fall off my bike on to the sidewalk and waited 10 minutes in agony.

Moral of the story is. Maybe you should drive the route you want to ride. At certain section get out and walk it if you can to judge the steepness of the climb. Especially if you had this kind of altitude change. You don't need to kick your ass as hard as I did on my first ride.


This is so someone else can learn. Try not to pick it apart.