Over the summer, I have become very familiar with my bicycle and my body. I have learned what each is supposed to feel like and learned to pay attention when something seems a little off. It may not be a big deal, but sometimes it is important.

I had assumed that the first sign I was having trouble with the altitude would be shortness of breath. I haven’t had any shortness of breath so far and thought I must have acclimated to the altitude over the past week.

This morning, I woke up with a slight headache. I didn’t pay much attention to it and decided to move on. About two miles into the ride, I started to get light headed. I stopped for a little bit, drank some water and continued. I was still a little light headed, but feeling better. Then a loud motorcycle passed me and the noise made me dizzy. I started swerving back and forth across the shoulder. At that point, I decided I had better take a rest day and figure out what was going on.

I think I may have allowed myself to get a little dehydrated over the past few days of riding. That is very easy to do at high altitudes. I know from past experience that slight dehydration can make me feel light headed. I drank three liters of water today. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow. I am a little disappointed at taking a rest day today. I wanted to get closer to the continental divide before my day off. Sometimes, though, it is unavoidable.