I used to do a lot of fishing on the San Juan River on the border just south of Colorado. Elevation a tad more than 5000 ft. We used to incidents of what were probably altitude sickness, particularly from people from areas around sea level.

Usually two to three days without exertion would be enough so that it wasn't a problem.

Is the site of the contest at or above 5000 feet? And have any flatland flyers noticed problems?

Gary

It is right at 5000 ft. A couple of days to get acclimated is a good idea.

John

I've heard that if you get raging drunk the night before it helps

If you can spend 12-24 hours at the field elevation before pushing yourself, you should be fine.

I like the first idea Jim

Make sure it's Tequila, don't drink any water all day, and only eat chocolate chip cookies.... Surefire recipe for success!

I'm on it

I live at a bit over 6000 feet. We get lots of visitors from sea level here. One key is to drink a lot of water your first few days, and (sacrilege!) lay off the alcohol for the first day or two as well. I'm not sure of the physiology of it, but I've seen plenty of first hand examples of how important those things are.

Dehydration + lack of oxygen = Cory moves up in the standings!!

Originally Posted by corsha99

Dehydration + lack of oxygen = Cory moves up in the standings!!

Cory, are you saying that local/high elevation plots will have an advantage at this contest?!?!?!?! Perhaps we need to start a poll on if that is fair or not! Maybe to equalize that, the high altitude pilots should have to contribute to a travel fund so us low landers can have extra time in the area to get accustomed to the air. Yea, that would be better.

Shouldn't be difficult to hitch hike with all the Texas plates I see up here

Yes!!! Get acclimated first.
I over-exerted there once without knowing how it will affect me... Big mistake! It took me a while to recover.

Jun

Originally Posted by GaryO

I used to do a lot of fishing on the San Juan River on the border just south of Colorado. Elevation a tad more than 5000 ft. We used to incidents of what were probably altitude sickness, particularly from people from areas around sea level.

Usually two to three days without exertion would be enough so that it wasn't a problem.

Is the site of the contest at or above 5000 feet? And have any flatland flyers noticed problems?

Gary

Several days used to do it for the fishermen, but that is a low activity kind of sport.

Gary

Be well rested and well hydrated BEFORE you come. And come early.

Too many times I have made high country hiking trips after a hectic week of working late to finish projects just to have Friday off, with a drive 6+ hours and get very little sleep before the big hike, and end up suffering with altitude sickness.

It can be debilitating.

BP

Only 5,000 feet? Lets talk 11,000+ feet, then you can complain about altitude sickness.
Big problem is the illegality of coco leaves and the associated tea...

One way to help get acclimated for Colorado: show up for the Blue Skies of New Mexico, this coming weekend!

Field elevation in Moriarty is about 6200 feet.

Yours, Greg