A car gets you up there very fast, long before your body is ready for thin air. Stopping every now and then to drink, eat or just walk around will help to prevent unpleasantries. As for lightning, afternoon rides in the summer generally present you with a threat of thunderstorms. Go to the section on lightning in a previous chapter for complete information. Ride hard, but within your limits.
Themes are safety first, environment second, fun third.
The New York Times recently reviewed the book, calling it big, heavy and opinionated. They used it to set up a trip to Moab and article on the town, so I guess they liked it. The book IS opinionated. It is kinda big. It is heavy enough not to want to take it in a fanny pack.