During drought, the road can be quite dusty and traction difficult. Freshly graded forest roads have many small rocks on the surfaces of steep slopes - even expert cyclists may have to walk on these stretches. Thus, route conditions can turn a beginner route into an expert route. Even beginner routes require the cyclist to be in reasonably good condition and acclimated to the high elevation. Equipment and Safety Needs Clothing Afternoon thundershowers occur frequently over the mountains during the summer.
Temperatures can drop drastically.
Cotton next to your body will actually take heat away and make you colder. A trash bag can be used as a rain coat. A helmet will keep your head cool in the heat and help hold some warmth in the cold. Sun glasses protect eyes from both sun and dust. A handkerchief over the nose can help when the air is very dusty.