M ountain bikers love fat tracking in the 14ers Region, but bikers should be wary of hazards inherent in high country travel. The first rule of mountain travel is to always let someone else know about your trip plans and when you plan to return. The second rule is to never travel alone. Lightning Lightning is especially dangerous in the mountains, particularly to bikers and others traveling in hanging valleys.
Thunderstorms occur suddenly at higher altitudes.
If you are caught outdoors in an approaching storm, get away from all metal objects, most particularly your bike. Maintain as low a profile as possible. Crouch on insulating material - a sleeping bag or air mattress. Avoid trees, poles, water, tent poles, signs. Stay at least 50 to 80 feet from cliff faces, narrow rock crevices and streams.