Acclimatization in the mountains for motorcyclists - is it so scary and how to adapt faster?

Planning a motorcycle trip to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas: Nepal, India, Tibet requires taking into account the specifics of the local climate and terrain. Many travelers, fans of motorcycle racing, do not even suspect that in Asia they can get mountain sickness. Its symptoms and consequences can ruin the whole impression of a trip to the mountains. Let us tell you what you can do and how to adapt to new conditions faster.

The concept of mountain sickness and its causes

Mototourism is becoming increasingly popular, experienced travelers, adherents of such leisure activities, are well aware that trips to the mountains require preparation.

Altitude sickness, aka mountain sickness, is a pathology that develops during a stay in the mountains as a result of a decrease in the pressure of atmospheric gases. We are talking about oxygen deprivation.

In most cases, it develops when conquering heights above 2-2,500 meters. Symptomatology occurs 2-12 hours after arrival in the mountains. There are extremely susceptible people, in whom the negative reaction of the body manifests itself at not the highest altitude within 1500 meters.

There are several forms of mountain sickness, it can be acute, subacute and chronic.

The first is characterized by rapid manifestation, severe course. The acute form occurs with a rapid ascent to altitude.

Subacute progresses not so rapidly, is manifested by apathy, in rare cases excitement, but more often drowsiness, headache, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath.

About the chronic form is said when the motorcyclist for a long time stays at a significant altitude.

Symptomatology of mountain sickness

The main cause of mountain sickness is the low concentration of oxygen in the air. It has a negative effect on the physical and mental state of the motorcyclist, characterized by such manifestations as:

Symptoms of mountain sickness are not difficult to recognize, they consist in a change in condition, and not for the better.

This pathology differs not only in forms, but also in stages: it can be mild, moderate and severe.

The first is characterized by a feeling of lethargy and malaise, arising in the first 6-12 hours after arrival in the mountainous area.

The middle stage is characterized by a state of euphoria and inadequacy, replaced by a decline in strength.

In the severe form, all internal organs are affected. Possible episodes of hemoptysis, a sharp drop in blood pressure, heart rate spikes. This can be fraught with severe complications such as pulmonary edema and even cerebral edema.

It is important to know how to distinguish the symptoms of mountain sickness from ordinary fatigue or fatigue. Signs of hypoxia in the form of headache and dizziness are much more pronounced. Sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, nausea are also present. Usually there is a complex of symptoms that simply can not be overlooked.

The most effective method of treatment of mountain sickness, and all its forms, is considered a descent to a lower altitude.

As you adapt to the mountain climate, the signs of altitude sickness become weaker and weaker. But this process can take from several days to one month. The timing depends on the altitude and individual characteristics of the organism.

Acclimatization: rules of preparation for a mountain motorcycle trip

Acclimatization in the mountains can be both rapid and prolonged. This process can be accelerated by proper preparation for a motorcycle trip. This is especially true for athletes, as they come to the mountains not to suffer from poor health, but to be active.

The main stages of adaptation to altitude include:

1. Preliminary preparation, starting several weeks before the trip: medical consultation and health check, physical training (endurance exercises, cardio-loads), avoidance of bad habits (smoking, alcohol).

2. Acclimatization in the mountains during the trip: smooth climbing (maximum 500 meters per day), adherence to the diet (light, carbohydrate-rich food), following the principle “climb high, sleep lower”, days of rest and acclimatization at a certain altitude, avoiding excessive physical exertion in the first days, drinking plenty of water (water, herbal teas). In addition, it is recommended to have a good sleep and limit the consumption of drinks containing caffeine and alcohol.

Good physical preparation, absence of chronic diseases reduces the probability of encountering a severe form of altitude sickness. That is why it is so important to plan your trip in advance, consult your doctor, and, if necessary, promptly adjust your diet, sleep and rest regimen, and workload.

Do not test your body for strength, especially in the mountains, otherwise it may fail.

No one is safe from mountain sickness, even a fan of motorcycling, but if its signs have appeared, they can be made less pronounced, accelerate the return to normalcy.

Practical tips for motorcyclists in the mountains

Not all motorcyclists feel good at altitude. To avoid problems, it is recommended to take care of the equipment in advance: put in the suitcase warm clothes, things that protect from wind and precipitation. The list of mandatory items in the luggage includes:

It is mandatory to follow the recommendations related to driving technique:

1. Drive the vehicle smoothly - avoid sudden acceleration and braking.

2. Stop regularly to rest and look around the area.

3. Be alert and careful on the roads.

A number of important recommendations relate to nutrition and hydration:

1. Drink more fluids, ensure the intake of electrolytes into the body (dehydration is a factor provoking the development of altitude sickness).

2. Favor light foods that are quickly digested, carbohydrate-rich foods.

3. Refrain from eating heavy and fatty foods.

Rest is considered an effective prevention of mountain sickness.

Do not neglect regular stops to stretch and reenergize.

Sleep should be full - this is the key to good health.

Do not allow overwork, it can be fraught with negative consequences up to the loss of creation, injury while riding a motorcycle.

Mountain motorcycle tourism is very popular, the main thing is not to forget about safety rules. Competent acclimatization is the key to a safe and enjoyable motorcycle trip to the mountains.

Be attentive to your health and follow all the recommendations. We wish you a successful and safe motorcycle trip!