I ride the lighest cycling shoes there and back, my only concession to the "rough-stuff" part being a pair of old Vibram-soled climbing boots-which I don when actually on the mountain. If anyone doubts the wisdom of this course I advise him (or her) to try it and experience the heavenly feeling of clean dry ankle-socks and light (also dry) cycling shoes when the hard high-road is regained after a particularly soggy crossing.