Just coming back after a long winter slow down and haven't bothered with the Monitor yet. I have a route that I do that is about 20 miles with a few slopes- some long flat bits and a hill. Last autumn I could do that ride with the first 4 miles being a warmup and the HR at 135 to 140 on the flats- up to 150 on the slopes and the hill and at the end of the hill I could see 165. Time was 1hr 15 mins or therabouts unless there was a strong headwind--so I do have a marker for that ride. Last Saturday I did not push myself- got the lungs working though- and did the ride in 1 hour 16 minutes.

I have just about retained fitness over the winter with the few rides I have done but it has been a rest from my usual riding. I think that rest has given me a good start for the year. All I have to do is get the legs and lungs working better and that is going to be the painfull bit.