I normally ride with a HR of 135 - 165. I average 140 for long distance touring rides and 150 for shorter training rides. I can easily and comfortably ride at 160 - 165 for very long periods. I hardly ever ride at a HR of less than 130.

My first beta blocker experience was about six years ago. I could not maintain any pace near what I was used to. My heart rate just would not go over 140 and I felt like I was running out of energy/power at 130. At that time I was a competitive racquetball player which means I need a lot of intense energy for 10 - 20 seconds and then a 'sorta rest period for 20 - 30 seconds. The beta blocker made it impossible to play at anywhere near my normal level of effort or competitiveness.

No matter what I did on the RB court - no HR over 135!

The doc kept telling me I would get used to them and my body would adjust. Well after 30 days I saw no change so I eased my self off the beta blockers.

Two years ago - the same thing. My worst experience then was the same as someone else described - climbing a hill (two miles 6% - 9%) that I could normally do at a HR of 165 - 172 and about 6 mph - I barely made it over the top at 3 mph and a HR of 138. Trying to ride a moderate pace on level ground (normally 18 - 20 mph) I could not stay above 15 mph.

I struggled again for a month and finally tapered off the beta stuff.

My problem is high blood pressure - fortunately for me - losing 45 pounds will lower my BP enough that the doc quits harassing me. So, that is my plan - don't let my weight get into the 145/90 BP range.