Originally Posted by Miami Biker

Hi. Monday friend and I did over 80 miles, longest of year. FWIW I'm 69, weigh 210, 5'11" and in good shape.

Resting heart rate in low 50s and thought max was 165-170 based on earlier efforts. Average of course would be about 150 if 220 less age.

We rode 56 miles averaging 17.2 with little wind. Then turned to come home and the wind picked up strong from East, our direction. For the last 30 miles I ended up pulling for about 25 as partner got cramps. Before a break we had 2 miles straight into wind. I pulled at about 15 MPH and it was tough going but not too much. Guess like a stress test?

Glanced down at Garmin 500 and to my surprise HR read mid-180s! Didn't feel that tired. After resting, HR came back to 115 and we finished up. Felt very strong and could have done century riding solo.

After loading Garmin Connect realized hit 196! WTF? 15% greater than thought was my max.

Interested in your experiences and how unusual this is. Very surprised at the 196. Any other observations?