My cyclocomputer stopped working several months ago and I found that I do just fine without it. I am sure that the numbers are important, but if it is anything like this morning's ride when I actually took a HRM with me, I'll skip the gadgets for now.
The Polar HRM I was using today told me that out of 2:53:14 (total ride time) that I was in my target zone for 1
28 with an average HR of 131. My target zone is between 123 and 153
... I rested for 5-10 minutes with the group and then a second rest for about 15 minutes as I was waiting for everyone to catch up at the mid point of the ride.
I know that the first day that I met you on Palomar I was also using the HRM. My buddy was redlining at 165-170 at about 7mph and I was pacing him with a heart rate of 122.
Of course, maybe I just need someone to really kick me into gear so that I can at least hit my lactate threshold.