Average Heart Rate v Theory

neilg

Hope you guys can help me.

Have recently purchased a HRM and have been logging progress over the past few rides. I am relatively fit and have recently returned to cycling after 15years.

Age 38 therefore max HR should be 220-38 = 182.

However, as an example on Sunday I did my usual route (relatively flat with a few undulations and one climb of around 1 mile at the end) of 20.5 miles in 58min 14secs.

Over the ride avg HR was 166, maximum was 204 (mashing as I was trying to catch someone up). When spinning at around cadence of 95-105 HR was wandering between 165-175, not wildly but slowly going up then coming down as I eased back a bit.

Question is, do you think my HR is high for my age and fitness level?

Don't smoke, don't drink much and suffer no ill effects after such a ride.

Any advice much appreciated.