>>1468316I don't do any particular training exercises so the data is just one more squiggly line to look at on Strava.
One interesting thing is that my HR jumps 20 - 30 bpm when switching to a bike I haven't used in a while. It will stay that way for about 10 days until my legs adjust to the bike. Although my HR is higher it doesn't feel like I'm working harder and I'm not breathing any harder. A few weeks ago when switching from the fat bike to the touring bike my HR was 175 for an entire ride. Then over the next week or so my average dropped through the mid 160s, then 150s before going back to the typical mid 140s. The weird thing is that once my legs are adjusted to a bike if I manage to get up to 175 I'm breathing pretty hard.
I'll notice my HR drift upward when getting dehydrated or haven't eaten enough. Though I can usually feel that without the need for the HR.
On the way over to a brevet in the morning I'll use the HR monitor to force myself to take it easy. I can get carried away when I just want an easy warmup, so I'll look at the HR and try keeping it under 130.
I'd say I rely on the HR most when riding into a strong headwind. I will ignore the speed and just focus on keeping my HR at a sustainable level. On a brevet when I'm pulling I use the HR monitor to maintain a constant exertion level for the sake of the people behind me. If I start hearing heavy breathing behind me I'll dial it back a little.
Another thing I've observed about my HR is that my clothing selection for a ride is based on my experience riding in my typical HR zone. If I ride with slower people my HR can be 30 - 40 bpm lower and I end up freezing if the weather is cool. I'll end up pulling on a ride for extended periods just to stay warm. I think my record pull is 150 km. I get a lot more early season distance in so the guys I ride with are willing to let me block the wind all day.
