Heather, I hope others comment about your heart rate. Is that your high or your average? You said 198, and that seems real high for an average.

I cycle more often than you. Even though it is winter, I am out cycling in the elements as much as possible. On the longer rides, with some climbs, my average heart rate is in the 130s and my high is in the 150s.

Are you eating appropriately before, during and after your rides? I eat a balanced meal (including protein) within two hours of finishing my ride, and I am ready to bike again the next day. I start my exercise about two hours after the last meal, typically breakfast. And I eat one fitness bar (Genisoy) for about every 700 calories I burn while cycling. This is my routine, that I arrived at through trial and error, and which suits me fine. You will need to figure out your eating routine also, because it has a lot to do with recovery time and the ability to cycle again within 24 hours.

There are some good books written about how to figure it all out for yourself, with respect to how often to cycle and when and how to eat.

Darcy