I am a fairly new rider...have totally fallen in love with my bike. As part of a routine exam (I'm 52, diabetic and have heart problems in my family), the doctor had an EKG and other tests run...just as a base line and check on things. The EKG showed some plaque buildup and found a heart murmur. Long story short...then came the stress test.

The cardiologist in charge of this test was pleasantly surprised that I had a 65-68 resting heart rate. He just about fainted when I was on the treadmill...185 - 190. He asked that I walk as long as I felt I could. 10% - 12% incline...6-7 mph. I went for about 4 miles!! He was so impressed with the stamina, energy, and state of fitness this old girl was in!! He said I had a heart of a young person. He kept saying this over and over....surprised him an "old" woman that needs to lose some weight could be in such good shape...heart wise. He agreed that it was my riding that had helped keep me going.

I know this is a long post...but I have a murmur, some plaque buildup, and diabetic...and still ride as much as possible as often as possible!