I have been enjoying many long easy rides. After more research, I realized that long rides were good for my heart, as long as the pace wasn't heavy, because long rides slightly lower diastolic blood pressure compared to rest. Diastolic blood pressure (the lower number in the reading, such as 120/80) is more important for aortic valve leak because this is the number when the valve is closed. I do one long ride a week (my group ride) and short rides the other days, but last week I added a few longer rides. It felt great and I didn't have any of the symptoms that you would get when your heart is strained from excessive leakage of the valves.

A few days ago we went on a Taco Tuesday ride which included a nice ride on the Coyote Creek Trail. On Sunday, I took a brisk ride through the Wolf Valley on Santa Teresa Boulevard, which included some short intervals and some strength training on the bike. I also did upper body strength training before the ride. All of this is very tolerable if the time is short enough. I also had to do a lot of strength training instead of some isometric training, which can raise blood pressure. Overall, I still keep things within cardiologist-approved limits. It's a good feeling to be able to overcome limitations and still get a good workout.