I had wondered how you did on the Breakaway ride. Glad to hear you survived.

Seriously, I think the Howell Mountain Climb you did is probably harder than what you'll encounter in San Jose.

Levi's GF does go up King Ridge and Coleman Valley both of which are pretty tough and very similar to the later climbs on the Breakaway ride. If it were me, I'd probably start Coach Troy's leg strength video on a weekly basis.

I don't know much about Campy but if you could trade out to a 34 instead of your 39 it would be help probably. Of course if you can afford a nice second bike... that's always fun.

I've always ridden a triple or really compact double (46 -33 with a 34 in the rear!) on the mountains around here until I got my race bike. I've been pleased to discover that I can still get up the mountains even though my gearing is much taller. Cervelo has 50 - 34 and 11-25.

You've got time to explore your options.

Veronica