I use the area for training. I did the Jan 2011 ride through the hills thing @ 46 miles ( http://www.active.com/cycling/coldsp...e-2011#Reviews )
and there is a bike forums page ( http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...rest+and+hills )

"lowest gear and only doing 10mph. I'm heavy but that was an eye opener. " 10 mph is good. I use a 28/ 28 on the hills for the road bike and a 28/34 gear on the hybrid gives me 4 mph. The bike and me went out at about 300lbs .

http://www.txbra.org/events/event.asp?EventID=2146 I take it this is the race you are entering?

Good luck