Reno is ~4500 feet. Before I moved here I did quite a few trips from sea level to 4500. I never really noticed a difference on flat rides. On climbing rides it's hard to say because there weren't any climbs where I lived at the time, so was it altitude or did I just suck at climbing? I'd bet it was the latter.
Flagstaff is about 7000 feet. When I went from sea level to FLG, I could feel the difference. I'd feel it on even the easiest of rides.
I did the Alta Alpina Challenge last month, and it gets into the 8000s. The altitude didn't do anything to me, but I talked to a few guys from the Bay Area and they were quick to mention the altitude.
I don't think you'll notice a difference. 3000 feet isn't enough. You're going to need a different excuse for why it hurts so much.