Merlin kind of summed it up. We're talking about different things, we're going more in depth with cycling, which is what is needed in a modern day training set up. go read training and racing with a powermeter, you'll see all of the things we have posted are correct.

also just going and doing an hour ftp effort is kind of silly (what you are arguing for in your steady-state intervals). Too much stress, that can't be repeated often enough to get a solid training effect.

here's a sample plan op:

monday: 1 hour ez
tuesday: 2x20 ftp at 50-70 rpms
Wednesday: 2 hour ride w/ 2 solid 30-40 minute efforts at low threshold/high tempo
Thursday: 2-3 hour ride
Friday: 1 hour easy
saturday: 3-4 hours w/ 2-3x20's at low threshold/high tempo in the last hour\
sunday: 4 hours z2

here's a page describing the difference between the zones. this guy is kind of important in the cycling world...

http://home.trainingpeaks.com/articl...ew-coggan.aspx

"kind of important" :)

The guy isn't the brightest, so i thought i would let him know :P

note poster don't get too offended, or get your panties in a bunhc that quickly/easily.

I live in Co and climbs like that listed are almost not even thought of a climbs really. Not trying to sound arrogant here. I'm personally not a very fast climber even though I climb every day. My point is this. You'll do just fine!! That's not a lot of gain per mile and it's not terribly high in altitude either. You have the gears already,,, more than enough. Your young and seemingly you ride a good bit. It's not that hard trust me. If you can acclimate a couple days prior, that will do more for you than you might think!