[Flat Six]

Way to go, drcoastline. A couple of thoughts for you:

1) Angela's absolutely right; wear cycling shoes and clipless pedals -- much more efficient cycling

2) Make sure your new cycle's properly fit and adjusted for your physique -- you'd be amazed at how much efficiency you'll lose if it's not properly set up. Maybe your bike guy offers this service; well worth it IMHO.

3) Cycling and swimming solo are great for physical training, but not nearly the same as doing so elbow-to-elbow with other competitors. Probably tough to simulate a crowd swim, but at the very least get some experience/time over the bars cycling in a group with others. Amazes me how many people freak out when riding in a pack. Also make sure you know the event's rules re: following distance/drafting. Come tri day you'll be glad you did.

4) Break down your stages into discrete goals -- will help your confidence immensely. A strong (but not necessarily great) swimmer should be able to do 400 yards in a pool in about 8 minutes; in/out of ocean swim at that distance and in a crowd, target maybe 12-14 minutes. Cycling @ average 20 mph (don't know how hilly your route is) = 30 minutes to complete cycling stage. Running 3 miles @ 9 minutes pace (not great but not bad either -- I'm 51 BTW) = 27 minutes; total of 1:11. Leaves you nearly 12 minutes for transitions -- lots of time, but can't afford to dally -- to beat that 1:22:49.

Hope this helps/encourages; best of luck to you. Keep us posted!