Originally Posted by
gbiker
Further question: When standing, are you also able to pull up on the cleats on the back/up stroke?
Yes - that's what I was referring to when I mentioned pulling up on the opposite pedal's upstroke. It used to be a little more scary in the old days of toe clips and old-fashioned cleats, as you ran a little danger of pulling your foot out if your straps weren't cinched good and tight. Clipless pedals and cleats make it much more secure.
I confess I only resort to that when the going gets particularly tough, as it can be a little distracting from your other efforts, until you get used to it.