Originally Posted by Corsaire
evident that I need POWER in my legs, how do I accomplish this?
Climb more hills. There is no substitute for the real thing.
There's a small hill down here in Orange County that's fairly common to riders. A fellow roadie, the first time she climbed it, could only muster 6-7 mph. It is a 2 mi climb with sections no more than 9%. 2 years later, she can climb it at 11 (9% section) up to 14+. And it is all spinning power. As the gradient eases up, we will try to run the cadence into the high 80s, sometimes low 90s.
Always mix it up: [a] sitting or standing and [b] hoods, drops, or top flats (of the handlebar). Sometimes (while seated), slide forward in the saddle just a smidge and concentrate on snapping your legs from 10 to 2 (pulling) while the other leg pushes. Do NOT ever MASH your way up a hill.
I always try to change positions frequently as it does cause different muscles to get used.
Keep climbing; you'll improve.
Best.