I am a newby, but have found that standing more and more as I ride really helps strengthen my legs, and is a good changeup on long climbs. It does burn - my commute home has a pair of significant hills, and I have worked through the summer to get myself able to do as much as possible standing to add to the go-home workout. I am convinced it has helped my riding - now I can push over the rollers on longer rides and still maintain some speed.
Sounds like folks down your way conserve asphalt - no switchbacks, just straight up and down. I found folks in Alabama do that, too....