It feels like climbing work has made me faster, but I think it's been just tying into the "base fitness" you guys were talking about. I guess I can cut that out. I do go on road rides with friends here and there, and being terrible at climbing isn't the best, I was hoping it went hand in hand with strength.
Hopefully I'll be able to do more open track days (they're typically cat 3+, but sometimes they'll let you on the track as long as you're not an idiot about it). Would it make sense to then run a higher gi on practice days then? On the chart you posted in the track forums regarding gi, you suggested a slightly lower gear in training/practice.
I know the club I joined has some coaching options, I think I'l have to look into that. Thanks for all the advice everyone.