Originally Posted by
Salamandrine
In addition to the suggestions already made, you may want to try some clipless pedals and cycling shoes. They can be very helpful for climbing.
That looks like a truly awesome ride.
If you look closely in the first pic, the bike actually does have those cages and straps over the pedals - I had to take them off as my foot is too long since it hits the end of the cage before the ball of my foot is over the center of the pedal. They were removed for the subsequent rides - I've ridden this road 3 times in the last week and a half, and that pic is from the first time. I really should get a pair of clipless pedals and correct shoes.