Hi,
I'm pretty new to it as well (only 1000k in 8 weeks), however, I found Greg LeMonds book "The complete book of Cycling" I think it is called, very helpful.
He talks about pedal technique, and all sorts of other stuff. Does a lot better than I can explain here.
What i have found though is when going up hills STAY ON THE SEAT!
Works for me.
I see somebody get off the seat and it is like a red rag to a bull.
I pedal properly, and smoke past them. It blows them inside as well, leaving them wondering how i did it.
Of course this is the competitive side coming out, and I don't do it to people I don't know...
BTW, Amazing how the road-bike helps out on the mountain trails too...