Century Ride Pedaling

There are numerous discussions of pedaling mechanics, including the extensive discussion thread in this forum "pedaling push up push down". But, as a new rider I think all you need to know is that the important part of the stroke is the downstroke from 12-6, because this is where you generate all your power. It was previously thought by some that the optimal pedaling stroke included a pull up from 6-12, but studies have shown that the best cyclists apply almost no pedal force on the upstroke. At most, the leg is simply unweighted in the upstroke. Most of the discussion of "ankling" pertains to the notion that you can increase your power by pulling on the upstroke. I think it would be difficult to apply full power on the downstroke if the ankle is angled significantly toe down or heel down. I've never looked at a video of my ankle positions on the downstroke, so I don't know if they are absolutely level but I am certain that I don't consciously try to do either. So, I would do what comes naturally so long as you feel you can apply your maximum power on the downstroke since that's where the action is. On the upstroke, just relax the leg so that it doesn't impede the power being applied by the other leg in its downstroke.