Funnily enough I had the same bike…..it was so good that I’ve got two now.
Your original post could have been written by me.
Living on the edge of the North York Moors there was no shortage of steep hills to get up. It weighs a ton by modern standards, 5 speed, no toe straps, no proper cycling shoes only green flash tennis shoes. I never got off & pushed although I would zig zag on the 1 in 4’s.
When I think back I realise that I must have been quite good. As a Masters cyclist I’ve since won 13 National titles & was 2nd in the World Championship Road Race last year but I doubt I could get up Rosedale Chimney on the Carlton Corsa now.
I’ve still got my dumbell spanner as well!
Compared with my current Road Bike