My Dh has been bugging me about trying a cute method of blasting over short hills. I was riding behind him on our brisk paced 12 mile out and back today and decided to start aping him stroke for stroke (partially an effort to just keep up)

Suddenly a one block hill loomed in front of us; I was ready to shift down, but no, HE shifted up a couple clicks (I know how many because he's got shimano on his dreamcruiser bike) so I did too. Swung that thing over and stood up right behind him. It was hard work standing and going up the hill, but I did it! It was fun. It doesn't work on a long hill unless you're really really strong. But I didn't slow down as far, nor did I have to go into a granny gear.. so it worked great.
But I just thought I'd pass along new knowledge...