If your goal is to get faster and stronger, you needs to deal with it.
Endurance and Speed (power) take time to build up.
48/16 is not so tall at all for your range. OP kinda 210 and big legs, that (in theory) should have pretty big watts by natural. And OP says he rides flat paved path with winds, actually that excellent way to train your speed! dealing with the winds is so normal.
Mash********** Spin********** huh, why bother********** I personally not really care, mash sounds less efficient than spin blah blah blah BUT most serious fast riders MASH TO WIN. not spin.
BUT spinning will make you efficient pedaling on the bike and techniques.
You just needs to concentrate and push yourself. And you will reaps the reward.