Scifi, you started this thread by presenting two possible escape manouvres, based on your experience with model aircraft. Please keep in mind that the power loading for a normal GA type aeroplane is vastly different from what you see with a model. Because of this, the available authority from, for example, the rudder is vastly different. And that's before we get into the available margins in the structure with regard to G-loading. All this will be worse if your trusty Cessna or Piper is loaded with a full set of adults and a bit of baggage. From straight and level flight at 100kt, you will be able to apply a fair bit of bank and pull the yoke into your gut, but that is the absolute limit of what I would attempt were I to be faced with a situation as you describe. The next thing I would notice would be the ASI needle heading towards the minimum value on the scale.
I concur with ShyTorque, keep those two phrases in mind at all times, thinking at least one problem ahead. I've been fortunate to have done most of my flying over a very flat landscape, and because of this I have absolutely no plans to venture into more rugged landscapes without a serious bit of preparation. I know that I'm not equipped for that kind of flying, so I either stay away from it or will take someone along who does know the gotchas.