First clipless ride and I didn't mangle myself!

[karen]

Hi everyone! First time posting here

I got clipless pedals for my Schwinn Super Sport last week and after an evening of practice clipping in and out and "falling" into my couch to practice emergency unclipping, I felt ready to take the newly upgraded bike for a spin. Went on the Silver Comet Trail in GA (rails to trails) yesterday and I only fell twice. I got the hang of unclipping for automobile traffic stops, but when we pulled over to take a break, I forgot I was attached to my bike. Twice! Only one bruise on my leg to show for it, though, and a big lesson learned (plus a modification to my biking mantra).

What a huge workout it is to be clipped in, though! I'm glad I can work more muscles, but boy am I sore this morning!!

[Starfish]

Pretty soon all those extra muscles you're now using will translate into great efficiency. Good job getting started!

And, welcome to the boards!

[PinkPilot]

Big congrats, karen!!!! I have two new goals now: memorize your mantra, and figure out a way to mount my couch on the lefthand side of my bike and bring it on rides with me.

You must fall gracefully not to be mangled. Good job!!

[RolliePollie]

Way to go, Karen! I also made it through my first clipless ride without incident, and it was a great confidence booster. I ended up falling over three times while adjusting to my clipless pedals, but amazingly, I didn't really hurt myself at all. I did get an awesome bruise on my butt the third time, but unfortunately I couldn't show it off to anyone due to its location. I hope you remain fall free...although you probably will tip over at some point. I was happy to learn that tipping over isn't as scary as I expected.

[karen]

I was pretty darn amused at my first fall... My friend and I pulled over into the benched area and I just slowly fell over to my left (into grass, thank goodness!)

The replay in my head now comes with the "whistle-boom" cartoon bomb sound. It's much more entertaining that way!

[zondian]

I love your new biking mantra, it is cracking me up! I do not have my "clipless" pedals or shoes yet (in fact, I hope I said that right), but I will be keeping your mantra in mind when I do get them.

[karen]

The mantra really seems to help!

Also, if you've got a nice cushy couch, I'd refinitely recommend practicing next to it once you get your new pedals. Set yourself about 18 inches away from it and clip in the foot by the couch. Then lean and see if you can unclip before you hit the couch!

[zondian]

I will be taking your advice regarding the couch, and I guess I will probably get to tip over at some point, willingly or not (thank you, Sara). Can't wait to practice though, it sounds like it will be night and day (efficiency-wise) with these pedals.

[karen]

I imagine it will be eventually be night and day. At first, it's much more work on the muscles, as evidenced by my silly walk today! My [edit] glutes are really hurting today since I worked them by pulling up on the pedals occasionally instead of the usual push down motion

[Starfish]

I will be taking your advice regarding the couch, and I guess I will probably get to tip over at some point, willingly or not (thank you, Sara). Can't wait to practice though, it sounds like it will be night and day (efficiency-wise) with these pedals.

And, don't assume you will fall a lot. Seems to vary. I tipped over once (forgot I was in the pedals), but that was it. Can't explain why it wasn't more problematic to me...guess everyone is just different.

[zondian]

Okay, got the pedals, practiced in a hallway and fell once. Then moved outside to the pavement, practiced with one foot clipped in and starting, then unclipping, stopping. It made me so nervous, I didn't realize how stressed I was about it. And the whole falling thing, it's like :i'm falling, I'M FALLING!!!, i fell. ow. I think that knee pads would be great while practicing.

Anyway, I had one fall on my actual ride, coming to a stop where a lot of people were gathered, removing extra layers, so I slowed way down to stop as well, and over I went. Now I know what that feels like. It is really weir

The gist of this is: I thought of you throughout my ride, Karen, and kept the "I am attached to my bicycle" mantra ever present in my head after that. Thank You!

[karen]

I hope it helps you out

Congrats on getting your new pedals!

[coyote]

I got clipless pedals for my Schwinn Super Sport last week and after an evening of practice clipping in and out and "falling" into my couch to practice emergency unclipping, I felt ready to take the newly upgraded bike for a spin.

I wish I would have thought of the couch thing when I learn about the clipless. I fell twice the first day out on them too. Once just trying to get out of the driveway and the other, well just a bad choice, and fell over trying to get my foot off the pedal.

Welcome to TE!

[Jiffer]

Congrats on a succesful first clipless ride. Here's to many more to come! Before you know it, clipping in and out will be second nature.

[bicyclulz]

Karen,

your post is every encouraging! I am tempted to borrow my daughters arm and knee pads as I learn to use my new clipless pedals this evening! My bf will be there with camera in hand in case i tip over....

congrats on your first experience!