I finally broke down and got shoes and clipless pedals last night. This after having ridden 142 miles in 110 degree temps during the Cycle Oregon weekend a few weeks ago, and having had achilles tendon pain (to the extreme since). Just a little background: bought a road bike last fall and trained on it in doors all winter. Have done 30 - 50 mile rides plus lots of smaller ones. Mostly a weekend rider but love being on the bike. Had a 10 speed when I was a kid and went everywhere on it.

The good news: I'm really excited about the power and having made this big step. The bad news: (which really isn't so bad) I was inspired to trip around our neighborhood after having read an uplifting post about clipping in and practicing to great success right away. Well, I bit it in a big way.

Actually, that's even kind of good news as I figured out something very important: even though you manage to clip out, if it's not with the foot you normally step off with (which I now know is my left) you will head straight for the ground. And hard. No biggy but I'm a bit banged up. As my unclipped right foot waved in the wind. Gah! Anyway -- got that one under my belt and I remain psyched about getting on the saddle again!