C&O Canal ride in October

[7rider]

Hey,
I'm a newbie and getting used to my first time on a road bike and with clipless pedals. I'm not ready for traffic yet--not quick enough with my reactions. And I have an issue stopping on pavement without slipping off my carbon-soled/Keo-cleated foot when I put it down.
I'm so far riding a fairly short part of Mt Vernon which is scary on the weekends, but not as scary as getting to the trails through Georgetown!

So when I get a little more skilled, I'd love to go on some rides with people who know where they're going! (or meet up for dinner) I don't think my bike can handle C&O though.

I just moved to DC over the summer (I lived in upper NW, but now live in Foggy Bottom), and I may only be here for the year. I've got lots of friends in the area, but only one other who likes to bike, and her hybrid is a lot slower than my road bike, which makes things difficult.

Hi! Welcome to D.C.! I think everybody here is probably from "somewhere else", so welcome!

RE: Sliding on the cleats...I've had luck trying to make a habit of putting my heel down first when I unclip. My shoes have a little rough patch on the heel which doesn't slip on pavement like the cleat does.