OK, the time has come for me to get brave and try my new pedals. I've had my bike for 2 months and have ridden about 250 miles. Last weekend, I did a 40 mile ride and actually felt comfortable, relaxed, and in control on my bike for the first time. Thanks to some advice in the "Bike Maintenance" forum, I was successful in getting my old platform pedals off and my new Crankbrothers Quattros on. I just spent the last half hour propped in my bedroom doorway clipping and unclipping. That went well...but being propped up in a doorway is not quite the same as actually rolling down the road!

I think I'm going to head over to the local elementary school tomorrow and start out riding on the grass. Then I can graduate to the paved playground. Depending on how that goes, I'll try an actual ride. Please everyone, send me all your positive energy and wish me luck! I am not very coordinated and have pretty poor balance, so tomorrow could result in mild to severe injury. My goal is mild injury requiring only first aid that I can provide for myself.