First clipless ride and I didn't mangle myself!

[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!