I've got a lovely collection of bruises from the Alpenrose clinics. I managed to stay mostly upright - until that first practice lap. 4 falls. The changing colors in the trees have nothing on my banged up knees!

If you have a choice - fall on Sand, then Mud, then Grass, then.... Just don't fall wrists out and break anything! Since you are already falling & practicing on grass, would be a great time to pick up clipless pedals and learn how to use them. Then you'll get the quick starts too! Actually - don't. Sounds like we'll be in the same beginner field, I don't need one more person off the front kickin my butt! haha

The pedal in your back? I think part of the problem is having platform pedals - those are a fairly large blunt object. If possible, see if you can have the pedal out front before you pick it up. I haven't noticed any interference from my egg beaters, but I think they are down/front position by the time I attempt to pick up the bike. Instead, I have bruises on my shoulder and forearm from shouldering and wrapping my arm thru to hold the bars tight.