I learned the hard way about the cleats too. I was used to my spds and stopped for a poddy break at a corn field. I told everyone to go ahead and I would catch up but couldn't clip back in when I tried to get back on my bike. When i dug enough dirt out with a stick to clip in, then I couldn't get unclipped when I stopped. I was so far back by that point there was no catching up. Gotta have the covers if you are going to get off the bike!!