Feeling like a clipless idiot!

[solobiker]

Don't give up..it does get easier. I actually unclip with my right foot. It feels more natural to me. I don't have very much advice other then keep trying, you will get it. Like you said in your above post, try to unclip in advance and keep your cleat away from the clip if you can. Maybe practice on the road near your street...ride as slow as you are comfortable riding and practice clipping in and out without putting your foot down. Good luck and keep at it!!

[chicagogal]

Oh, I just switched to clipless a few weeks ago. The first and only time I fell (the day I installed my new pedals) I unclipped on the left, came to a stop, and leaned left. However, just like with you, my foot had gotten itself at least partially clipped back in. I panicked, couldn't get unclipped in time, and fell down. Since then, I have been letting my left leg hang straight down in advance of stopping. That way I know it won't accidentally clip back in. Also, with it stretched all the way down, I kinda reach that foot toward the ground as I come to a stop and this helps me lean the right way (towards the unclipped foot). Riding clipless still makes me a little nervous, and I still think I'll fall again, but I'm getting the hang of it - you will too!

Clipping in fast again after stopping for a red light or stop sign is also a bit of a challenge. I ride with groups that push me to my limits, so if I don't clip in fast enough I risk getting dropped (or having to bust my a** to catch the group). I kinda look down during the stop to see how my pedal is positioned so I know whether I need to turn it over or not when I get started. That way I can clip in pretty fast. When I forget to do that, or let the pedal spins as I trip to position it, I lose precious time!