Today was the first time that I went out with my shiny new SPD pedals... 4 falls later they may not be so shiny any longer

Starting wasn't the problem, I knew that timing my stopping would be the most interesting. It took 3 falls to figure out that I have to unclip BOTH feet to stop - because I am so accustomed to stopping with both feet, not one.

So, bruised elbow and wrenched shoulder aside, I had a great time! I would have gone further than 9.5 miles, but my elbow was getting stiff. I DID manage to ride 4-5 miles after the last fall without falling over again Assuming that I can move my arm tomorrow, I fully intend on heading back out to the same place and doing it all over again minus the falling.

Oh yes, for the first time it was quiet and still enough that I could hear my tires singing on the pavement. That was a very, very good sound!