First Clipless Ride!

[lisathew8lifter]

I tried SPD clip pedals yesterday - first time ever. i was so psychologically worked up that i put off trying it for the entire summer. i had my husband put them on yesterday and i had no choice. i did a few circles in the culdesac and all was well until we were 7 miles into a 30 mile ride. i was going up hill (no shoulder) and shifted and my gears got stuck and there was no where to go. i was going so slow i didn't even have time to think to unclip before i fell. i fell to my left, knee taking the majority of the hit, then elbow. i got a cramp in my left calf (still clipped as i laid there) and i looked, and a car was coming!!!! luckily, the driver saw me, and was going slow enough to avoid me. whew! i learned a HUGE lesson about shifting when going up a LONG hill with clips. i momentarily forgot about those and have NEVER had any probs going up this hill until yesterday. my knee and elbow are killing me right now, but it could have been so much worse!

[emily_in_nc]

Ouch! Lisa, sorry for your fall. Hope you'll heal up fast and won't let it put you off clipless pedals.

[lisathew8lifter]

i woke up this a.m. and my knee was throbbing so i iced it and it was much better. i took a break from riding today but i'll be back at it on tuesday. i knew that i'd never go back to regular pedals and i also had a hunch i'd take a tumble but i didn't think it would be THAT soon!

[marni]

ouch! glad you are safe, sorry you are hurting and in awe that you are soldiering on. It will get easier.

[lisathew8lifter]

thanks, marni! took another shot at it tonight and it was a non event. i took the advice of the ladies on here and always clip out on my left side. i have been clipping out as a precaution when approaching drive ways, stop signs/lights, etc. i do NOT want to fall again!!! i am kind of glad i got it "over with" on saturday so now i can just get better and hope to avoid a similar situation!!!