Quote Originally Posted by luvmyguys View Post
I need to get to the point where I'm hopping out of the saddle on stops appropriately, and leaning as I need to after that.
There's your issue. Lean first, put your foot down second.

Really you'll find that leaning and putting your leg out are all one smooth movement, but if you want to break it down to learn it piece by piece, it's (1) unclip ONE side, (2) turn your handlebars slightly AWAY from the side you're unclipped, to induce your bike to lean toward that side, then (3) extend your leg and come out of the saddle to put your foot down.

NEVER unclip both sides until the bike is FULLY stopped at a safe place for you to dismount. If both sides are unclipped you have very little control over the bike's lean or propulsion. It's a good way to get into trouble.

I'm glad you're only bumped and scraped. Most people do go through that. There are people who get it right away, but most people tip over a couple of times while they're learning the motion of unclipping. I went through it twice, actually, when I first went clipless, and then again when I returned to riding after a 12-year hiatus.

It'll come. Hope you feel better soon.