I went clipless today

[thekarens]

Ironically enough before I went clipless I always put my left foot down first and I still do with my mountain bike with spikes, but with clipless I never could make it work with the left foot, I kept falling. I switched to unclipping with the right foot and haven't had a problem since.

[marni]

the mantra my bike shop made me memorize and practise was " sit up, unclip, then apply the brakes." Even so I still sometimes topple over (usually at a stop with loads of people watching, or if I try to turn in too tight a circle. It's always an adventure. Since I have SPD clips and walk around a bit in my shoes, I have also learned to check my clips and shoes for rocks etc. which can catch the shoe and prevent un clipping.

[Dragonfly5]

Oh thanks for that tip Marni. I also have SPD clips and didn't think about little rocks and dirt getting stuck in there. I've been on three rides and have done pretty well. My last ride I was with a friend and we got gabbing and I almost forgot to unclip once! I always put my left foot down and I knew that going in but the owner of my LBS tried telling me I was "right footed" and to put my right foot down first. I said "nope, this is what feels natural to me." My muscles are still getting used to pulling as well as pushing so I'm not sure I notice a difference on hills yet. Thanks everyone for the responses.