Thanks Sadie Kate -- I'm actually doing well with the trackstand -- as long as that doesn't mean balancing that way for extended periods. I slow WAY down and do pretty well at holding it until I finally do stop and have to dismount (unless of course the reason for the slow-down disappeared and I got to speed up and go on).

The high-speed stopping maneuver -- "Throw your butt off the back of the bike" -- you mean actually dismount? Or stand/raise up off the saddle but stay on the bike? (Hmm, my cute basket on bike is going to make it more difficult to do that, time to reconsider that set up.)

P.S. We don't have clips or cages -- just regular tennis shoes on pedals. I can't imagine how much trouble I'd be having if I was hooked onto the pedal in some way!