Embarrassing wipeout- new to clipless

[Hill-Slug]

I've fallen over twice, both times without human witnesses. How lucky is that?

The first time, I was riding in the Skagit Valley. I fell in the direction away from the road. Because it's a flood plain, the roads are 6-8' above the fields. I ended up tires up, head down, and several feet below the road. The cows were curious, but they didn't laugh.

The second time, I fell because I forgot I could get out. It was my first ride of the season. My ski bindings never pop, and after a ski season I'd mentally adapted to my feet not coming loose. I hit an ice patch and slid, never thinking to put my feet on the ground. I sat on the ice laughing at myself. (And to think some people think I cannot be trained!)

I love my SPD pedals. Riding loose would feel as weird to me as riding in a dress.

[presfoxm]

bikenewbie,

I have to admit, I did the exact same thing. Stopped at a stoplight, unclipped right foot and proceeded to fall over to left. I, though, was not next to a car at the time--I was in front of the cars.

The crossing traffic had a green light so I was only seen by two directions of traffic. Selfishly I will say I am glad I am not the only one to have done that!

Pres