I feel somewhat nervous about putting the double-sided pedals on my bike tomorrow (Shimano - platform/SPD reversable). My fitter is installing them and adjusting things properly.

My trainer suggested that I could just wear my shoes with cleats and start out by clipping in for shorter stretches of straight/flat road as I gradually get used to them, then clip out/switch sides for more challenging bits of road for now until I get more confident. Does this sound a reasonable approach?

I have to admit that I am a little afraid of doing this - but it is absolutely related to my many, many falls in late winter the last time I tried this - and I needed a new helmet before it was over

I really want to figure this out though - and I keep reminding myself that while I am still in my first year, my skills have certainly advanced since late Feb/early March when I tried it last time

Basically I need some encouragement. I know me, and the longer I put this off - the greater the chance that I will never try them again. That would be a shame, because on those rare occasions when I didn't fall over last time, I could see the advantage of being attached to the bike!

I do hope that I can bet comfortable enough with them so I can be clipped in for my brevet in October...

It is kind of funny though - I have no problem at all with pointing my bike on very long routes on roads I do not know - and the idea of new pedals make me nervous...