Shiny soled shoes, slippy pedals!

[SnappyPix]

This is a bit of a variation on a theme, from the usual clipless pedal/cleat/shoe question ....
I've always used Shimano mtb dual-sided pedals - along with shoes with recessed cleats. Works brilliantly for commuting, etc.
However, I've now started to tentatively enter races and bought myself a spanking pair of Specialized BG Comp road shoes. I've used them quite a few times - but having a bit of a problem with them.
The fit is great - no probs, etc. However, I've developed a very bad habit with clipping in and have real problems engaging the second foot - it skids and slides all over the pedal, bruising shins and calves.
I tend to clip in first with the right foot (as we drive on the left) - with the pedal halfway and push down/off - so I'm clipping in the left near the top of the pedal stroke. I can get away with this on the recessed cleats and mtb shoes because the tread lets me rest the shoe on the pedal and still get some grip. Unfortunately shiny soled road shoes don't and my foot skids off!
I keep trying to alter my technique - but once bad habits are learnt, they're hard to unlearn.
I daren't use my road shoes in traffic/to commute because I have such problems - and hill starts are a nightmare.
Does anyone have any advice - I know this should be simply a question of altering my technique, but my brain won't co-operate.
I'm so used to using mtb shoes that I've developed a very lazy habit.
What do you ladies do with regards to road shoes with carbon/shiny soles?
I'm thinking that maybe a bigger cleat may help - but don't want to particularly change systems if I can help it. Obviously if having (for example) a Look cleat, rather than a teeny Shimano one would make things heaps better, I'd definitely consider it.
It's not an actual clipping in problem (ie adjustments, etc).
I do prefer the road shoe to race in, as it feels less "sloppy" and don't want to give up on them just yet, when I'm sure it's just a question of technique.

Sorry, I'm rambling - any thoughts would be ever so gratefully appreciated!

[SadieKate]

Bad habits . . what are those?!

I think you are probably correct in it just being muscle-memory. I use EggBeaters and Looks so I always have to think about it when I first change from dirt to road or vice versa. Fortunately, I've been riding Looks since Greg made them so famous that my muscle memory issues are pretty minor.

Try clipping in lower in the stroke. Also, you may have to consciously pull up harder with your right foot to get the momentum going. You don't want to do it in a pack, but I may take 2 or 3 pulls with only the right foot if I'm really trying to get the momentum up before trying to clip in. Lastly, can you find a flat road without traffic (or a large parking lot) and just clip in and out, over and over and over, until you can do it without looking? This may help you develop that muscle memory faster. You could also practice this on a trainer, but since you are already comfortable with clipless pedals, it would be best to add the variability of the road.

[alpinerabbit]

I have similar problems...

[CorsairMac]

What Sadie said - I try to clip in as I'm going into the downstroke on that side. That way I have the motion of going down/forward already so it's just a matter of clipping the foot in. I start with the clipped in froot in the up or 12:00 position so I have the full rotation to get the bike going and/or get the other foot clipped in. Another thing you might look at - are you trying to clip in while standing or seated during take-off? I used to try and clip in while standing and I kept sliding off the pedal. Now I sit down on take off, clip in and then stand. Hope this helps!

[SnappyPix]

Thanks Sadie and Corsair for your help - it's really appreciated.
I think I'm just going to have to practice, practice, practice - become a clipless newbie all over again! I'll try a bit in a quiet road - before launching myself at the mercy of the traffic!
Just when you think you cracked the whole clipless kerfuffle, you have to start from the beginning all over again! That's why I love cycling - always something new to learn! Well, that's not the only reason - but you get the gist!
I'm going to have to train my brain to push down and pull up with the right leg, and then engage the left (so, as you say, it's at the bottom of the pedal stroke). I have been trying to do the one-legged rotation thing, and letting the left coast until it's at the bottom to clip in, but it's a bit perilous in heavy traffic and on hills!
Corsair - I do tend to clip in while seated - unless I'm planning a quick getaway, but wouldn't try that in my road shoes just yet (a graceful getaway would be a bonus!).
I'm also going to think about changing my pedal/cleat system, to go for a bigger platform - and save the mtb shoes/pedals/cleats for my commuting bike. Yay - justifiable reason to hang round the LBS! Won't be changing for a few months yet though, not until I return back home to the UK in the summer, due to severe cash shortage - but gives me 6 months of research - pondering those age old questions - which cleats and shoes to get!!
Thanks again for your advice - it's been a great help and much welcome!