Originally Posted by chasm54

Good for you.

The answer to how to unclip is simply to bring the bike almost to a halt before doing so, at which point it is no different from a geared bike. I ride mine sometimes with spd, sometimes with clips and (loosish) straps, sometimes with no foot retention at all - though doing the latter does reduce one's confidence a bit when spinning downhill.

I too use brakes, it isn't that I can't stop the bike without them, but it is harder on the knees and no matter what any FG enthusiast tells you, you can't skid stop in as short a distance as you can with the assistance of a front brake. With the brake, a FG is every bit as safe as a freehub/freewheel bike.

Skills to learn to get you comfortable. First, relax and spin down the hills. That's the big one, in terms of enjoyment, and it does take some practice to convince yourself that you really can spin at well north of 150 rpm. Second, trackstanding. It's easier on a FG and does save a lot of clipping in and out. Enjoy.