Originally Posted by dutret

Only because pulling that hard on the pedal wouldn't have been an option. Chances are you wouldn't have been able to ride down the hill under control with toeclips if you were putting so much effort in modulating speed that you pulled out of your eggbeaters.

I'm assuming that when you say toeclips you are refering to using pedals designed for with cleats with toeclips but without cleats(which seems to be what most people use here) and that your eggbeater cleats weren't worn out months ago. Also that you were riding brakeless

Also for those who cite keeping your foot from sliding around the pedal as an advantage of clips I highly suggest you get some decent pedals that weren't designed for use without cleats as thats probably a more appropriate solution to that problem.