This is for those who have ever fallen while clipped/strapped in during a trackstand. Especially experienced trackstanders to whom this happened.

I've been trackstanding a few months. I learned on platforms and started doing it clipped in when I had gained confidence. I've gone as long as two minutes, and can trackstand sitting and one-handed for shorter periods of time. Twice this week I rode my 14 mile commute (six lights and several 4 way stops) without putting a foot on the ground the whole time.

Yet, the other day I was at a light and things weren't going well, I tried to bail - as in get to a position where I could unclip and put my foot down - and I fell.

This was the second time. The first was just after I'd learned to trackstand and started doing it clipped.

Both times, I fell to the left. I trackstand with my wheel turned to the right and my right foot forward. I'm not sure if I was rolling backwards or forward when I went down. I tend to think backwards.

Both times I bruised my left hip, but my knees did not hit the ground. The first time my wrist took a hit but the second time, my messenger bag absorbed much of the impact. My iPod was in my back jersey pocket and the headphones did not make it. I'm getting quite good at this kind of fall.

Now, I take the following precautions. If it looks like the light is going to be long, I unclip my left foot. I've never fallen or started to fall to the right. Also, whenever I've been on platform pedals and had to put my foot down to save myself from falling, it's always been my left foot.

I also try to position my pedals so that my forward (right) knee is bent and my rear (left) leg is more straight. My thinking is that this will enable me to bail more easily should I have any troubles. It also feels more stable. I generally try to leave myself enough room in front of me that I can bail if I need to.

Comments?