Corben

First I bought some baggy mtn bike shorts at sports authority.
Then a pair of shimano spd MTV bike style shoes at Performance. Wasn't planning going clip less I but spotted a pair of used spd pedals for only ten bucks. Regularly 40 bucks. what the heck. I'll give it a try.
Then at REI I picked up a really cool casual cycling cap for just thirteen bucks. Looks like a ball cap but with a smaller bill. I found it very practical while just wearing it out and about for the rest of the day.
Well, I have a big day tomorrow on the bike and I better get some shut eye. I'm going to practice stopping and falling over... in style!

hueyhoolihan

ya, you'll need to be well rested for that!

BobbyG

You sound like a "well-grounded" "down-to-earth" sort of guy...or will be.

Panza

Learn through repetition! Learn to get out from both sides. Practice falling on your shoulder and going down with the bike instead of landing on your wrists. Make sure theyre tight! I had a screw come loose on my SPD cleat and I couldn't get out from the left side. I was already leaning to the left side and couldn't go back to my right side because gravity had to be a jerk. Embarrassingly went down in my own drive way. See you on the floor.

Corben

Practice falling down. Ha ha. Easier said then done.
I piddled paddled around my back yard yesterday. Stopping and going without falling once. Tried the cleats both forward and aft. I'm not sure which I prefer. Today I plan to go to a larger park with paths and grass.

danmc

You can also practice in a doorway or narrow hallway. I also practiced by going slowly around a baseball diamond in a park right next to my condo.

hillyman 

Clipless is the best way to go. But now that Im a truck driver easier for me to use power grips and casual wear on my bike rides.

Wearing that Lightning out Corben?

obed7

when I first got my clipless pedals, I practiced with the bike in a stand...did not fall the first few times I went out on the bike...I was careful and uncliped well before any anticipated stop... I had done several rides before I fell the first time...came to a stop where the ground had a downward slop to the left...I had my right foot unclipped, while stopped I leaned left, started to fall and could not get my left foot out in time to prevent the fall... the left foot was unclipped before I hit the ground though...tuck and roll is important...
I was unhurt physically, but since there were lots of folks watching me fall, my pride was hurt a bit...
I have fallen a few times since and every damn time it was where people were watching...

BugDude

Go ahead and throw yourself down on the ground at home in the grass and get the first fall overwith. It's like a sacrifice to the falling clipless gods. You know it's going to happen, so do it on your terms.

Corben

I DID IT!

Cruzed through the neighborhood for a hour with no problems despite the annoying gusts of wind!

Didnt practice falling over but I'll be sure to post it when it happens for real.

Corben

Just the front brake pads so far Hillyman.