I rode into work yesterday, I had to get on the sidewalk for a short stint and there was a sign in the middle. I unclipped and stepped down to get around it and put my foot in mud. Went to work, no problem.

On the ride home the mud had dried in my cleat and it made it very difficult to clip in and out. I came to a stop light, tried to clip out and my foot would not release, so I fell. I was pretty embarrased

don't figure you will do that again. My basic rule is never fall unless folks are there to see it.

Meh, I fell at a drive in restaurant, as we were getting there. I sat and had my root beer float while my wife laughed at me. At least you got to ride away from there.

You get bonus points if a coworker saw you.

I remember learning to ski, the instructor told us how important it was to knock the snow out of your bindings and off the bottom of your boots: they could freeze in place and if your ski didn't come off when you fell, it could twist your leg off! (Or something like that). I've been terrified of slushy ski boots ever since - and muddy cycling cleats for the same reason. Your story confirms my worst fears!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0JUtatO9D4