So a couple of months ago I took the plunge and got clipless pedals for my bike with these goofy shoes that lock in. Overall, they're great. I don't get the foot cramps or numbness that I used to get wearing regular shoes. I've been practicing in my neighborhood and it's going okay, but I still have some trouble getting my feet out of the pedals quickly. About a month ago, I tipped over after forgetting to yank a foot out before coming to a stop.
And ugh. It happened again today. Mel and I went riding, and about four miles out, Mel stopped ahead of me at a stop sign. I just wasn't paying attention, and came rolling to a stop behind him. Too late, I realized my feet were still locked in. It's the worst feeling, because it seems you have all the time in the world to anticipate the fall, but no time to get a foot out. Here's what was running through my mind:
"Alright then, we're falling. How should I absorb this one? Last time I put a hand down--no blood, but I thought my wrist would break. How about a knee? And why not an elbow? Better than my head, I guess. Man, I bet this would hurt less if I lost these last few pounds. Here goes!"
This is what echoed through the neighborhood:
"SH**! SH**! SH**! [CRASH!] whimper. ow. sh**."
Good grief. Do I kiss my child with that mouth?
I'm fine...scraped knee and elbow. I also scraped the part of me that doesn't like to fall down in front of people, but that will heal too, I suppose.
