I'm still working on getting on and off of SPD pedals (meaning--I break about 100ft before my destination stopping point. I fell the second day of using clippless which explains my hesitation to stop any sooner... Any tips on how to get closer to my (real) stopping point without feeling uncomfortable?
Also, my next goal is to go up hills... I'm really nervous about that considering I don't know how easy it is to get up one without stopping. How do you get up that hill without stopping and basically, just going right through? Certain gears? Certain positions?
My suggestion is to practice on flat terrain that you are familiar with. It will become second nature to you in no time. You won't even need to think about unclipping it will be a reflex action.
Practice unclipping the same way all the time. This will help you with normal stopping. Once you are comfortable with your method start practicing emergency exits while out riding. This can be done on roads that are not busy or bike paths. Emergency exits need to be done while braking quickly when you wont have a 100' to stop.
I always exit with my right foot first. I begin my unclipping at 3 O-Clock this way I am applying a little downward pressure as I am twisting my foot. My foot is all the way out at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If for some reason I fail to unclip I am at the bottom of the stroke so I can just twist and exit without panic.
My advice for hills is start out small and work your way up.
