Originally Posted by
cyclocrossnewbe
lost a lot of time getting off the bike because it felt so alien to be clipped in and trying to get my leg over to the other side and had to come to a stop before dismounting.
Glad you survived and enjoyed your race, Peter!
Before the next race, set up some simple barricades (or just lay some sticks on the ground) in a park somewhere and practice your rolling dismounts and re-mounts. It's definitely a skill you can master.