Bike Pedals, To Cli*****t?

Here is the deal. I've been cycling indoors with clip shoes for almost 2 years, can't be without them in class.  I'm just getting out on the road for some road experience, at this point I'm a bit scared to put them on.  I have 2 weeks to my first sprint tri so that doesnt leave me much time for too many rides.  Doing my first distance ride of 12 miles this Sunday &  I just don't know if I should put the clip pedals on until I get more comfortable being on the bike.  Any experience,  advice or input would be appreciated so much.

If you already are used to the clip pedals, then go for it.

Put the clippies in for cryin' out loud!

If you put them on a little loose at first, you shouldn't be too scared they won't come out if you need them to.  That's what I did at first, and it worked fine for me.  I'm much more comfortable now with them.

Linn

Practice, practice, practice.  You need to learn to decliip on whichever leg your leaning toward otherwise you're going down.  Clips are indespenable part of a good ride. 
Rob