Thanks everyone for the responses.

In doing some internet research last night, I learned about loosening the allen bolt and puling the cable, which I did. So, good news is the wheel is in and the breaks appear to be where I want them.

The problem: my barrel adjuster seems as though its not engaged with anything anymore- how crucial is this and how can I fix it? Essentially I can't tighten my levers the way I want, or at least fine tune them. By this I mean I guess I turned the barrel out so far it is no longer threaded and I can't get it threaded again. The barrel isn't doing anything.