Yes, these brakes are hard to set... difficult to set where you have the "feel" that you like and the ability to release them. With that said, one trick you can use is release the cable just a bit, and then use the barrel adjuster to take up the slack. Obviously, you would need to reverse this once you take the wheel off.

I would definitely take it to your LBS and have them take a look at it first, and then ask them to show you the above trick and a couple of others that are out there. It will make your life much easier!