Tire changing/Wheel removal

[OakLeaf]

Personally I really don't advocate turning the bike upside down. Even nowadays when modern cable routing means the housings won't get bent or broken, it's still a lot of hassle, scuffage and extra dirt - and strength, too, if it's a heavier bike - for no real advantage.

Gravity is a big help when you're getting the wheel back in and aligned. You may as well learn to work with it when you're getting the wheel out, too. You don't have to have the rear wheel off the ground for it to come out of the dropouts or the rear triangle. And if you find you need to give it a little nudge while you pull the stays apart, as you did today, you can use your foot.

Anyway, great job getting it done. As Tulip said, each time you do it you can refine your technique.