It does feel weird not having toes attached to the bike. But the trouble I was having in the skills class just pushed me in a direction I was probably going anyway. Eventually. (I can always put the toe cages back on)

I'm a pretty low-key rider. I commute and do errands, go for weekend rides, a little camping, supported multi-day rides, and plan a low-key foray into triathlons with the Danskin this summer.

I have fun with my cheap bike.

What is not fun is discovering that "skills" requires shoe treads that DON'T catch on cage straps, laces that DON'T catch on buckles and cages, and the ability to get your foot in or out in a hurry.

Got a bee in my bonnet about clipless now. We'll see what develops.