In another thread Cyclezealot expressed concern that due to work schedule changes he would have difficulty finding enough time for his rides. I wonder how all of you schedule you cycling time, and what tricks you use to squeeze saddle time into a busy schedule.

I’ll start it off with my situation.
I work days and I'm gone about 11 hours each day because it’s a 70 minute drive. Obviously commuting by bike is out. In winter I leave for work before it is light and get home at sunset. After meals and family responsibilities there’s not much time left.

The only way I got a ride today was to get up at 4am and ride in the dark I'll get home from work at 5pm eat and have to run my kid to dance school. I hope that I can get to bed early enough so that I can get up tomorrow at 4am for a ride.

I can usually get 2 - 3 hours on Saturday but sometimes, when there are conflicts, I have to get creative. For instance: a ‘back to school shopping day’ takes almost the whole day (we live far from the stores). I hate shopping, so I’ll take the bike. While my wife and daughters are spending money I get a nice ride on different routes, and they don’t have to drag a man around the boutiques. I’ve taken the kids to school sport events and cycled while they were watching a game. When I have to drop the car at the shop for repairs, I’ll take the bike and cycle home.

Sundays are freer. I can usually get anywhere from 3 to 5 hours in the saddle.

So, what are some of your tricks for squeezing in enough saddle time?