I've fitted my bicycle with MKS Touring Lite pedals and metal toe-clips with dual straps. I've been riding around with them the last couple days and think we'll become best friends . It's taking some getting used to. Slipping my 2nd foot into the clip is awkward - especially with the big hiking boots I wore the first day. It's getting easier now and I can again manage to do it without looking down sometimes.

I remember when I switched to clipless years ago, I felt very awkward at first and when coming to a stop would look for something to lean against rather than clip-out. Now going back to toe-clips my feet have forgotten how to ride again and it's a similar feeling.

My foot keeps wanting to twist-out when I stop if I'm not thinking about it.

But I feel so liberated to ride in normal shoes. I've been riding around lately in running shoes. I can tell I need a stiffer sole for longer rides. What's a good shoe to look for? A hiking shoe with gortex liner? I just have some big winter hiking boots and some running shoes right now. I want to buy a stiff-soled shoe that will be good in warm weather primarily but a range of weather conditions (including rain) in general.

Now I don't have to prepare for every bike ride. If I get delivered to my cycle after leaving it somewhere I don't have to remember bringing riding shoes. I can go visit friends and family and go with them to a movie or something and go naturally on and off the bike without it being a special production.

I rode clipless for almost 30 years - partially influenced by a vision of the "right way" for a "serious cyclist" to ride. I'm still prone to wear cycle-specific clothing because I have a hard time regulating my temperature and sweat otherwise (to avoid quickly going from hot and sweaty to freezing). But I think I'm on toe-clips for good.

I think this will make it easier to keep my feet warm on cold rides. I don't have to wear a shoe that lets cold seep in thru a hole in the bottom.