leveling up on the cycle
So after the lapse of winter, I've been riding my bicycle a lot again: everyday to and from work and sometimes to various events around town. I even found a new an nicer route thanks too this awesome googlemaps mashup bike route planner for SF.
Now that I'm getting back in shape I want to do some longer rides again. I picked up a nice biking map of Marin County, and I'm currently planning a bicycle camping trip to Point Reyes. I'm thinking of just making it a solo ride but if others are interested let me know. It's about a 45-50 mile trip and my plan would be to leave early on a Sat to leave plenty of time for lollygagging along the way, and then head back on Sun morning to SF. Alternately, if I want to spend more time in Point Reyes there's always the 5:30p Larkspur Ferry, which is only 22-25 miles away.
Also, I'm thinking of upgrading my bike pedals and shoes to a cleat system. I've never done the cleat thing, but with all the hill riding I've been doing it makes sense. Trouble is I have only one bike and occasionally I'll use it for events/clubs wearing my big old New Rocks, so I need pedals with a platform that are at least somewhat workable sans cleats. I've done some research: the Shimano M324 (one side normal/one side cleat) or M545, or M647 look decent; as do the Time ATAC Z pedals; and the Crank Brother's Candy and Mallet with the eggbeater system look awesome.
On Edit: Alternatively, there's also the PowerGrip straps. Some people swear by them instead of "clipless" (i.e. pedals that use cleats). And they have longer straps that work with boots (though maybe not frankstien size New Rocks).
On Edit v2: Also been reading on the Atomlab Quickstep which sound from this forum like they are as easy to ride with normal shoes as they are with cleated. In fact, they're kinda different in that they ride like platforms except when you pull up on the pedals which is when it holds.
Do any of you out there have any cleat or non-cleat recommendations?