Yeah, the valve placement isn't ideal, though I don't struggle as much anymore. Get yourself one of the Accu-gage air gages, it's a must have; the clip attachment for the valve makes it REAL easy and you can fill the tire while it's connected. Here's the one I have:
EZ-Air Tire Gauge
Model# EZ02
Here's a pic, first one on URL:
http://www.getagauge.com/
Be sure to get this one, it has a thumb release for the connection. You press the release, slide it on, then let go... it locks onto the valve. To disconnect, just squeeze the thumb release and pull off. You'll find quite a few accu-gages, but this one is by far the most useful; the one with the thumb release.
