here and there

...when you discover another route. I'm already avoiding a 2.5 mile downhill section with a narrow bike lane, tight corners, traffic going 50+mph, and a tricky merge into the left hand lane, by using neighborhood streets. I'm on the brakes more, the bike lanes are in the door zone (when there are bike lanes), and there is a short but very very steep hill to deal with, but it's a million times more comfortable than the first option.

Then today it occurs to me that I can avoid another nasty section of traffic by using a MUT. I would completely avoid the worst traffic, but I would have to deal with pedestrians, a dirty/dusty bike, and a longer/slower commute. Then again I have no rush to get home, I avoid traffic that makes me uncomfortable, and the scenery on the MUT (think dirt trails and lots of trees) is much nicer.

froze

A MUT? Just how will a dog help you riding a bike in a nasty section of traffic?

gbcb

Yeah, it's great! I recently found a route that has VERY light traffic, is somewhat scenic, and nicely lengthens my ride. Utterly surprising, and utterly welcome.

Marylandnewbie

I think MUT is left coast-ese for MUP

le brad

I found a new route too. Really steep hill for like 2 or 3 blocks and then really steep downhill for the next 15 blocks. Takes 10 - 15 minutes off the ride.

fordfasterr

coincidence... I used a new route yesterday on the way home and it was great !

>> click here to see pics of what I found on my new route ! <<

here and there

I've always thought of it this way:

MUP = multi-use path (paved)

MUT = multi-use trail (unpaved)

The "new" route I discovered is definantly unpaved. Most of it is a very fine, hard packed gravel, but there are plenty of spots with loose, powdery dirt. I think I'm in the market for some semi-slicks now.

Bikepacker67

I call these things, wormholes.

here and there

That's not bad.

The great thing about the first leg of my commute is that it's mostly downhill. I'm braking every few blocks, but for about 2 miles I don't have to pedal at all. Unfortunantly the last leg of the commute is up and down and culminates with a short steep hill at the very end as I get home. I've tried avoiding that hill, but no matter which road I take to get home, there will be a hill to climb so I picked the shortest one.

crtreedude 

I have a direct route that is 4 kilometers, pretty much down on the way to the office, up on the way back. I go that way when I just want to get there or back.

I have other routes that are the long way, very fun - along rivers and countryside - sometimes with pavement to enjoy. These tend to be between 10 and 20 kilometers. Enjoyable without being epic.

We almost don't have roads out here - so I will admit, I don't have a lot of choices.

G. Bucci

Pretty much have a direct route also but two weeks ago found a quieter route that is 5km longer but is sooooo much more enjoyable.

I'm not sure if it's because it's new or safer but I really do enjoy it.

Stay upright

Winnipeg, Canada

Jacobi

Everyone should be using google earth! Every weekend before I do my rides, I hop onto google earth and pick a route. The best part is that I can run my cursor over the roads and it shows the elevation, that way I know what I'm up against.

Eggplant Jeff

They closed the MUP I used to take for some major rework (regrading and repaving). So instead I had to find a new path. I printed out a topo + street map (luckily I work for a GIS company) and found the flattest, least heavily trafficked route through a bunch of neighborhoods. It's actually a very nice commute, really shows off the difference between modern suburbs (where I used to live) and old suburbs (where I live now). Much smaller roads, much less traffic, tree-lined roads... Plus eventually I'll be able to go back to the MUP (which is only half the route anyway, the other half'll still be in neighborhoods). I'm glad I moved .