I usually go north or east - I'm not a big fan of crossing over the 580/680 interchange on a bike, it's very busy.
I've ridden with the Valley Spokesmen, and used them extensively to learn new routes close to home. In fact, I'll be SAG'ing on The Cinderella this weekend (SAG #8), while my wife and daughter ride.
I've been through Sunol, up to Calaveras Reservoir, into Niles and over Palomares a few times, but still prefer going north to going south.
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"Love is not the dying moan of a distant violin, it’s the triumphant twang of a bedspring."
S. J. Perelman