Commuting - When is a commute not a commute?

The weather has been so wonderful here, that I've been doubling my ride home (admittedly only to 10km from 5km), in order to get a longer ride, zipping along the waterfront, or delving deep into neighborhoods instead of taking the direct route home. And a couple of times I extended that to 20km, although I made the mistake of not bringing a water bottle and couldn't stop to buy water because I had the good bike and no lock. At what stage does a commute stop being a commute and just start being fun? Or is it always fun?

I consider my commute a fun way to get to work :D It's never like I wake up and say to myself, "Aww, man! I hafta RIDE today?" It is the most enjoyable part of my day :-D

Agreed, I often add 2-4 laps around the Central Park loop to my ride home as well as picking a new way home every day. I do miss bombing down Broadway at rush hour however that lost a lot of appeal the last time I ate it in an oil slick :)

Adding a modest amount riding is making me want to augment my hybrid with a road bike.

...and couldn't stop to buy water because I had the good bike and no lock.

Simply take your bike inside the store. if they don't want your money, then you go spend it at the next store that will accomodate you. A bike is small, your visit is short, I don't see why anyone would make a big fuss.

I ride 8 miles out of my way every day to enjoy my commute instead of simply getting home as fast as possible. The added length brings me through nice trails and scenic areas.

And a couple of times I extended that to 20km, although I made the mistake of not bringing a water bottle and couldn't stop to buy water because I had the good bike and no lock.

heh, I've done that before
but instead of doing without I just waited out side the store and asked someone politely if they'd pick me up a bottle of water, I got a strange look until I explained to them that my bike/gear cost close to a grand and I had no lock. They got me the water, I got hydrated, all was good, and gave them a few bucks for doing it for me.

I do the standard ride to work but after work, I may ride to a buddies office and ride with him on our way home or I might just check out the sites. Anytime I'm out and about on my bike vs my car, I call it commuting. :)