I have a choice. Along the Coast or Over the Mountain. Note that over the mountain is 10 miles shorter than around the coast but not much faster because, well, I've got to climb the stupid mountain. I usually go around the coast just because the road is more laid back with less traffic. The downhill on the over the mountain ride is not for the feint of heart although I think maybe Garmin got confused when I went through the tunnel which is why it shows me reaching 73.6 mph after going zero (see spike on timing graph), I usually don't get over 50 mph but this is often in heavy traffic (nerves of steel). There are lots and lots of things that make this an easy commute even though my usual round trip is about 45 with with 2,400 feet of climbing. First, the weather is nice, almost always. Second, I can bail at any time and put the bike on the bike rack on a passing city bus. Third, I don't have to go into work every day. Usually on three times a week (I'm a professor and I can do my non-classroom teaching work from home). Fourth, it has to be one of the most scenic commutes anywhere so you cannot possibly get tired of it. Use the satellite view and zoom in a bit and you'll get some idea of what I mean.