Originally Posted by
slcbob
OP, you'll be surprised how a longer great route (smooth path, fewer crossings, etc.) can compare favorably to a shorter poor route -- not just for enjoyment and safety, but straight up on time due to better speed due to rolling resistance on tow path, crossings, hills, etc. I think you're concentrating only on mileage now and really selling yourself short.
Google bike directions gave me the current route. I've been using Google for most bike routings, with mixed success, but generally pretty good.
Perhaps the other routes could be better, but 1) I'm only on the Towpath for about a mile, before it comes to the Rock Creek/ Capital Cresent? trail, so the rolling speed impediment is minimal (I maintain 12.7 MPH for that short stretch, sandwiched between average speeds of 16 and 14. The main issue with using the other routes is getting from my preferred starting point to the W&OD. Sure, I could drive to some other location, but a) I try to be a polite citizen (I'm parking at a relative's home, not just any old public street, and b) that sort of defeats the point of cycle commuting, doesn't it? Of course, a couple more dark rides up Chain Bridge Road might convince me that it is the preferred alternative.