Google Maps has bicycling directions now. Not sure if they're available in all cities (what area do you live in?), but you may want to try that as an alternative.

My first thought would be for you pay attention to the area you drive in as you're going to work (do you drive, or take bus/train?) and see if you'd be able to ride that way (you don't mention if you'd be able to duplicate it...I would guess that you're probably on a highway or some non-bike friendly part of that commute).

Yes, trying out the route beforehand is always a good idea.