I feel sorry for you guys with only one commuting route. There are six I use regularly, each with its own variations and cuts. Variety is the spice, and all.

This is one of my favorites, because it embodies variety. I call it my hills, parks, cemetery, and trails route. About 9˝ miles, about 35 minutes ride time, about 700 feet of climbing.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2127727

Starting near the George Eastman House in the Neighborhood of the Arts, it follows residential streets to a chain of hills along the southern border of the city. The parks fall along this chain of hills, as does the cemetery. Then it's through the University of Rochester's River Campus to the Erie Canalway MUP. Finally back to residential streets to the library.

One of the climbs in the cemetery is cobbled. In the springtime, I channel my inner hardman there while the pros race the cobbles in Europe. Of course, I do it with loaded panniers…



Pavé every day!

This climb is a real treat when it's snow-covered and the bike is wearing its studs.