Every 'real' ride involves driving. The only rides around my 0.6x mile neighborhood loop are either a brief equipment/adjustment checkout or once around with my daughter if/when she asks. Getting out of the neighborhood involves riding the edge of a busy 5 lane (4+turn lane) highway with nasty shoulders - Mud, nails, glass, gravel, wire... you name it. It's the only major east-west artery for miles. Plus, even though I live in a moderately smallish area, I'd still rather ride in the country. I've ridden in town, but I get tired of the rough streets, traffic and start/stop riding. So, it's a 15-mile drive each way, minimum. Like Uncle Walter said, that's just "the way it is".

I need to find some new routes, though.