I just got an amazing job on the CU Boulder campus and I'm thinking I might like to commute from my apartment in Denver a few times a week (up to 5 times). I asked Google Maps for a route and then modified it to suit my preference for roads over paths. Here's the route: http://goo.gl/maps/TMl2W

What do you guys think? I'm not familiar with the trail options on the NW side of Denver-metro, nor in Boulder, so I'm kind of groping around on this one. I'd rather take a direct route with timed lights I can keep up with (e.g., 13th/14th ave through Cap Hill) than a designated bike route with stop signs every two blocks or a path with pedestrians and posted 15mph speed limits. I'd also rather take a lane on a multi-lane road than get honked at on a single-lane road because I refuse to ride in the door zone and I'm only doing 20mph (e.g., 12th ave through Cap Hill). Basically I'm an assertive cyclist capable of sustaining a decent pace and unafraid of riding on arterials.

Particular areas of concern to me are getting through Westminster/Broomfield (I'd prefer a simpler route than the one currently shown. Longer is okay so long as it's faster); and from Broomfield to Boulder. I'm aware it's legal to ride on US 36 for some of that, and I wonder what that's like. I'm also aware the current construction might make that unreasonable, but thoughts are appreciated.

Finally, Google Maps is claiming 3+ hours. That seems ridiculous to me. I'd expect to be able to do 32 miles in 2 hours, tops. Am I missing something? I typically average 18+ moving speed over that sort of distance, so I don't think my estimate is unreasonable.

I did a search here and turned up a few routes, but the posts all seemed to be 5+ years old, so I figure it's time for a new thread. I probably missed the definitive post (for surely this topic's been beaten into the ground). A gentle pointer to that post would be appreciated.

Thank you for your thoughts!