I live about 3 miles from a major grocery store and various specialty food shops in town. I also live about 2-3 miles to 3 farms each with a retail store on site. My favorite farmer's market is about 9 miles away, in Trenton. All of these are a great excuse for a bike excursion. Which one I do depends on how much time I have (and what's in the fridge).

Only a couple of years ago, I thought a hilly 3-mile ride to the grocery store was a bit excessive. However, a while back a switch went off, and I began to think of these trips as an adventure destination! This change in thinking occurred about the same time as I changed out the chainring on my bike to give me a few more lower gears. :-)