I have two direct five mile routes, one that is a MUP except the last three blocks, and the other that is on road with bike lanes about 50% of the way. The MUP has the advantage of no road intersections for the first four miles. The on road direct route has been my winter route after a snowfall when I need something which has been plowed. However, I rarely take either, but instead take a combination of MUPs that follow the stream that runs past my house down to the Potomac River and then follow that up to within three blocks of my office (a 12 mile route). I do this mostly to get more riding time/milage.