Echoing other responses here...

The most direct route includes a 55mph speed limit road that gets heavy traffic, especially when the interstate it parallels clogs up. I have only biked that on a Sunday when I was not going to work and traffic was non-existent. That route is about 10 miles from home to work.

My normal route is 12 miles. But if I leave early enough I will add an extra mile or three, depending on the time. Adding means hitting a MUP or taking the long way through a neighborhood. I do it for variety and to see different things.

I rarely do ride outside of commuting, so I figure since I'm on the bike, I might as well get a little extra time or mileage in.