After 20 years of the same commute I have explored most options. I have my least-traffic route, my fewest traffic lights route, my most picturesque route, and my fastest route. Once in while for variety I will move a street or two over (or if there is construction) which can be fun, and sometimes I will jump from one route to another where they intersect.

But this being a hilly city, my routes have evolved to avoid the most taxing hills and provide the most level riding. However sometimes a short steep hill is preferable to a long gradual uphill slog. While in other cases a long gradual uphill is preferable to a short but rediculously vertical climb.

I'm very fortunate that the center portion of my commute is through a grid of streets that provides variety and options.