I don't mind "out-&-backs". it's interesting what our perception of time is. meaning you think you're close to the end but then you see something that tells you, you have further to go. another reason to have a bike computer, so you can gauge your effort. meaning, if you are closer to the finish line, you can expend more energy, but if you have a significant distance to go, you'll know to pace yourself. another thought, when I was learning a 22 mile bike commute route, I drove it in my car, in both directions, multiple times, until I learned all the turns. that was pretty helpful

but yeah the hills are different going back! a big hill that is fun to coast down, is now a lot of work going back up! nothing boring about that

I like the other types of rides too