From my house within about 15 miles either south or north I can get on roads that allow me to go for 20-50 miles with stop signs, but no lights. Depending on what I am doing, I would either drive to a good place to leave from, or ride from my house. What I like about long stretched that mimic the terrain you are going to ride is that it allows you to get used to long periods on the aero bars and saddle. I've seen so many people in triathlons not using their aero bikes as aero bikes because they are not used to the position (neck, back, butt are not ready for long stints in an aero position).