Originally Posted by DataJunkie
This is more for when you have started commuting.
When bored or when I have extra time, I start varying my route (AKA exploring). This helps provide you with more plan b routes or different routes to alleviate boredom. Plus, you can find all kinds of interesting shops, eateries, parks, etc that way.
+1. Now the rain has stopped I'm having a great time trying as many routes as I can, just like being a kid and riding for fun of it. I've spent a lot idle time studying the street directory for possible routes.