I got back from the scouting ride. I found a route that's good enough. It's not as direct as I'd like but maybe I can improve it with a few tweaks. It'll probably be around 22 miles round trip. I rode 36 miles checking some possible short cuts that just didn't work out. I found what looks like a well used but clearly illegal railroad track crossing that shortens the route. I'll just keep that one under my hat.