Sounds like a great commute to work, Rainman. I like to extend my route too, if I have the time. The shortest way is just a straight highway ride across the prairie for 10 miles, I know what you mean about wind...if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger! Well, I'm not dead yet, but when do I get stronger?
My favourite route is along a river road with new pavement, a few gentle hills (the prairies, remember?), and no stops for about 5 - 6 miles. And guess what? There's an ice cream stand at the end. If I go back home from there it's a 50 km (31 miles) ride. I usually do that part of it at least once a week, and parts of it I can do on my commute to work. I can extend it by going back onto the highway for a couple of miles, getting back on the river road where it goes along the edge of a small city, and go right to the end where there is a small marina and campground at the intersection of the Red River and a creek, and another restaurant. Along the way is cottage country and occasional glimpses of the river. The whole thing is slightly over 100 km. I did that ride once last summer and it was great.