Rode the Red Hot Chili Pepper ride last Saturday, and the route goes through Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Joe Pool area, etc. Also, there are some nice rides through the country roads of Mansfield, and you could easily start in Grand Prairie. Most roads don't have shoulders out there. Just country roads, but they are used to cyclists.
Check out Texas Plume Road for a nice 1.5 mile hill to add to the route...
Red Hot Chili Pepper ride (found one from 2008, their website is down for some reason):
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...llas/909973499
Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Cedar Hill, Arlington, Joe Pool, etc. (166 Routes):
http://www.mapmyride.com/search?txtL...rch=SEARCH+%3E