i have been inspired by you guys to look into what my commute would look like. Here is what I have figured so far:
http://connect.garmin.com/course/753798
The are that I think needs some fine tuning is the area around Roxbury right near Marty's Randolph. Really, from when I cross under Route 80 to Hanover Road. I need to figure out what the best way is to cross Rt 46 and Rt 10. Any advice? I will be using my cross bike so trails are an option as you can probably see I have included some rail-trails where possible.
The route is actually REALLY nice from Rt. 80 onwards.
Follow N. Dell Ave all the way to Rt. 46. I am not sure why it kinks you into a residential area.
From there, you can do one of two things:
A) Follow the plotted route up Mine Hill, turning right onto Canfield Ave. Rt. 46 is pretty low key in this area, and there is a traffic light at the intersection. However, Mine Hill is a pretty decent climb if you want to keep the legs working. If not,
B) N. Dell to 46 again, but slightly backtrack by turning left onto 46, then left again onto KENVIL AVE (there is a traffic light here; 46 is a 2 lane road at this point). Take Kenvil Ave to the end (Main St, which will run you right by my house). Left onto MAIN ST, then in about 500ft right onto EYLAND AVE. There is a traffic light at the intersection of Rt. 10.
If you follow A, Canfield Ave will intersect Rt. 10 at a traffic light. Cross Rt. 10 and keep going till Sussex Turnpike. I don't know whether the trip into the Patriots Path park was your idea, but for commuting it seems like a time waster as these are paved/gravel paths that meander around for a while before dumping you onto roads. Probably a lot of added time if you dick around in there.
I would take Canfield right to Sussex Turnpike (or, in the case of Opt. B, cross Rt. 10 and ride the shoulder of 10 for about 1000 feet and ease onto Sussex Turnpike there). Sussex Tpk is a great biking road and only a 2-laner.
Take Sussex Turnpike all the way until it splits left for W. Hanover Ave and finish your ride from there. Decent paved roads and a pretty direct route.
If you picked the route through Freedom Park, I can understand your idea to get a little nature on your morning ride but it is certainly not efficient for a commute.
