This is the most direct way I have right now: http://tinyurl.com/ohpzsx

As you can see, there is really no way for me to travel mostly residential because there just aren't many roads that go over the lakes. Grass Lake Road is a 40 mph, twisty, hilly road and that's the majority of the ride. Rt. 173 is a 40-55 mph semi-truck route that is simply out of the question. I also work on a very busy road, but there are at least some options for biking there.

My other option is this: http://tinyurl.com/qua644

I rode it one way to work yesterday and it was fine, however, it is very hilly in some places and the hills would be uphill on the way home from work and I don't know if I could handle that after 6 hours of physically demanding work (I'm a vet tech). It also adds 4+ miles to the commute. Plus, it's all country, rural roads and pitch black at night. Both ways would be pretty dark at night, when I'd be riding home (I work 2pm to 8pm +).

Does anyone have a ride like this? I'm tempted to ask DH if he'd come pick me up after work, but I don't think he'd do it (I'll ask, though). That way I'd at least just have to ride the daylight part of the commute. I only work three days a week, so it's not like I'd be doing this every day.

I really want to do this, but on the other hand, it's intimidating. The ride yesterday was tiring and I had lunch and a car ride home to look forward to afterwards, not 6+ hours of work.