If I decide to try a new route I drive it in the car first nice and slow so I can get the feel for it. If it is full of mad dogs or something like that I try some other route. Driving it first helps me to feel a little better prepared as I cycle on my own. Having said that it is nice to just wander and find new views etc. The other day I ventured down a long hill which I normally turn at the top of and found a whole new area to ride with amazing mountain views. Hmm the down side was the climb back up the hill.