I think my favorite ride this year was the first 50 mile ride of the year I did in June. It was a club ride where I rode to the leader's house in Lincoln (8 miles), and we headed back through Concord, onto very familiar roads. Since most of the riders in the group live nearer to the city and had no idea where they were, I stayed up front and helped with the human arrowing. I felt strong and fast. When they got near the lunch stop, it was clear that 50 riders would not fit into the place the leader had made a reservation at, I decided to leave and ride home. Even though it was like 1:00 and I was starving, I flew the last 9 miles, and even went past my street and into my neighborhood an alternate way, so I would get my 50.
I also learned of a cut through that goes through the Cysco Systems campus, that avoids one of the steepest hills around here. I've used that street a few times this year, and on July 4th, DH and I replicated this ride.