The shortest route was the most stressful part of my day

The route planner offered the shortest line. My shoulders supplied a different review.

I arrived home with the groceries intact and a firm desire not to repeat one particular stretch of the trip. The journey had saved a little distance while consuming a great deal of my comfort. It looked efficient on a screen. From the saddle, the trade felt rather less attractive.

I began comparing routes with the destination held constant. I looked for current local information, considered the conditions I would meet and paid attention to the parts I found demanding. One alternative included an extra turn and a little more distance. It also felt more manageable to me.

I tried it at the sort of time I actually needed to travel, rather than assuming a quiet weekend reconnaissance described every weekday. I noted where the experience changed and where I might choose to stop or continue by another means.

This is a personal route diary, not a universal recommendation. People differ in experience, confidence, mobility and the bicycles or loads they use. Streets also change. An old note should never outrank what is happening in front of you or the rules that apply now.

The interesting result was my willingness to ride again. The modest detour reduced the argument I had with myself before leaving. A journey I repeated comfortably was more useful than the theoretically efficient one I kept avoiding.

I still consult a map. I just ask it a more complete question. Get me there is the beginning. Help me choose a journey I can sensibly make today is the part that deserves the rest of the conversation.