Raleigh Bike Route

Heading east on Buffalo is a good choice. A lot of good options open up that way. I threw together a quick route on mapmyride: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/33847260

I've ridden all but about 6 miles of that route although I reversed it because I'm not sure you want to turn left on to Buffalo from Old Crews near the end of your ride (blind hill to your right). Adding in your distance to and from the route should hit your 40+ distance. You'd see a couple convenience stores around mile 4 or 5 of this map and close to mile 23. There's also one or two on Buffalo bedore you reach this route.

Most of my riding is to the South of 64, but the riding is good to the north as well. You could search BT for rides around Rolesville, Wake Forest, North Raleigh, Wendell, or Knightdale.

Definitely is a good route there.  I live near Wake Crossroads and ride on Buffaloe Road/Roleville Rd/Forestville Rd a lot.  The worst part, especially on a Saturday is the traffic on those roads as they are main roads for many living out there.  In all of my riding, drivers give you space.

Enjoy the ride.

Thanks for all the input.  I went out Saturday and it went well.  You were right about traffic - I spent a little time on Smithfield and it was a touch hairy.  I was pretty impressed with the space folks gave me, though - no honking, crowding, etc.  A few loose dogs on Todd road were good for an adrenaline boost, too. 

On the way back to their house I went through what must be the Willow Creek area you are talking about.  Figured the last two miles would be more scenic/residential and be a good cooldown.  Those roads were horrendous, I felt like I was in a popcorn popper.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice.  My mother-in-law was asking how I could just come up with a route and feel safe and was very impressed that we have a community where all I had to do was ask.

I wound up doing it clockwise instead of counterclockwise.  Did I pass you on Lake Wendell Road just east of the really big down/up dip in the road around 9ish (very rough guess)?  I was on a blue Cannondale w/ blue jersey.

I think so.  I was wondering if I would run into you on the ride.  I got started a little later than I expected. I started about 2 mile inside 540 on Buffaloe and tried to stick with the route.  I think I may do it again next weekend counterclockwise.