Its not an alternative, its a fun and easy way to put in a power effort, as an example. Don't knock it until you can ride it at full pace = quality work out. My wife, a former BC road champ, would use this little route for her TT training. You have to know how to ride it.
Ross, if you want length and some quality miles, Richmond is right there.
The problem with the Seymour route is the mixed modes that are on it. My wife got taken out by a long boarder last summer while on her bike and it took almost a year for her to fully recover.
Lots of blind corners with rollerbladers and longboarders pinning it and taking a wide line around the corner. There's just not enough room to escape on that route. I don't think I'll go back to that one.
I learned the hard way to towel off my bike before the dog. I'd rather have a slightly oily dog than a hairy bike.
Beautiful west coast, ocean inspired pottery.