The way points of this bicycle route:
Right down the Counterbalance. It means riding fast with traffic, but is a lot of fun. Of course, I recommend finding another route on the way back.
Mercer has traffic, but it's generally slow during commute hours. But be careful.
20 minutes to this point (all times assuming mildly in-shape man in his 30's on a hybrid bike with a backpack)
Entrance to bike path just before freeway on-ramp, on east side of road.
Bike path is fairly obvious. When in doubt, go straight.
1 hour to this point.
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes.