I'm in western Oakland County. Lakes everywhere, so all roads wind to get around them. If I want to avoid traffic I usually head north and west.
In 2015 rode with a small group around the mitten. Followed the coast as close as possible. Started somewhere around Anchor Bay. North on 29 to 25 to 23. 23 to the bridge. Bridge to the U.P., then Mackinac Trail north to the Soo. Watched a ship go through the locks, then back south to Mackinaw, then south and west on 119 to old 31. Old 31 south to Muskegon, then cross-country east to home. Only interstate was the Mackinac Bridge. A nice ride.