I actually drove to a convenient location from which to skate. It's a route I've done quite a few times on weekends as both an activity in and of itself, but also reconnaissance for the potential commute.

(A lot of 'doing' is dual purpose, both doing and preparation for some future 'next time')

It's about a 12km skate from there to work / the city.

Would a compromise such as that be a possibility?