I have a project template that I use for mixing - it has most of my busses already added and the PC modules and FX that I use on them.  It also includes 1 audio track for reference material that is routed to my master bus.  I don't put any plug-ins on the master.
 
I have track templates for AD2 (one with 1 midi track and 1 with 3).
 
I also use the mastering templates sometimes to finish up a mix.

Wow! Thanks all, great ideas.....
I haven't really looked at track templates, sound like a great idea - I'll look at those and see what I can do. They sound like a great way to keep options for variety while keeping the benefits of templates.
 
Thanks!

As well there are many basic track templates already created for you to try.

Go to the insert menu and look for tracks/ templates and from there there a a variety of choices. Have a look. Very worthwhile.

+1 for track templates, since they can be surgically inserted into projects. A "be all, end all" project template, especially loaded with VSTis will bring a CPU to its knees fairly quickly, but track templates can be inserted as needed. A track template can also be a folder (everything for the track template in that folder, then save a track inside it as a template). That is not as intuitive to save, but is more useful with VSTis with multiple ins and outs. Once you get a feel for how they are saved, and what they recall (associated busses, bins, etc.) you will begin to see how useful they are.
 
A simple way to get them is to open any cwp with good routing and save track templates from them. Your own project would be easiest, since you know them, but any cwp works (like demos from the past).