I'm still out there but I cut back significantly on my commuting miles as I go much shorter/safer routes when dark.....i wear tights, but they are only just warm enough to keep the chill away otherwise my legs would go numb....

CA cold is different from other states. I'm from MD and 40-50s here (CA) is different feeling than 40-50s in MD. And I've talked to someone in CO (born and raised in CO) who confirmed my theory.