Chinghis I have a lot of reasons for commuting by bike, and one of them just bubbled to the top that had not been on top: it's good for the brain. I struggle with ADHD, and it's frustrating. But cycling could help. It probably already helps. So after after not riding to work in 3-1/2 weeks, I rode today. I'm in NYC, and it's been unusually cold here (for here), but I did it anyway. It wasn't hard or easy, and it wasn't super enjoyable or annoying. And I'm glad I did it.

Smaug1 in the 2025 thread, you asked about the climate here. You would laugh. People here think 28º is cold. That's what we had today. I'm better than most people at tolerating low temperatures, and 28º is fine for me, especially now that it's been like this for a while and I'm acclimated to it. You mentioned heated socks. Sounds like a good idea, but I definitely don't need them. Sometimes we see 20º or less but not for long. I find I am perfectly comfortable riding with my hiking boots, and I always wear wool socks. My last remaining problem (which you've helped me with) is hands. I just got some battery hand warmers. They work but they only heat part of my hand when I put them in my gloves. Better than nothing but not amazing.

Jeremy, I'm really sorry about your mom and Alzheimer's. I have all too much experience with that. Both of my parents had dementia (Alzheimer's is a form of dementia) at the ends of their lives, and I'm terrified it will afflict me. But I am doing what I can to stave it off.