OK, this doesn't really apply to all that many people.

But for bicycle commuters who work downtown, the fact that the city core is in a bowl is amazingly convenient. It's the ideal topography.

Cyclists' morning routes vary. Some include a few climbs. But from many starting points, the trip downtown tends to be largely a low-effort cruise. And if you start when it's still cool, you don't arrive at work in a lather.

Riding home is different, of course. That's fine, though. You get some exercise and then you can pop right into the shower.

If I had a time machine, I'd go back 125 years or so and high-five some of the city planners. Though I guess local Indian tribes knew where the city center should be long before that.

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