It's no big deal - Really!
Winter cycling is quite nice - save for the crud on the bike. It's been a few weeks now that I have been cycling in all weather and I like this. It is more like being at a ski area and dressing for downhill skiing than I expected. The best part is that the jacket and snow pants work for both. Perhaps googles and a ski helmet will be in the mix soon.
My lights are upgraded. The rear flashing light has failed to keep working but this turned out to be cold batteries. The solution is to bring the light with me, taking it into the warm house at night. The front light has a day flashing mode which is handy when I'm running heavy (have my kid on the back of the longtail to get to school).
Our route goes past CIty Hall and the Concord Police Department. Perhaps more city officials will recognize there are cyclists out there riding all year. Any improvements will make this choice available to more residents.
When arriving at a destination I feel like I've been skiing and am about to enter the lodge. Perhaps I look out of place to most people but if you see me out and about - consider it for yourself. It really is quite invigorating.
A little about the down sides - exhaust in the winter stinks! You know that smell when your car has just started and the catalytic converter is not warm yet? The air has a distinct toxic smell that just seems to hang in the air - yuk. Snowing conditions often seem to provide an inversion zone which traps this foul smell. I shudder to think about what we are all breathing. As a chemist I suppose I could research this. Diesel exhaust is even worse than cold exhaust. Diesel exhaust is bad for all of us. By the way - we're all breathing this stuff out on our streets. There are alternatives and cycling is but one option.
And then there is the salt slush collecting on the bike. Bike maintenance will be more intense in the winter. On warmer days washing is possible and on cold days the crud collects on the bottom bracket. There are fenders on this setup and this helps but daily brushing off the slush crud is helpful. Fortunately there is covered parking available. Parking the bike outside uncovered in the snow would be more challenging. Solutions could include chain covers.
All things considered - winter cycling is fun and I will continue to explore it. Join me by suiting up for skiing and riding your two wheels. It is no big deal!