An old friend of mine claims that bicycle touring in the dead of winter is a fantastic experience. He claims that he had a life-changing event happen to him many years ago which led to him going through a "new lease on life" phase where he loaded up his mountain bike and took off into the yonder in the middle of winter starting off in a snowbelt state in the US. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be the most amazing tour he ever took and he has some wonderful stories about it.

He talks about crystal clear days riding through rural areas and amazing winter views and scenery. He tells about the constant challenge of keeping the bike in good mechanical condition. He has a story about spending two solid days mostly holed up his tent waiting out a snowstorm, while he was completely snug and warm inside after shoring up the tent poles to bear the weight of the snow. Constant amazed comments from everyone he met and invitations for every kind of hospitality.

Obviously, it's not for everyone. But I'm thinking that he can't be the only one who's tried it. Anyone else toured in the snow and cold of winter?