i messengered a winter in seattle.. and its not even that cold there.. but it was wet and sucked.. another thing people dont always factor in is.. your gear all falls apart.. the weekly parts upkeep was a total pain when youre riding 60 miles a day.. shoes fall apart, etc..and ive never eaten so much in my life.. always hungry.. but like absntr said.. try it .. you might like.. but i for one am glad i left it long ago