Originally Posted by rykoala
I just like to think that I'm more "hardcore" (for lack of a better word) than all the other guys who are hanging their helmets up for the winter. Yeah, its a bit of snobbery, but it keeps me going. Last year I biked whenever the roads were clear, no matter what the temp. The lowest I remember was 17F and man that was VERY cold. This year studded tires are going to be used so even if the roads suck I can still bike in. I also am better equipped with clothing.
After reading so many other comments, I looked back at mine (above) and realize that it sounded VERY smug. I do find those reasons to ride, but I have to admit they aren't what keeps me going, really. What truly keeps me going is the fact that if I don't ride, I have to haul my whole family out of bed at at 6:30am (including my chronically ill wife) and they have to haul me all the way across town to take me to work. And then pick me up in the evening. I find real joy in not having to do that every morning. And THAT is the reason I ride day in and day out.