Riding in winter is not tough, nor does it make me tough. It doesn't make me hard, it keeps me from becoming hardened. It's a choice to do something that is good for me.

Raising kids through college is tough.
Maintaining a marriage for 23 years is tough.
Starting a business and keeping people employed is tough.
Eldercare is tough.

Riding is not tough, it's my solace and my therapy and my mojo. The weather has nothing to do with it.