I'm a california boy, so take that into account. But before our drought, when we'd actually have some reasonably wet winters I found the act of THINKING about riding in the cold and rain seemed nearly insurmountable. Yet with just a tiny bit of preparation, once you are out there it becomes relatively easy. Sure, cold fingers and face, and some wet discomfort, but I would just kind of focus on riding and usually just end up smiling... Running out of dry clothes/shoes would get old, though.