I was a Seattle bike messenger for 10 years. Winter months were pretty rough. 40 degrees, windy, and raining for months on end, there were so many days that I just wanted to quit.
I'd love to know how many pairs of brake pads I'd worn out in that time. Sometimes you would go through a pair in a day or two. I wore through my fair share of rims too. My apartment had white carpet, or at least it did when I moved in. I don't think I got my deposit back. It was pretty crappy sometimes, but also the funnest job I've ever had.
I was sick of being cold and wet, so I moved to Palm Springs.