I have six bikes...some nice and some beaters. I ride them all year round. The idea of "retiring" a bike for the winter is completely alien to me. I don't understand why you would do that.
Not really a tough concept dude- not everyone owns 6 bikes. I have a bike that I spent many thousands of dollars on. Even if I had money pouring out my backside I would not ride it in the winter in Central Ct. The roads are pretty much trashed from the first snow/ice till the spring rains /street sweepers get rid of the salt/sand.
Is it possible to ride? Yes, Is it tough on bikes? Yes
The OP didn't say he quit riding, he said he put his Tarmac up.