If you can do either one and enjoy it, get the trainer, do that part of the time, ride the bike part of the time. (The reason I don't want a trainer is that I ride for fun exercise, and sitting in the house spinning pedals just doesn't strike me as fun.)

Potentially, 3-year-old hands and spinning pedals/feet/sprockets/wheels etc are a very bad mix, so work out the details where nobody's going to get hurt.

HTFU is one thing. Not being able to put down the effort you'd like because of hazardous conditions outside is another thing entirely. Get a trainer for those days.

I rode on a trainer when our daughters were young. When I'd head to the trainer I'd tell them that I was going on a "dangerous ride" that is, ride without a helmet. I never enjoyed the trainer but it helped keep me in condition during the winter. Now that they are out of the house and I have better gear for year-round riding, I rarely use the trainer.

I like what u said about riding in the rain, its true, its awesome!

Great perspectives and discussion.

Yeah, it's a fun topic, it's all about personal preference, pushing personal boundaries, and mental toughness. I imagine I'll end up picking a trainer up for practical reasons, can't imagine not. I'll limit use as much as possible. I know I will be bored in 10 minutes and longing to be out on the road. I've even looked at some of the nicer Tacx and Elite VR trainers, and always talk myself out of them and say, "stop being such a pansy...throw on your gear, and just ride." Coming on the next race season, I could see it being used as a warm-up tool though...another "bean" in the "pro" bucket when weighing the "pros and cons".

When I used to race MTB and train in Boulder, I would never imagine a trainer, winter riding is absolutely beautiful and a gift of nature. Of course, in the woods, on singletrack is a completely different story...still made you feel awesome though.

The thing about the Seattle area, is that we rarely freeze, but we are cold and damp (average in the 40's in January)...perfect HTFU weather! :) First big ride is actually in February here..The Chilly Hilly...Racing starts in mid February too..The weather is really not that bad, you just need the dedication and right mindset. Oh, did I mention Gortex too? :D

Stopping at a traffic light and "steaming" is one gratifying feeling...