I ride year round. I live in PA, but I don't bother winterizing my bike. As long as I get a day with 40 degree weather or above and no ice/snow thenI have the bike out. I've rode in the rain dozens of times and it doesn't bother me. I think it's good to practice riding in almost all conditions, so that if you're out on a ride andan unexpected storm catches you off guard you can be better prepared.