Today I rode my bike to work, which makes it at least one day in each of the last 11 months that I've ridden. I strive toward my mother's goal of riding at least once every month!
In Minnesota this is particularly a challenge for casual riders. Not because of the cold; one can dress properly for that. This morning it was 21F and I did not feel cold. Instead it's due to the condition of the roads. Most years, the snow comes and stays. The roads on my route never gets completely cleared, so the bike lanes are covered in snow pack. But this year we've had much less snow than average, and a couple of thaws have cleared the roads. It's a blessing and a curse. There is not enough snow to X-country ski, but at least I can ride!
I've found that I just adore exercising outside. Biking, skiing, skating--I just love the fresh air. When it's not possible to go out, I do aerobic/toning workouts from a dvd and I just hate it! My next step is to start running again. That exercise I've never truly enjoyed, but my thought is that it is one I can do year round outside. Limited in the winter to the weekends, though, because I would not feel safe in the dark. But it's better than nothing!