As someone who used to train all the time, cross-training in the winter, training and racing March through September year after year after year after year....I think there is some merit to the advice to simply rest during the winter. Not completely, but more than you possibly allow yourself when the weather is great, the air is warm, and you itch to ride all the time. I have battled and seen many of my friends battle illness and things like chronic fatigue due to, imo, too much exercise. Exercise, like anything, can be addictive, so, as all things, done best in moderation--and if moderation during the summer isn't your thing, winter is an excellent opportunity to practice.

I also see it as respecting the natural cycles of life. Winter is about losing your metaphorical leaves, shutting down, slowing the metabolism. Or maybe that's just my excuse as I am presently enjoying the sofa, pizza, beer, and relative inactivity during a beautiful winter here, except for the occasional ride and daily dog walks. And getting middlin' of age, I am also--as a result--enjoying watching my middle grow