I have never minded exercising in the rain as long as my hands and feet stay warm and my face doesn't get too wet. I think I like riding in the rain because it makes me focus on my riding. I also have a major aversion to riding on my trainer or rollers,I have too many distractions and I hate the gym. Riding in the dark is a trip once I got used to it,but I can see how it could freak some people out. I think what you are doing is pretty neat. I wish more people I work with rode good luck!