Why would Chicago grow on anyone given such harsh winters?

For an outsider who has visited Chicago during below zero temperatures and muddy streets with left over snow - a high possibility if the outsider visits the city during winter - the city does not have much appeal especially after the salt on the streets that is intended to keep cars from skipping have ruined an expensive pair of shoes put on to impress the insiders during a night out in the city. It is very unfortunate that a large majority of visitors to Chicago have only seen this face of Chicago which may have created a general perception that Chicago is Gotham city - interestingly for the never-visited Chicago is Gotham city as portayed in the darkest Batman movie. 

However, the insiders know that the winters are only temporary, although there are more cold and gloomy days here in Chicago than sunny and warm days. The warm weather's best amenities are usually free and accessible to every body from rich to poor, healthy to sick, homeless to vagabond - adding new meaning to democracy the Greeks invented thousands years ago. To get the true spirit of this city, all it takes is a bike ride from Hyde Park to North Shore where you'll see all the beauties lake Michigan has to offer on your right and great buildings and parks on your left and different folks of life along the path from marathon trainers to moms strolling babies around to relieve the stresses of a colicky night.

I remember exactly the moment when I felt like an insider to this city. It was an unusually warm April day - about 8 months after I came to Chicago for my studies - almost summer like, I went for roller blading completing a round trip from Evanston to Hyde Park and back. This was a very long ride, but I did not want it to be over. The ride aroused feelings similar to when I was windsurfing in Aruba under high winds or skiing Park City's back bowl on heavy powder. Yes, this city is cold, and it can ruin your shoes, but over time you won't care. Once you get a taste of the lake shore and many others Chicago has to offer, like a good cold American beer at Wrigley, a nice glass of wine al fresco, down to earth people, diverse set of friends, cuisines, you will have more reasons to keep your spirits high when the weather churns you like ice cream. Keep it warm with memories of warm days for now until the sun shows up again in a few months.