After reading these articles and other assorted stuff online I've been inspired this year to do more winter rides on my XC bike, granted the North East of England isn't as cold as Canada but I've been on some awesome rides, muddy and freezing cold but making getting home for a hot coffee and warm shower even more satisfying.
As much as I enjoyed this piece, and appreciate Dylan for writing it... winter blows. We don't have 'winter riding' up here, we just have 6 months of cold, dark, cold, snowy, cold, emptiness. Bring on summer, please.
But as for the question about the descent....yes, it's just as sweet without the climb.