Hi there.  Experienced the same challenges when we moved here from CA (East Bay of San Francisco area) a year and a half ago.  After whining and rationalizing about the weather, the hills and lack of bike lanes from Aug through Jan I finally decided to suck it up and adapt. Started working hills on my steel hybrid around the neighborhood (we are in B'mill).  This allowed me to build new muscles, adapt riding style and get a more frequent / shorter sessions in.  From there I expanded to 10 mile moderate climbing routes, then to 20 mile with more varied hills, etc.  It takes times to sort out your routes.  If you would like to email me (tnp2213@comcast.net)  I can share the ones I use most frequently.  Also, in terms of the drivers here: I have actually found them to be very tolerant and forgiving considering the narrow roads and short line of vision.  In CA I'd have something go poorly about 10% of the time and in the last year and a half we've lived here I've only had one minor incident.  What I have found is that time of day is critical.  Weekend are usually good except Sundays around church start / stop times.  Weekend days after 9AM until 3PM and then again after 6:30 or so also seem to be better.  Safe riding.  Trent.