About indoor training

Just out of curiosity: at this time of year I'm supposed to build a
base physique and do long low intensity rides. However, days are short
and the weather is just plain terrible.
I don't mind the weather for a ride but cleaning my bike and getting
every itty bitty sand out of the chain and drivetrain is just hours of
work. If I don't I'm just grinding components.

I like my trainer but being stationary for about an hour is my limit.
It's a bit annoying to sit still for longer times.

So, how do you people manage? Does anyone spend 3 hours on their
trainer doing long low intensity rides ?