We’ve had it rough with the weather in the last few weeks, haven’t we!

First we had an early Arctic blast, and that was followed by Storm Bert roaring in from the Atlantic, bringing gales and lots and lots of rain.

If that’s how winter will be, I may well stick to the bus and leave the bike at home!

But if that’s not an option for you, how best can you keep safe, warm and dry despite the inclement weather?

The important thing is to choose our riding kit carefully. Start with a waterproof jacket and trouser combo to avoid getting soaked, and team them up with multiple thin layers underneath to keep out the cold.

Remember, several thin layers work far better than one thicker one, as they trap the air between them, which is then heated by your body warmth.

Check out a local outdoor shop for clothes: they sell t-shirts for hill walkers that are ideal for bike riding, too, as they are good insulating layers but don’t trap too much sweat that can later leave a biker feeling cold later.

Boots are a must for your feet. Waterproof ones may look bulky but they are ideal for winter rides. Not only do they offer more protection in the event of a fall but you’ll probably have room for extra thick socks. Longer socks coming up to mid caland trousers tucked into boots will stop drafts shooting up your legs.

If your riding gloves will allow, it’s a good idea to pair them with a set of thin inners – silk are best. As long as they don’t add too much bulk and constrict your fingers, they will add some much-needed extra insulation. Tuck them under the sleeves of your base shirt to create a tight seal to beat drafts.

Pinlock visor beats helmet hell…

When we’re riding in the cold and wet it’s inevitable that the helmet visor will fog up at some point. The only way to see is to pop the visor up, exposing the face to the cold wind and rain. Within minutes our eyes are streaming, and we’re back to not being able to see properly. What’s the solution?

Have you tried a Pinlock anti-fog lens? This is a small flexible visor which can be fitted on the inside of the helmet visor, creating a double glazing effect, which significantly decreases the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of the visor. This way, a foggy visor is a thing of the past.

The Pinlock lens is locked into place between the plastic pins on the sides of the visor. The silicone edge ensures that the lens is airtight. The difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of the visor is kept to a minimum and means we can keep the visor closed, even on very cold and damp days.

Well worth the investment.

Another tip: wear plenty of Hi-Viz: strips on jackets, helmet and on the back and sides of the bike. If it's hard to see through the rain on a dark night, then it's just as hard for everyone else to see us. Make sure you are visible to others.

Two final points. It may sound pricey but if you do a lot of riding in December and January, investing in some heated kit is an option. Even just a vest will mean that your core stays warm, but if you can stretch to gloves too, then even better. Perhaps if you ask Father Christmas nicely…?

Last, just remember - you don't have to play the hero. If the weather is foul and it’s making the roads genuinely dangerous and you have the option to stay home or take the bus… do it!