Last Saturday and I had to go out. -7 C for the ride and I did keep the speed down to ease the wind chill. 4 layer day with thermal Base layer- a long sleeve and then a long sleeve warm jacket made with roubaix material. Then over the top was a total windproof that also did not breath well but it did keep the cold air out. 2 mile slight uphill and I was warm enough to continue on for another 20 miles.

Keeping the torso warm is just a matter of layering up with "Just" enough layers to stay warm. You can always take layers off but if you need that extra warm coat and haven't got it- there could be a problem. However The extremities are where special attention has to be made. Toes- Fingers and ears. That is where good quality winter specific clothing will pay in the end.

Metric measurements originate from France so the brits are not all to blame We went metric a good few years ago but it did not take long for me to adjust. But I was not 65 then. And in some ways metrication can be easier. You will not remember but currency used to be Pounds- Shillings and pence. 12 pence to a shilling and 20 shillings to a pound. And I can still remember when a Gramophone record used to be 3/4d (3 shillings and 4 pence in old money) Work that out as a %age of a pound and it was 1/6th. And then pay for it it thruppenny bits- half crowns and a bit of copper. Some metrication does make things easier.

And forgot to mention that last Saturday I had on Leggings and a ski mask. Only part of me that did get cold eventually was the fingertips on my right hand.