Hello everybody, el-captain here, just thought I would write a few words about the world famous Teacake run to let newcomers know what its all about and remind the regulars what it should be about. I’d like to start out by saying that despite a reputation of our attitude to new riders who dare to venture out with us how impressive the turn out has been this year with plenty of new and old riders putting in appearances.Previously a male dominated event these last few months have seen women venturing out with us, yes that’s right, thus proving the teacake run is indiscriminate, as no matter what sex, age, or race we will try equally hard to drop you, but we will wait, well sometimes! Thanks to the persistence of Dave Baillie and co we are also beginning to form a youth squad to hopefully take over the antle in future years. The problem with kids though is that they grow up and drop you, so be warned what goes around comes around.

Having survived over 10 years of Tea Cake runs, I would like to say how re-assuring it is that not much has changed, ok the bikes have got lighter, the cost of a cup of tea has rocketed. Apart from that though the Teacake is a well-rehearsed routine, like a religion, except its real. I know that no matter how drunk I get on a Friday night if I can get out of bed and up to the meet on time Ill get battered around the peaks get to Castleton Café drink a gallon of tea, eat a butter soaked teacake whilst discussing all the relevant topics and sharing a few jokes. Then hangovers gone, sins forgiven re-grouped and rested we re-commence the race home and still get back for lunch.

In fact I would say that the best part of the ride is the social aspect as when we have done the wacky races bit on the way to the café, everyone can re-group and get there breath back (in most cases). However for the first time I can remember more people are riding straight home instead of going to church, sorry the café which is worrying really as the social side to a ride will suffer. I would like to think that over the years we have managed to keep a balancing act between an all out race and a social ride, often due to small sacrifices made on all sides.

A word to all the people who do not stop at the café however, just because your not there doesn’t mean that we wont be slagging you off!

All The best

Captain Paul “Tug” Wilson