Two clubs into one
Despite being formed in 2000, Kettering CC has a long, proud heritage, formed as it was from the amalgamation of two other clubs.
Kettering Amateur started life in 1890, formed by John Bosworth, a local cycle and motorcycle dealer who created an inflatable bicycle tyre. Sadly Mr. Dunlop registered a patent before Bosworth, something which may have influenced the ban on pneumatic tyres at club events of the era.
Though it was suspended during both the First and Second World Wars, Amateur thrived as a racing club.
Kettering Friendly was established in 1945 primarily for leisure cyclists, though that did not last long as younger members began competing. In 1952 the club successfully appealed a one-year competition ban for hosting an unregistered massed start event and went on to build an enviable reputation as a racing club which lasted through to the 1980s.
Both clubs raced regularly on the velodrome which now forms part of the go-kart track at Wicksteed Park, but in 1999 old rivalries were put aside and merger talks began. The club’s first event, a hilly 20-mile TT, attracted 44 members and while membership has fluctuated, it has always run a full calendar of races.
The past in pictures
Do you have any photos from the past?
If we can use them on website gallery please contact one of our committee members.
Training for the hill climb – Sunday training ride 22-8-21
With the inter-club hill climb competition a little over a month away, today's Training ride took in both faces of the Côte du Neville Holt. In reality, it’s about a three or four minute hard effort each way up to the old school house and current residence of Carphone...
Race results: 9.4m TT 19-8-21
Time Keepers: Mark Weathersby and Andy King Marshals: Alan Spencer and Bethany Spencer A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Well done everyone. Thank you all for participating and making this a successful event for the...
Race results: 10m TT 15-8-21 Ladies & Junior counting event
Time Keeper: Noel Toone Marshals: Bernard Smith and Lynn Scofield A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Well done everyone. Thank you all for participating and making this a successful event for the organisers. Results....
Committee vacancies
There are 2 opportunities for members to join the KCC committee and to help develop the club over the coming years Jon Thorne After nearly 10 years as Time Trial Secretary Jon Thorne has decided to step down from the role from the next AGM so we are looking for...
Race results: 9.4m TT 12-8-21
Time Keepers: Andy King and Tony Brown Pusher off: Jon Thorne Marshals: Liz Bird and Ken Hennah A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Well done everyone. Thank you all for participating and making this a successful event...