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.
It’s summer… will it or won’t it rain?
Setting out for the 9:00 am rendez-vous at Sainsbury's bus stop on the Rockingham Road, Kettering, I debated whether I should put on the new brightly coloured KCC rain jacket. It was warm but it felt like there would be rain. At the bus stop, meeting eight other...
Race results: 9.4m TT 5-8-21
Time Keepers: Mark Weathersby and Bernard Smith Pusher off: Jon Thorne Marshals: Stephen Webster and Ken Hennah A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Mywindsock: Weather Impact: 3.7%. Headwind: 47% @ 14.4-26.4mph....
Race results: 9.4m TT 29-7-21 Counting Event
Time Keepers: ????????? and Jon Thorne Marshals: Scott Barber and Gemma Royles A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Mywindsock: Weather Impact: 1.9%. Headwind: 52% @ 10.5-20.6mph. Longest Headwind: 9m 36s. Air Speed:...
Surprising Sunshine and no Storms for our Spectacular New Kit
On Sunday 25th July, there was a distinct pinkiness to the group of 11 riders gathered at Sainsbury’s. The spectacular new kit arrived during the week and the majority of the riders sported the pink, orange and black with pride as we worked our way north east through...
Race results: 9.4m TT 22-7-21
Time Keepers: Sue Rust with Laura Kaye and Jon Thorne Pusher off: Ken Hennah Marshals: Scott Barber and Mike Cope A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Mywindsock: Weather Impact: 1.2%. Headwind: 45.5% @ 6.2-10mph....