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.
54.83 mile clockwise to Mini Meadows at Welford
Clockwise south-west via Little Harrowden – Sywell – Church Brampton onto Holdenby – to loop north west via Guildsborough – Cold Ashby – across to Stanford on Avon and South Kilworth before heading back via Welford to stop to refuel – then back via Kelmarsh –...
Sunshine, tranquillity and great coffee
After a fair drop of rain over the preceding days, it was bright sunshine that met an enormous group of Kettering riders at the bus stop at Sainsbury’s. Not only was the weekly training group but also the “social ride” set off from the same location and it was great...
33 mile south with a clockwise loop from Sywell to Grendon to Sywell
Head south to Sywell to start a clockwise loop to Grendon and back stopping at Earls Barton, before retracing route back to Kettering. 1,536ft of climbing Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering Leaving Kettering via London Road, this route will warm up the legs with the...
49.6 mile clockwise to World Peace Café, Thornby
Clockwise west out via Loddington – Brixworth – Cold Ashby onto Thornby to stop – to loop back via Naseby – across to Kelmarsh – Desborough – Rushton and then back to Kettering. 3,086ft of climbing. Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering Leave Kettering out west past the...
Fun in the Forest
Another great turn out on Sunday 9th May of 9 riders departed at 9am from Sainsbury’s; Mike Castelete was given a test for his sprinting skills as he signed up late and we set off before he arrived – but he soon caught up. Heading out of town and up the hill to...