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.
Sundays club training ride with Andy P – 18-04-2021
With the sun starting to break the cold chill of winter, there were a lot of KCC members out on the roads this week either at the Broughton TT or on the training ride or Social Ride. Ten riders left Sainsbury's at just after 9am heading east out of Kettering facing...
Race Results: Broughton 10mTT 18-04-21
Time Keeper: Jon Thorne Time Keeper Assistant: Gary Carter Marshals: Graham Rice at Sywell Roundabout with Adrian Gorham, snapping photos) A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead Early sun camouflages the freezingly cold...
Race results: Grafton 13.2mTT 15-04-21
Time Keeper: Jon Thorne Time Keeper Assistant: Marcus Buksh Marshals: Mick Wood, Adrian Gorham & Tony Brown A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead Was the sun really out? Weather: Broken clouds, 8°C, Feels like 1°C, Humidity...
28.4 mile clockwise loop to Water Mill Tea Rooms at Woodford Mill
Clockwise loop east to Thrapston – Denford – Ringstead – before back to Kettering taking in the stop at Woodford Mill. 1,323 ft of climbing Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering Leave Kettering out eastward to Warkton, passing Grafton Underwood to Slipton and through the...
46.9 mile clockwise loop to Water Mill Tea Rooms at Woodford Mill
Clockwise loop east to Thurning – loop south to Catworth – before back to Kettering taking in the stop at Woodford Mill. 2,148ft of climbing Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering Leave Kettering out eastward to Warkton, passing Grafton Underwood to Slipton and through the...