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.
Last Sunday social before 2nd COVID lockdown
This weeks Sunday Social ride was a dual route ride out to allow new members and newbees to group riding to join in our club activities in our steady group, with the rest of attendees, splitting into the paced and steady groups of six as per the covid guidelines....
Sunday Social heads to Tugby
This weeks Sunday social ride in search of ups and downs of Welland Valley and Rutland stopping on the way back Cafe Ventoux in Tugby before heading south back to Kettering. Here's how the group rides went... Group 1 by Mike Castelete The Rutland Ramps The east side...
Social Sunday to Naseby (the other way!)
This weeks Sunday Social ride was out to the Old Vicarage in Naseby to celebrate the birthdays of Andy Parker and Will Lawton, lots of cake! Here's how the group rides went... Group 1 by Mike Castelete A chilly battle to Naseby A cool eight degrees and a moderate...
Cyclones hat trick of wins in Team MK Youth Races
On Saturday 10th & 17th October 2020 some of our Kettering Cyclones competed in the final two races of the Team MK Youth Road races at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes. The weather was a little kinder for the these last two races than the first with the sun...
Cyclones makes their presence felt at Team MK Youth Races
It was a welcome return to Youth Racing at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes on Saturday 3rd October 2020. It was just before lockdown since riders last got the opportunity to ride the circuit. This time was definately different with covid restrictions in place to...