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.
Young talent shines at the Cyclones Race Night
Winners Group 1 1st - Thea, 2nd - Eloise, 3rd - Patsy 1st - Lukas, 2nd - Sultan, 3rd - Thomas Group 2 1st - Jake B, 2nd - Evan W, 3rd- Jackson 1st - Katie, 2nd - Evie Group 3 1st - Hudson, 2nd - Amelia, 3rd - Lucas Our first race night was a success Inspired by...
No hiding from the wind
This week, Ian summoned the wind, with North-westerly gusts up to 17-21 mph, it was to prove challenging but, despite this dull blustery forecast, the ride was well supported with a total of 15 riders met at Sainsbury's at 9am, and due to meet Sue on route between...
Zone 2 with Andy, 22nd Sept 2020
Written by Andy King. After last week’s solo ride it was great to be joined by Andrea, Sue and Jon. After a quick trip back to my house to take on and dispose of water, we left the end of Parklands at just after 9:00 a.m. for what turned out to be an eventful ride....
Hilly Sunday Social : 20.09.20
Hills, more hills, and then even more hills This weeks Sunday Social ride had a large field of riders, meeting at the bus stop it was split into 3 groups, then with the joining in at Rushton by Sue, we split into 4. So my apologises in advance for this long read......
Midweek Club Ride with Andy, 16th September 2020
Written by Andy King. Time to reflect Today’s route was a new one but it turned out that I’d used many of the roads on past rides just never combined in the way they were today. Today’s ride differed in the fact that it was the first one I’d ridden by myself since we...