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.
Sunny Sunday Social : 13.09.20
Over to Notbottle This weeks club ride saw four of us (Andy Parker, Andy King, Ollie Crabtree and myself (Ian Bird) leave Kettering through the town and start with an attack on the joyous hill of London road before we headed out to Pytchley and on to Orlingbury where...
Covid-19 Social Ride guidelines – Important update
Exercise has provided a great boost for people’s physical and mental health during the pandemic and KCC encourages everybody to exercise in whichever way meets their needs. We have all enjoyed being able to meet and ride in groups for the last couple of months and we...
Midweek Club Ride with Andy, 8th September 2020
Written by Andy King. Welcomed by more Autumnal Sunshine Another lovely early Autumn morning saw Andy joined by Andrea Woolcott, Mike Castelete and Jon Thorne at Pipewell for the steady ride around the rolling roads of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. The roads...
KCC Cycling trip to the Peak District
After talking to a few people I am thinking of organising a trip to the peak district one Sunday over the next couple of months. The plan being to set off in shared vehicles as much as possible and head up to somewhere around Matlock or Bakewell area for a 50 to 60...
Sunday Social Ride : 6.09.20
A fantastic turn out of club members and guest riders for this weeks dual ride to East Carlton Park cafe 👍, Here's what the leaders of each group have to report. This weeks club ride we had an increase of numbers from those signed up, some 18 for the faster group, but...