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.
KCC’s new Clothing store goes live
Following on from the news that we’ve joined together with Pactimo who will supply KCC’s new cycling specific clothing I’m delighted to say that our store is now open and is taking orders. If you follow the links below you’ll see all the detail that you will want on...
New Clothing for 2023
Last Spring many of you participated in the survey that I initiated which covered several aspects of the club including Club Clothing. As a result of that I set out to find a supplier who could meet our requirements from a quality perspective whilst priced more...
KCC Downhill Champ 09-10-22
You can always top a disappointing year with a trophy! Adrian Gorham has had a disappointing cycling year beset by knee injuries and weight gains but that was not going to stop him defending his title as the holder of the KCC Freewheeling trophy. The competition is...
#24 TT 10m Lamport 04-08-22
Road Works nearly scuppered us! A late change of course due to more road works along the road from Mawsley saw us return to the Lamport 10 course. It was a nice clear evening but there was a bit of breeze to contend with along with a the occasional combine harvester...
#23 TT 9.4m Old Circuit 28-07-22
A nice night for quick rides 😀 With the prospect of what turned out to be very nice food at The White Horse in Old every rider went as quickly as they could to get round the Old 9.4m circuit for the first time this summer. Everybody pushed hard and there were a number...