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.
The Ride to the Tide (or Run to the Sun) 2022
The Perfect Present The extended public holiday to celebrate Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne of the UK this year afforded a choice of days for the annual rip to and from Hunstanton. It’s a ride of some 190 miles (with some participants nudging that up to 200 with...
#12 TT 10m Lamport 2-06-22
Jubilee Celebration While the country was celebrating (some way too much from what I saw as I was heading out to marshal) 10 riders lit their own bonfires and raced the 10 miles from Lamport to Rothwell and back. Queen for the evening was Maria Gent who came home...
#11 TT 10m Lamport 26-05-22
A harder night than expected Another good field of riders faced the clock on the Lamport circuit on Thursday evening. After last week's good conditions this week's weren't so good and riders had to dig deep to get decent times. It's great to see that the overall...
#10 TT 10m Broughton 22-05-22
That was worthwhile! After a late rush of entries we had a field of strong riders pitting themselves against the clock for the 2nd Broughton to Sywell TT of the year. Standing at the start it felt like there was a slight headwind going out which would mean a tailwind...
#9 TT 10m Lamport 19-05-22
Everybody raced well On the best night of the week for Time Trialling several of our regular riders made the most of the conditions and posted their best times on the course this season. After a pre-race adrenalin rush having forgotten his front light Mark Weathersby...