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.
Sunshine in the Valley
Turned out very different The ride on Sunday 15th May could have turned out very differently but most of us managed to miss the torrential rain that made a few riders do their own rides later. It all started off normal With the normal start in Kettering, outside...
Training or going like a train?
Sunday 8th May saw a small but speedy group of riders meet up at Sainsbury’s at 9am. The need to eat Seven riders set out through Pytchley, skirting the eastern edge of Northampton before riding around two sides of Salcey Forest. Instead of the usual stop in the...
#8 TT Club 10m Championship Lamport 12-05-22
A race worthy of a Club Championship 11 KCC riders faced the timekeeper for the 2nd event on the Lamport course this season with the prize being the Butterworth Cup for the fastest rider in the Club 10 mile TT Championship. It was clear as the course signage was...
KCC’s 25m Men’s Senior Team Record broken
4 Year Old record broken KCC was well represented by Bethany Spencer, Mike Cope, Andy King, Rob Barker and Sam Barker at the ECCA 25mile Championship on Saturday 7th May on the F2A/25 near Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. The conditions were OK but more challenging for the...
#7 TT 10m Lamport 05-05-22
A strong field 15 riders were on the start line for the first Lamport 10 mile TT of the season. Unlike for the same event last year when it was bitterly cold the weather was very pleasant although there was a bit of a head wind coming back from the Rothwell...