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.
“Build it and they will come”
On what turned out to be a reasonable evening for Time Trialling on the Lamport to Rothwell and back course the 7 riders who’d signed up had good rides and there were some smiling faces and positive comments at the Old Village Hall HQ afterwards. In Kettering colours...
Welcome to June in England! 🥶
The new month brought a distinct change of weather from May and we had a cold, breezy night for the 9th round of the club TT’s. Not ideal but still good fun! With it being a school holiday week some of our regular riders were away but we benefitted from others who...
10m Club Champions Crowned
The 10m Club Championship Time Trial took place on the 25th May on the Lamport to Rothwell and back course under a clear sky with a gentle breeze and good temperatures. There was a good mix of riders from the club along with some guests from other local clubs. Maria...
NCRA Handicap Road Race 16.04.23
Lucas on the road The 4th race of the 5 race NCRA Spring Handicap Road Race series took place on Sunday 16th April on the circuit from Old to Mawsley, Foxhall, Lamport and back to Old. The premise for running the series is to give newcomers and perhaps riders coming...
The KCC Pactimo clothing store is open for your orders again
The feedback on the first batch of KCC's new Pactimo kit has been very positive. There is no doubt that the quality and choice of options is excellent and the levels of service continues to be first class too. Enough members have asked that we open up another store...