Club History

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

Kettering Amateur badge
Kettering friendly badge

Do you have any photos from the past?

If we can use them on website gallery please contact one of our committee members.

Midweek Club Ride with Andy, 26th August 2020.

Midweek Club Ride with Andy, 26th August 2020.

Mike says: Steady, lumpy zone 2 ride   Andy recalls the events of the ride: For today’s ride I was joined by Scott Barber in Loddington and then Mike Castelete (today’s designated photographer - thanks Mike) in Pipewell. The storms left their mark It was clear...

KCC Lamport 10 TT : 20-08-20 Race Results

Time Keepers: Jon Thorne and Jamie Stockham Marshalls: Michael Cope & Mike Wheeler (plus Chris Old) A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. South 10mph (surely it was 30mph?) wind challenges the riders on the return leg A...

Midweek Club Ride with Andy, 19th August 20.

Midweek Club Ride with Andy, 19th August 20.

Andy reports: Wet from the start... With the weather threatening rain from 10am and the daily forecast predicting heavy rain after noon, on the gathering of the dedicated few, Andy Parker and Jon Thorne, joined Andy King at Loddington and set off on a shortened...

Sunday Social Ride, 16th August 2020.

Sunday Social Ride, 16th August 2020.

This morning’s ride started off with cloudy skies and the great fortune of none of the forecast rain. A hearty group of 11 cyclists headed out of town in two groups with the joys of London Road dip to prepare for the roads ahead. Waiting at the top of the hill was Jon...

KCC Old 9.4 TT : 13-08-20 Race Results

KCC Old 9.4 TT : 13-08-20 Race Results

Time Keeper: Jon Thorne Marshal: Tony Brown & Mike Cope A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Storms forecasted The field of riders for this evenings TT were not deterred by the forecast. The storms had been their worst...