Prepare to be InSpired: International Bomber Command Centre ride-in to mark 80 years of Dambusters raid

Hundreds of bikers are expected to descend on Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) on Sunday, 14 May to mark 80 years since the daring Dambusters Raid.

Groups of riders will descend on the Canwick history centre from the north and south for InSpire 2023, with this year’s run remembering event Patron, Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM, who was the last Dambuster and sadly passed away in December 2022.

“One comes down from the Humber Bridge and the other comes up from Sleaford rugby club and they are fully marshalled rides,” IBCC Chief Executive, Nicky van der Drift told MCN. “We’ve been working with the team at the Ride To The Wall and they’ve been so patient and generous with their time.”

Away from the early group rides, activities will take place at the venue from 10am until 4pm, including free guided tours of the site, and a flypast from a Hurricane WW2 aircraft provided by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, based at RAF Coningsby. The Padre from RAF Waddington will also lead a commemorative service.

“It is mind-boggling when you see the bikers coming in,” Nicky continued. “The second year that we ran it, I just remember standing there watching and we were all sort of jaw dropped. The biker community has been really engaged with this project from the beginning.”

The event began back in 2018, attracting 180 bikes. This then grew to around 500 just a year later. Following the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic, it retuned in 2022 with a healthy showing of 410.

At this year’s event, the team are aiming for another 500 bikes to attend and are asking for a voluntary contribution of £10 to support the centre and the remembrance, education, and outreach work they do. Since opening, over 13,000 children have been through their educational programs.

“We’ve preserved a quarter-of-a-million items, heritage, letters, photos, books, and done nearly 1500 interviews with people that were there at the time – on all sides,” van der Drift continued. “Reconciliation for us is massively important.”

For those wanting to take their donations further, up to 75 bikes can purchase a VIP package. Starting at £50 for solo riders and climbing to £60 with a pillion, you get an IBCC wristband, a professional photo of your bike in front of the spire at the centre, complimentary tea, and coffee all day – plus much more.

This steel spire can be seen across the city of Lincoln and at 102ft (31.09m) high it is the wingspan of the Avro Lancaster Bomber. For more on the centre and how to take part in the day, visit the IBCC website.