Lincoln's annual International Bomber Command ride out to honour Great Escape

The 2024 charity InSpire Ride to Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) will take place this coming Sunday, May 19 2024 and will mark 80 years of the Great Escape.

Between 300 and 400 motorcycles are expected to attend, with the original Triumph TR6 Great Escape film bike also said to be in attendance.

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“It’s an opportunity to mark your remembrance,” IBCC CEO Nicky van der Drift told MCN. “You only have to talk to those that are doing the tours up at the Spire learning about Bomber Command, and you can see the impact it has on them.”

Based on the outskirts of the city, with the county home to over a third of all WWII Bomber Command Stations during the conflict, the venue also features a spire standing at 102ft high – or the wingspan of the Avro Lancaster Bomber.

This year’s mass ride will pay tribute to the 76 allied airmen who escaped Stalag Luft III prisoner of war camp on the night of March 24, 1944.

All but three of the 76 were recaptured, with 50 subsequently executed. What’s more, 28 of them were members of Bomber Command and are now remembered in memorials at the IBCC.

“It’s a fantastic day and I think remembrance and the biking community go hand in hand,” the IBCC CEO continued – further stating that a flypast from a Spitfire and Hurricane is planned for around 12.30pm.

The event will raise money for the IBCC itself, which aims to preserve the memory of those who served in Bomber Command, as well as act as a point of remembrance, and reconciliation.

The centre has also welcomed over 26,000 school children on visits subsidised by the centre, with the donations from the day also supporting this.

During the ride, the centre are asking for £10 contributions of support, with registration available online ahead of time.

VIP Solo Rider Packages are also available to 75 bikes for £50, gaining you a special wristband, a photo of your bike in front of the spire, tea and coffee all day, and more. An additional rider and pillion package is available from £60 too.

Riders will approach the centre from both the north and south in two separate riding groups. For full details and timings, visit the InSpire Ride’s Facebook page now.