Sunday 19th May 2024
Each year, the IBCC welcomes hundreds of bikers to the site.
This year’s InSpire Ride event at the International Bomber Command Centre will pay tribute to the men of Stalag Luft III who took part in the ‘Great Escape’ in March 1944.
On the night of March 24, 1944, and into the early hours of the next morning, 76 allied airmen from German Prisoner of War camp, the Stalag Luft III, made their way along the tunnel codenamed ‘Harry’, one of three tunnels codenamed ‘Tom,’ ‘Dick’ and ‘Harry’ that had been excavated in secret over the prior 15 months.
Led by RAF officer, Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, two hundred men were initially chosen to crawl to freedom, however only 76 made it out – as the 76th man was crawling towards the woods, he was spotted by a German guard. Unfortunately, all but three escapers were re-captured and 50 were ordered to be executed by Hitler, who was enraged by the scale and the audacity of the escape.
Twenty eight of the fifty executed were members of Bomber Command and are remembered on the IBCC memorial walls.
The Hollywood blockbuster film, ‘The Great Escape’ was released in 1963 and was loosely based on this true story. The film is widely considered a classic and known for the direction by John Sturges and for a cast that included Steve McQueen in one of his defining roles.
His role as the “cooler king” Virgil Hilts is still best remembered for THAT motorcycle jump scene across a 12ft tall, barbed wire fence on a Triumph TR6 650 Special!
‘That motorcycle jump’ is one of the most famous film scenes of all time and is the link to our motorcycle event, InSpireRide2024, on Sunday 19th May 2024 at the International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln.
The Triumph used in that film will be on display at InSpire Ride 24 – come and get a photo taken with this iconic piece of film history
InSpire Ride 24 is a charity fundraising event for the IBCC and we would be grateful for your continued support. We are asking for Voluntary Contributions of £10.00 to support our remembrance, education and outreach work. Gift Aiding this donation adds to this support as the charity will receive 25% extra from the Government, at no cost to you. You must be a UK taxpayer to do this.
You could also choose to join our VIP’s with the packages below:
InSpire Ride VIP Solo Rider – £50 (75 bike limit)
· IBCC Wristband
· Free Priority Access to the Chadwick Centre Exhibition (usually £10.50 pp)
· Professional Photo of YOUR bike in Front of The Spire
· Free access to a VIP lounge with complimentary tea & coffee all day and a bacon, sausage or veggie burger bap on arrival.
InSpire Ride VIP Rider & Pillion -£60
As above but your pillion also has free access to the VIP Lounge and The Chadwick Exhibition with their additional wristband.
To book your places please click here
