23rd July 2023 - International Bomber Command Centre - Dave Cusdin

It was a poor weather forecast and this was reflected in only 3 bikes turning up for a trip through the Lincolnshire wolds to the International Bomber Command Centre. It turned out to be one of the best trips of the year if you discount a 20 minute wait at Sutton Bridge, a very rare occasion indeed.

Any trip to Lincolnshire involves a stint on the A17 and today was no exception. They’ve started to resurface the roads, which appeared to be pointless as all they have achieved are two chip free ruts and a pile of gravel in the middle of the road. Ian led as he was very familiar with this neck of the woods and it was a relief to get off the A17 and head towards North Kyme. It was B roads from there all the way to the memorial. Roly's headlights decided to stop working mid journey but given the consummate auto electrician that he is he soon had them fixed. Amazing what wiggling a switch can do. What was remarkable was the lack of traffic, the roads were spookily silent and this and the lack of precipitation made for an enjoyable journey.

The International Bomber Command Centre is a World-Class facility acknowledging the efforts of Bomber Command During WWII. The project also covers the stories of those who suffered as a result of the bombing campaigns and those whose survival was guaranteed by the humanitarian operations of Bomber Command. During WWII over a million men and women served or supported Bomber Command. It’s free to visit the gardens and use the cafe but cars are charged £3 to park. It was a busy venue and popular with coach tours. For those of you who used to make Airfix kits as a kid you could purchase a 1/72 scale Lancaster for £54!

After a drink we headed back through Bardney to Horncastle and along what feels like the longest straight road in the country to Boston where we stopped off at the SportsBikeShop. From there back onto the A17 and home. Traffic was heavier now but all the best bits had been very quiet. 200 miles for Roly and ne’er a drop rain for the whole journey.

Until the next time

Cheers

Dave C