BMF: Former bmf man leads 'the great escape'

Monday, 21 February 2011 12:00 AM

Former BMF Public Relations and Communications Director and one time army corporal, Dave Muckle, is leading a team of seven riders, all on Triumph Bonneville's, on a charity ride that follows the route taken by Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, the mastermind of the plot depicted in the film The Great Escape.

The Bonnevilles were chosen in homage to Steve McQueen who was famously seen escaping from prison camp Stalag Luft 111, (the scene of the film the Great Escape), by leaping the prison camp fence on a Triumph motorcycle. In fact one of the bikes will be a modern day replica of Steve's bike and will be auctioned off after the ride as part of the fund-raising attempt.

The trip, The Great Escape 2, is planned to begin on 4th June 2011 and aims to cover 3500 miles in two weeks. The Bonnevilles and all riding equipment will be supplied by Triumph Motorcycles through Laguna Motorcycles Of Maidstone, Kent, with Nissan UK providing back up vehicles.

The aim of the ride is to raise £10,000, to be divided between the charity Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion, assisting in the care of our injured troops. To date just over £6000 has been raised but further donations, large or small, can be made through the website at www.greatescape2.net

The team intend to follow the route of Squadron Leader Bushell from a starting point at former RAF Biggin Hill, via Dover to the beaches of Dunkirk and then through Belgium to sites in Holland, Germany and returning via Trier train station where Roger was caught. After a night in Ypres to take part in the Last Post Parade, they return to Dunkirk and home.

Full details on the background to the Great Escape and the route to be taken this time around can be found at www.greatescape2.net

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