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Corporal
Paul Galati, from RAAF Base Richmond’s No. 37 Squadron,
leads a group of riders around a tight bend at Eastern Creek
Raceway.
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Corporal
Daniel Ullmer steers his 900cc machine around the Eastern
Creek circuit. He can hit speeds of more than 250km/hr down
the straight. Photos
by
LAC Ben Dempster
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By Ben
Caddaye
WHEN
they’re not maintaining aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond, a
group of Aircraft Technicians from No. 37 Squadron has been tinkering
with technology of the two-wheeled variety.
Motorcycle
enthusiasts Corporal Daniel Ullmer, Corporal Barry Damsma, Corporal
Paul Galati and Leading Aircraftman Robert McAdam have a need
for speed that’s driven them to Eastern Creek Raceway’s
regular ride days.
The
ride days, held every two to three weeks at the famous motor racing
venue, are open to riders of any experience level, with four classes
– A, B, C and D – catering for anyone from raw beginners
to the very advanced.
On
motorcycles of varying performance levels, the 37SQN quartet,
all of whom possess about five years experience on bikes, are
allowed to open the throttle and unleash their beasts for 20 minutes
of pure, unadulterated riding pleasure.
“It’s
great because you know there’s no other traffic and no cats
or kids to run out in front of you,” CPL Ullmer said.
There
are also no speed limits, and riders like CPL Ullmer on his 900cc
machine can reach speeds of between 250-260km/hr down the straight.
“I
actually tape up my speedo because it gets a bit distracting at
times,” he said.
“You
certainly know you’re alive when you’re going that fast.”
Of
course, safety is paramount on Eastern Creek’s ride days.
Participants are briefed on “dos” and “don’ts”
before they hit the track and all must wear appropriate riding
gear.
The
guys from 37SQN have been joined in recent times by fellow rev-heads
and speed freaks from No. 33 and 36 Squadrons.
CPL
Ullmer said the group planned to make attending the ride days
a regular event this year.
“In
the end it’s just a lot of fun. It’s excellent,”
he said.
