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Show 4 TIMES HILLTOP TIMES June 7, 2007 Building bikes Airman uses Air Force skills to race down mountains people wouldn't even hike down," Sergeant Sturkey said. "Most of the races are about a 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs mile long. Race times are usually three to five minutes with extreme terrain. You usually will Many people don't mix work and pleasure, but one ..Hill Air Force Base Airman has used work to have more have some jumps and what we call rock gardens, which are sections with large rocks you fun. Staff Sgt. Donald Sturkey, 75th Civil Engineer Squad- have to negotiate." Sergeant Sturkey travels around the state to ron structural journeyman, has been racing mountain compete in races throughout the season. In the bikes since he was 11 years-old. Equipment is an imporlast race he competed, he came in second place. tant part of this hobby, but most don't make their own The first week in June, he will be competing in bikes. the Bountiful Bomber, a race in the foothills of "1 am a rarity," Sergeant Sturkey said. "I made my own bike because 1 knew how I wanted it to ride. I could Bountiful city. "Do I see myself doing this professionally? spend $3,000 on the one I want or I can spend someNo," Sergeant Sturkey said. "I see myself where in the neighborhood of $600 to manufacture my building frames as a profession when I get out. own." This is something I love doing and the way 1 see At his day-to-day work at Hill AFB Sergeant Sturkey it 1 can do it when I am in the service and I can keeps the base's buildings in good working order — step it up when I get out." fixing doors and windows, and doing structural remodeling. While his bike may help him get down the mountain, his wife, Becky, helps fuel his ""Using some of his expertise and these skill sets he morale, as she cheers him on from the sidelines. was able to construct his own bike," said Chief Master "I love seeing him do it," she said. "He is so Sgt. Ron Brown, 75 CES. "I thought it interesting that he was using his Air Force skills and on-the-job training in happy when he is doing it." his off time." Racing since before he joined the military, Sergeant Sturkey finds his hobby where ever To the average person, Sergeant Sturkey's bike looks the military may take him. like a regular mountain bike, but to him it's much more special. "First thing you do is check the phonebook and look for local bike shops and check the "1 was extremely pleased (with how it turned out)," internet," he said. "You can find local races he said. "When you throw a leg over it and ride it almost anywhere you go," downhill the first time, that's when I knew it was so worth it." It took about SO hours for Sergeant Sturkey to build his bike, with the help of two machinist friends. It was the first time he had welded tubular steel, a skill he learned in Air Force technical training. "It's something where it's part of you when you build it," Sergeant Sturkey said. "It takes on more of a personal level of commitment when you are riding it, because you know what its going to do — you know you can trust it." just from the equipment needed — helmet, boots and various padding — it's easy to see that downhill mountain biking can be a dangerous sport. "This bike is designed to race down courses most STORY AND_PHOTOS BY BETH YOUNG^ mm (Left) Jumps such as these are some of the obstacles that Staff Sgt. Donald Sturkey, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron, faces during his hobby of downhill mountain bike racing. (Above) Sergeant Sturkey poses with the mountain bike that he constructed himself for racing. He's been racing since age 11. t tr__« :.V$I Land Here. You're thinking about home.The Air National Guard can land you there. Keep your military benefits and the camaraderie that comes with serving. To get more details, visit GoAIMG.com today. P £L. fc. _• -• .**• *.'_!"-'' '^J ERA, DEFENDING FREEDOM AIR NATIONAL GUARD | For information call 1-800-TO-GO-ANG [ GoANG.c M AIR NATIONAL GUARD o o O o • o o • o |