Riding a trail bike is a dream of many a young man. The bike gives you a distinct sense of speed and adventure. The STF has its elite rider team: the team engages in three areas of mobility which include VIP convoy protection, combat riding (rapid reaction) and stunt display riding.
I was able to meet this young and vibrant group of riders at their school located in Katukurunda, Kalutara. The vast expanse of this school with rugged terrain is perfect to practice their skills.
This kind of riding is certainly not for the faint hearted, it requires focus and balance. The rider must be passionate and willing to take calculated risk. The STF rider teams were conceptualized in 1996 during the time of DIG Nimal Gunathileke and began with 22 men. During the period of conflict they did a tremendous task in responding to threats in the North and East. The bikes had the advantage of speed and the ability to navigate in rough terrain by day or night. This was the birth of the QRT- Quick Reaction Teams. Today the versatile riders use the DR-200 trailer bike and the BMW 1200 cc for VIP convoy protection duty. Escorting a convoy is more than riding: the rider and the pillion rider must be alert and ready to shoot at any impending threat. The pillion rider is trained to stand on the bike and keep firing as the bike is in motion; this requires 100 percent balance and nerves of steel.
All riders initially complete the STF basic training prior to joining the team. The 8 week course teaches them a lot of cool stuff: mechanical knowledge of the bikes, riding under various speeds, unarmed combat, convoy safety, motorcade formation, reading maps and GPS, riding with a MP-5 machine gun, riding without a weapon and off road riding, which is full of adrenalin pumping adventure.
Trainees must obtain pass marks in the physical training, firing and riding tests before being able to ride in the elite bike team. During the training period priority is given to safety. Knowledge of current motor traffic laws are also taught to the men.
Those who consistently perform well are given the chance to join the stunt team, where many riding tricks are displayed using one wheel of the bike. I was able to witness one man standing on the bike, as it kept moving. The STF stunt teams perform at Police events and also at their annual passing out parades held at Katukurunda and receive tons of applause.
The bike teams redefine daring adventure, whilst performing an important security duty to the nation.
