"I've had the opportunity to
summit Mont Ventoux three times,
col du Tourmalet once, and also Col
d'Aubisque," he said. "Those are
very difficult climbs that are a chal-
lenge to anyone."
These 16-mile to 18-mile climbs
at an 8% to 12% incline are tests of
mettle, he said.
"You're rewarded with the views
and the satisfaction of having done
it," Dr. Vukich said.
Ophthalmic view
In addition to joining vacation tours
with groups of strangers, Dr. Vukich
has arranged to meet up with other
ophthalmologist cyclists. He noted
that on one of the Tour de France
trips, he assembled a band of 18
ophthalmologists who had become
friends over the years, spurred in
part by cycling.
"It's a small but deeply deranged
group," he joked. Some of the others
interested in the sport include
Stephen Slade, MD, Marguerite
McDonald, MD, Scott MacRae,
MD, and Mark Kontos, MD, he said.
Dr. Vukich makes it a practice to
cycle whenever he attends confer-
ences, contacting area bicycle shops
ahead of time to see about renting
a bike and possibly securing a tour
guide.
"Without fail the people who
work at bike shops are nice and
outgoing and always want to help,"
he said, adding that for about $50
you can find someone to take you
on rides around a city.
Even though he has already
ridden all over the world, Dr. Vukich
envisions more cycling adventures
ahead. One place on the agenda is
Puglia in southern Italy, known for
the rustic feel of the countryside, the
food, and the wine. "That's high on
my list of where next," he said. "But
you don't have to go to Italy—Bryce
Canyon is also beautiful. There
are many rides in America that are
just gorgeous." Riding in the wine
country of California is still one of
Dr. Vukich's continued from page 59
Dr. Vukich cycling in Maui, just one of the many scenic locations he has visited.
Dr. Vukich riding in New Zealand.
Source (all): John A. Vukich, MD
