| Coeur d'Alene, 1997 – Maybe motorcycling isn't necessarily so bad for your health.
According to more than 100 medical professionals, roaring through country roads astride a motorized set of wheels is a great release.
"It basically helps us unwind from the tremendous pressures of what the medical community has," said Dr. Stuart Fierman, New York City, a member of the Motorcycling Doctors Association.
About 30 MDA members roared into Coeur d'Alene Monday evening to spend the whole week touring North Idaho. |
Photo Credit: Matt Helm, Coeur d'Alene Press
Steve Bobbe, front, of Chicago, and other members of the Motorcycling Doctors Association prepare for a ride to Sandpoint. |
On Tuesday, the group visited the Sandpoint area. A trip through the Silver Valley is planned today.
Part of Tuesday's introduction to the area was an hour-long history lesson and slideshow from local historian Robert Singletary.
Dr. Steven Bobbe, a Chicago dentist and secretary/treasurer of the 15-year-old group, said the association holds a business meeting each summer in a different part of the country. Last year, it was a progressive meeting through Colorado.
Bobbe's brother, Larry, Coeur d'Alene, helped arrange some of the logistics of the visit.
The group consists of doctors from th4e entire medical profession. Physicians ride alongside dentists, veterinarians and emergency room workers.
Though motorcycles generally aren't prescribed by many in the medical community, Bobbe said everyone is careful and knows what to do in a crisis. On another run in the past, one of the riders had stomach ailments," he said. "In seconds, he had 30 prescriptions written." Bobbe has been riding for 34 years, and said he enjoys the outlet it gives him. "There's a meditative effect," he said.
The doctors ride a variety of touring bikes, from Goldwings to Harleys. Some, like Fierman, flew to Boise and rented their own for the drive North. Fierman said many members come back from the weeklong trip rejuvenated about like and their practices. The organization also provides good exposure to different disciplines. Dr. Ian Samson, from Lakewood, NJ, chimed in to back up that point. "It's a pleasant fraternity," he said.
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