Melchiore Buscemi Talks Mountain Biking
Dr. Melchiore Buscemi is a people-focused medical professional committed to helping patients achieve the best health possible. But when it comes time to relax and unwind, there are few activities Dr. Buscemi enjoys more than hitting the open trail aboard his full-suspension mountain bike.
Below, Dr. Buscemi talks about what spurred his love of biking and some of his favorite places to ride around the world.
Tell us how you first got into mountain biking
Though practicing Medicine occupied a great deal of my time, I needed an outlet to relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompany working long hours and dealing with many life-threatening situations.
In 1999. I purchased a full-suspension mountain bike and one year later, I added a titanium road bike. At the time, Lance Armstrong, a world-class biker, became famous by winning the Tour De France. As time passed, my biking skills improved, and I was biking approximately 5-6 thousand miles annually.
As you became a better rider, were there any unique biking destinations that caught your eye?
I was fortunate enough to live only a couple hours from the beautiful Olympic village of Lake Placid, NY. It was there that I discovered Mount Van Hoevenberg. Mount Van Hoevenberg is home to Skeleton, bobsled track, and Cross Country Ski Trails. It was a venue for the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. When the seasons change and the snow melts, the ski trails are converted into novice and advanced biking trails. The trails are organized and labeled with symbols such as circles, squares, and diamonds. Each symbol represents a certain level of difficulty. Some of the less difficult courses are still quite challenging.
The village of Lake Placid is home to many famous sporting events and competitions. A favorite of mine and very popular is the Ironman Competition held annually in July. Though I had purchased a home in Lake Placid, I joined other bikers with moderate experience and we explored distant biking trails.
One interesting destination we explored was Whistler Mountain in British Colombia, Canada. Whistler is well known for challenging, world-class skiing. These trails are converted into Mountain biking trails in the Spring. There are over 200 acres of trails offering breathtaking views. This popular sporting destination also offers many international events. One can ride cable cars and chair lifts with bike racks to the summit.
Some of the luxury accommodations include The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin Resort, and Sundial.
Any other memorable biking experiences or destinations come to mind?
There is another area that I thoroughly enjoyed biking around, as well as the incredible views. This area is Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy. There are many panoramic routes at high altitudes with exciting downhill stretches. There are numerous mountain lodges on the route where one can enjoy the local cuisine. If one feels they may need some assistance to bike in the area, some of the local shops offer e–bikes with enough battery power to travel for 50-60 miles.
Lastly, is the Interlaken Resort in the Mountainous Bernese Overland region. It’s built on a narrow stretch of valley between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. When one is transported to the top of the summit, you will be treated to the stunning views of The Swiss Alps with lush green valleys, lakes, and year-round snow-capped peaks.
While traveling here you can also take in some of the breathtaking waterfalls, paragliding, and horseback riding. These dream vacation destinations will take your breath away and offer endless unique experiences. When biking, be smart and always use trails that match your level of skill and experience.
Have any advice for people new to mountain biking?
Always wear a helmet, full hand gloves, elbow, and knee pads. My wish is that you, too, will have an unforgettable experience.
Ride safely!