Drs. Alan Christianson and Paul Mittman met up at the 2010 Tour de Phoenix. Both reached their personal goals for the 72-mile bicycle race. Dr. Christianson  finished in 2 hours 58 minutes, just 5 minutes behind the overall winner. Dr. Mittman, happy to complete his first bicycle race, came in at 3 hours 21 minutes, significantly faster than his 4 hour prediction.

Dr. Chrisianson (SCNM ’96) is an avid road cyclist and mountain biker. He ranks among  Arizona’s elite amateur racers, holding a platinum classification (awarded to the fastest racers in sanctioned events). At the Tour de Phoenix he maintained a blistering pace, averaging 23.5 miles an hour over the hilly terrain that included a brutal climb over Usery Pass at mile 60.   

The two docs previewed the route, riding it a week before race-time, which helped them pace themselves appropriately. Dr. Mittman especially appreciated the opportunity to preview the Bush Highway section with its 40+ mile per hour descent. “I was scared witless the first time we rode it. Then I was much more comfortable during the race, already knowing that despite the steep grade the road was smooth, and there were no tricky curves. The Mesa police also made it safer by closing that section of the course to traffic.”  

Many others engage in all kinds of adventures, including runs and walkathons, hikes and climbs, medical missions at home and abroad. Please send news of your vocation and your avocation so we can share it with the doctors, students, staff, faculty, patients, supporters and friends who comprise the SCNM Community.