Floyd Landis, Tour de France winner 2006.

About 30,000 Orthopedic Surgeons from around the world descended on San Diego last week for the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting.  San Diego proved to be a superb venue for this meeting.  The weather was glorious.  The waterside convention center and its surroundings are lovely and boast affordable parking.  Attendees need not be limited to the food offerings inside the center, either.  There are plenty of great restaurants within blocks of the meeting.

There are terrific academic lectures, instructional courses and symposia (which are my favorites).  Physicians from across the globe present their research and discuss new ideas in our field.  It's an enlightening, if not overwhelming week.

What most impressed me, however, is my meeting Floyd Landis, winner of the 2006 Tour de France.   Mr. Landis underwent right hip resurfacing in September, 2006.  He had osteonecrosis of the hip after a serious crash injury years ago.  Floyd underwent two operations before the resurfacing procedure.  He told me that after his initial recuperation and rehabilitation, he is impressed at his level of function.  He's back in full training and will take part (not ride) in the Tour of California this Winter.  He's written a book about his innocence in the TdF and will promote it and his defense case during the tour.   

And, talk about coincidence!  My good friend, Doug, also met Floyd during a recent visit to NYC.  Floyd was kind enough to autograph a copy of High Impact Quotations, edited by none other than Richard "Dick" Pound.

Aside from the meeting, I was able to enjoy the fabulous San Diego weather.  I rented a Cervelo road bike from the nice folks at Nytro in Encinitias, CA.  Each day before the conference, I had a few hours to ride on a stretch of Route 101.  It's a gorgeous  road with breathtaking ocean views. 

These are taken at the base of the North Torrey Pines Road hill.  The surfers are out in force on this breezy, sunny day.

Claudette with serious helmet hair. A nice passerby snapped this for me.  Where does a girl find a mirror when she needs one?

Overall, a wonderful experience.  Even though my travel time practically equalled my time in San Diego because of the awful weather situation in New York and some serious flight delays and cancellations.  I made some great airport friends through that ordeal.  And I must send some kudos to the incredible gate agent who helped us on flight 265 out of JFK on Thursday.  You managed to handle a horrible 9 hour delay with grace and professionalism.  You are a credit to your organization!