It's hard to keep up with Joneses

David Quick
The Post and Courier

Cadwallader 'Quaddy' and Lucy Jones ride their new side-by-side tandem bike on Sullivan's Island.

Having been a part of the running community here for 20 years, I've met my fair share of inspirational people — those who buck convention and live life, every day, to the fullest.

Among the first to come to mind are Cadwallader "Quaddy" and Lucy Jones of Sullivan's Island.

The Joneses were regulars on the road racing and triathlon scene well into their 70s. They are devout Christians, first and foremost, but also have been believers in the joys and benefits of physical, outdoor exercise since reading "Aerobics" by Dr. Kenneth Cooper in 1968.

Having never consciously exercised, and having watched friends and colleagues develop coronary disease, the Joneses started running, and swimming, and biking, and windsurfing, and you name it. And they usually enjoyed doing those activities together.

But age, as it will for all of us fortunate enough to live long lives, has caught up to them.

Quaddy, the founder of Jones Ford, is now 86 and suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Lucy is 84 and admits her memory and energy level aren't what they used to be, either. Yet they remain doggedly independent, thanks to an understanding family, and still enjoy getting outside for fresh air, a good sweat and scenery.

The challenge to do the latter became greater in the last six months. On Valentine's Day, Quaddy fell down some stairs, broke seven ribs and banged up his head.

Then, on June 30, Lucy's 84th birthday, the couple heard Glenn Miller's "Little Brown Jug" and couldn't resist.

"We had to dance a little," says Lucy.

They both ended up falling. Lucy broke her foot. Quaddy tore the rotator cuff in his shoulder.

Think that took the wind out of their sails? Think that Quaddy and Lucy succumbed to become spectators of life, rather than participants? Think again.

When Lucy heard about another couple, who were honeymooning on the Isle of Palms, riding a side-by-side, tandem bike down Middle Street, the wheels started spinning in her head.

Biking is a low-impact exercise, but Quaddy hasn't been able to balance a bike in years. The indoor Schwinn Airdyne was a poor substitute for the joy of biking outdoors, and an adult version of a tricycle was uncomfortable. His knees came up too high. But the tandem offered the stability of four wheels, and the side-by-side arrangement made it easy for them to see and talk to each other.

"We've always loved doing things together," she says.

She got the number for the maker of the bike, Lightfoot Cycles of Conner, Mont., called to find out about it and ordered the Duo, a two-seat, four-wheel recumbent. She is embarrassed at what they paid (the Web site lists it at $4,600) because "we're interested in the Lord's work No. 1 and want to be good stewards."

She adds, "We are really thankful we have this bike. ... We figure when we die, someone else will enjoy it."

Quaddy says he loves the bike, too, though he doesn't like the fact that he occupies the seat with no control of the steering and brakes.

For the past month, the Joneses have been turning heads on both the island's beaches and roads, just as they did running together in the past three decades of the 20th century. Lucy says that they don't bike every day. She adds, "Sometimes we go swimming."

And they continue to inspire people to exercise, no matter what the obstacles are.

"We like to get outside and see the world," says Lucy. "To me, it's so important to keep Quaddy moving, and me, too. I need to stay in good shape to help take care of him."

Reach David Quick at 937-5516 or dquick@postandcourier.com.