6/24/2016-Friday : we did it!!! There was beautiful weather for our short 17 mile ride. We started off in groups of 2-3 to minimize risk, it’s rush hour in Boston! As a group we re-gathered 4 miles from the beach and our Crossroads team vans guided us with flashing lights and occasional horns blasting the rest of the way!! No flats, falls or problems for anyone!! And amazingly, Richard who fell 2 weeks ago and broke his clavicle rode yesterday for 35 miles and all 17 today!! Amazing ! he’s benefitting from great conditioning before his fall! So how do I feel about the past 50 days? I’ll tell a brief story–about day 6 in the ride I was feeling uncertain if I could do this thing. I finished a ride and pulled up to the van and Larry was there. Larry is one of the staff and has done these rides for 20 years. I said”tough ride” and his reply got me back on track and refocused. He said without any judgement in his voice “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. Well today I can proudly say I did it! I did something few people have done- and I’m proud of it! I did it safely, accompanied by like minded and fun loving people from all over the country and world and we walked away as friends, who I hope will remain so for life! We’ve raised over $20K dollars for ALS and for a brief few moments met with Andrew S. Leclaire a truly amazing ALS patient who changed our lives while we reached out and touched his and his family! Finally, I saw, smelled and heard the USA in a way so different from most. The stark deserts of California and Arizona were windy threats to me! Dehydration, sun exposure and self doubt dominated my early ride thoughts. I was happy to hear almost everyone of my co-riders felt the same! With continued riding those thoughts gave way, and I learned to adjust my eating, fluid intake and biking style. Food became THE focus, it became a fuel that reversed much of the leg fatigue ( it’s not all lactic acid) and fluids were the main avenue to maintain mineral and electrolyte balance – headaches, dizziness and more fatigue were consequences if careful attention to overall liquid intake, was not well maintained. This kind of ride is epic and for me it was made easier by the fantastic and professional staff at CrossRoadsCycling. But, even more by the fellow riders I was privileged to ride with! We supported each other when needed (flats, chain issues, rare injuries) laughed so often I feel different and spoke about our lives like only long time friends will do!! What a gift! Thanks Denise for giving me the space to be me while still loving you after 39 years– you and the kids are what it is all really about! As an aside, for our last meal a group of us went by car to a local Cheesecake Factory for lunch. McCauley had the line of the day– “I don’t normal eat much dessert but since this ride began, it’s been a necessity”. As we finished our 3 different cheesecakes- Kevin then said – “that cheesecake was amazing, I would have licked the plate if you all weren’t here” .That was when we all laughed hysterically and decided, yeah, it might be time to start tapering back on the carbohydrates!! Thanks everyone for following along and for those who has the resources to donate- I and Kevin are really grateful. Your comments, jokes and best wishes were an important part of the whole experience for me. it has been terrific and humbling!!!
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JQsBigAdventure 
Jim – a HUGE congratulations to you for this amazing feat of courage and perseverance!! We at NCFMG applaud your efforts and reasons. You just raised the bar my friend!
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I am excited to see everyone and glad that bar is raised. I’m planning to keep pushing it– start the chase it’s your turn!!
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The Atlantic must have felt good on your feet. I enjoyed every day of your ride and congratulations. The map says it all, 3,400 miles!! Damn, that’s impressive!!
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Thanks! I earned every mile- so I’ll take all compliments happily! What an adventure!
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Thank you for the blog. You are now part of an elite group of people who have finished what many can only dream of doing. I’ve decided to ride across one more time before I get too old. XC17 here I come.
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Really!!?? Not ready for that step yet, that is so cool!! I’ll let Chuck know– he’s our triple repeat tour member!!
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Congratulations on a fete well done!! 🚲
We are so excited and proud of you. Wish we were there at the finish line! See you soon
💟C&P
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It was great fun! Denise had the full experience and we are off to enjoy Boston and the area. See you at home!!
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Congrats on your tremendous fete! Followed you every day as if reading a chapter of a book daily. Enjoy your time in Boston and have a safe trip home.
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Thanks buddy!! What an eye opening experience! Hi to Pat and we’ll talk soon!
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Way to go Q. We knew you would do it. We followed you every day
Mike Mansi
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It was fun wasn’t it!! The Brits knew where your gang in England lived!! Those guys were a hoot! Keep in touch – games still on!!
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Congrats to you and the others who cycled in this amazing journey! So what’s next?
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Thanks Jose! Next – a little down time then ?? Thinking of hiking the John Muir trail, or there is this ride in —–?See you on campus , I’m helping at North Coast for a few months while Dr K is out on maternity leave in August!!
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Jim – congratulations! You must feel great!! Really looked forward to reading your daily posts. We will miss that. Felt a bit like I was part of the journey…but no pain:)
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Fun stuff indeed!! Great group of people– one huge fraternity of athletes and human beings! We’re heading to SF area for 4 th — lets get together! Stories to be told!!
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Congrats Dad!!! We knew you could do it
😄 It’s given me the inspiration to start a bucket list and work to achieve the goals 😄 Baby steps but my next goal is a half marathon and then a marathon 😄 I’m going to miss reading about your adventure see you next week. Love you ❤️
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Wow– now that’s terrific! Spoken like a true Quigley — I mean Ecoffey!! The 1st step is the hardest — keep stepping!! We had sooo much fun!! Off to Boston town with Mom to do some celebrating — and jewelry shopping, ha!!
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I just love that I’m inspiring you!!plan it out and I know how focused and determined you are- you will succeed and figure out a way to combine everything ! Make it enjoyable for everyone and find friends to do it with! See you next week. Love
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If you had to retire, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. 😉 After all, I had to retire, too. Well done!
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The ride was one of the reason I wanted to retire, and it was an awesome way to send our country! Hope you are well , thanks for riding along!!
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I am fortunate to know you, big guy. What a wonderful thing you did.
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Thanks and likewise!! It’s fun setting goals and getting there! I’ll be at the office Wednesday – hope to see you!!
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Love the pic of you and Denise!! You both survived 😋😘
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Yeah- she looked and hugged great!! It’s love!!
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Hey, Jim! What a ride, huh? Glad to see that you made it. I’ll read all that I missed on your blog after I’ve taken a long break from computer. The 60 hour work weeks on the comp did not permit anymore comp time, as you might imagine. Anyway, I’m done working for awhile as of today, so I’m looking forward to reading up on all of your adventures. Take care …. and maybe you’re already back home now!
Nice pic of you and Denise!!!
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Thanks Aubrey. We just are leaving Boston— both in one piece!! Great adventure and fantastic time. Last count wee aided $25 K for ALS!! Amazing. Let get together — anywhere!!
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Jim check out day 39, for a follow up note,Gary
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Dr. Quigley and company. I’m just catching up, and have several days to go back. But i had to see the photos and journal at your goal line. Missed a few as I attended a family reunion in the San Joaquin Valley and my 60th high school class reunion in Norwalk, CA. I am so proud of you and your bicycling team. I told everyone, classmates and relatives, interested in bicycling about your great adventure. I still miss you and will stop by to see you soon.
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Thanks Jackie – it was great fun. I am helping out at NCFMG for a few months – maternity leave for 2 providers- and they asked me to help out. We raised over $25 K dollars for ALS , amazing. My best to you. Dr Q
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