AFTD Ambassador Spencer Cline wanted to raise FTD awareness and honor the memory of his father. Lawrence Cline was diagnosed with FTD at age 50 and died in 2012, when Spencer was just 13 years old. Because his father’s FTD was caused by a variant in the C9orf72 gene, which causes FTD and ALS and can be passed down to the next generation, Spencer and his siblings have a 50% chance of one day developing symptoms of one or both diseases. 

So, Cline conceived an ambitious, 3,600-plus mile bike ride from west coast of the United States all the way to the east coast. Along the way he would raise money for AFTD’s mission and document his journey on his Instagram page, where he also shared FTD facts to his followers. 

Cline and his future brother-in-law, Paul Petras, began the trek in Oregon on June 16, starting out by dipping their rear tires into the Pacific Ocean. And while Petras had to leave the ride a few weeks before the finish, Cline reached his destination of Sullivan’s Island, outside Charleston, S.C. on Saturday, August 21. This time, he dipped his front tire into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Accidents Happened  

Cline’s ride had its share of challenges. In Idaho, a dog ran in front of his bike, causing him to crash and break his wrist. After surgery and a hiatus of just one week, he continued the journey.  

But on August 12, just 300 miles from Charleston, Cline again crashed, this time in Georgia, after a truck drove too close and pushed him into a ditch. He broke his clavicle and separated his shoulder, effectively ending his ability to ride his bicycle until he heals. Yet throughout the journey, the injuries, and the surgery, Cline continued to post to Instagram, providing descriptions of each day’s progress and facts about FTD. 

The Community Stepped Up 

Although Cline had to step off of his bike for the last stretch of his ride, AFTD’s community rallied around him. On bicycles, stationary bikes, and even scooters, they collectively rode more than 1,000 miles to make up the 300 miles he could not complete. They also shared their pictures on social media, tagging them with #RideForSpencer — effectively expanding Cline’s reach even further.  

Cline biked an amazing 90% of the country’s width, raising awareness and surpassing his fundraising goal of $50,000. “I think my dad would be proud,” he said. “I think he’d be amazed by the support I got throughout the trip and the outpouring of support from the community.”