News Local/State

Urbana Man With ALS To Bike Across Country

 
Ray Spooner standing with his bicycle outside his home in Urbana

Ray Spooner is riding across the country, despite being diagnosed with ALS. Brian Moline/Illinois Public Media

Urbana’s Ray Spooner is planning to ride his bicycle all the way across the country.  He and his group are setting out from San Diego, California this weekend.  But as Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline learned, what Ray is calling his “little ride,” is anything but little.  That's because Ray has been diagnosed with ALS.

You can learn more about Ray's upcoming journey at his website, where he's updating his blog.  The latest entry is about his love for Leonard Cohen's music and how it relates to dealing with ALS.  You can also donate to his fundraiser for ALS research.