When Chris Spicker gets up early on Saturday mornings and heads off on a five hour, 70 mile bike ride, he’s thinking about one person: his older brother, Karl.  Karl has Multiple Sclerosis, and Chris is just one of the Spicker family members who will be participating in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS: Pedal to the Point event in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

On August 14 and 15, the 21-member Spicker family team, called Spinners for the Cure, will don their orange, blue, and white jerseys designed by Karl, and participate in the fundraising event.  Chris has chosen the longest course, 150 miles, and agreed to ride the additional 20 mile challenge if his $5,000 fundraising goal is achieved.

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Three years ago, Chris found out that his sister-in-law was riding in the Pedal to the Point challenge for Karl and decided to join in after having not ridden a bike since his childhood newspaper route.  This is his second year traveling from his home in the SCV to Ohio to ride in the event and be with his family.

“It’s become such a family event.  He’s got cousins, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and in-laws’ in-laws joining in to help out.” said Cat, Chris’ wife.

Even Karl, though he struggles to walk with a cane, is joining in on the cycling.  Chris is donating one dollar for every practice mile Karl logs on his recumbent bike.  Karl has ridden over 700 miles.

“Besides the value of the donations, participating in this event has given Karl something to look forward to, physical therapy by riding the bike, and done a lot for this family to help them understand what Karl is going through.” said Cat.

If you would like to donate to the Spinners for the Cure team, click here, or visit the Bike MS website to learn more about the event.