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Dear Ian’s Ride Community,
As we head into fall, it’s been a rewarding year for Ian’s Ride, with opportunities to bring people together, share stories, and help make the outdoors more accessible. From our signature events to conversations about inclusive infrastructure, we continue to find new ways to advance our mission.
Sea to Sound was once again a highlight of the year, bringing together riders of all abilities for a multi-day journey along the Olympic Discovery Trail. It takes an incredible community of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters to make this event possible, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped create another memorable experience.
I’m also looking forward to sharing more about our biennial ride across New York, covering more than 360 miles of the Erie Canalway Trail from Albany to Buffalo. These journeys offer a chance to explore new places, build connections, and advance conversations about accessibility and mobility.
Closer to home, we continued to make the most of opportunities to ride together. I participated in Ride the Hurricane, the annual cycling event that takes riders from sea level to the summit of Hurricane Ridge. We also hosted our first-ever ride along the Spruce Railroad Trail beside Lake Crescent, introducing participants to another spectacular section of the Olympic Peninsula’s trail network.
Community connections extend beyond the trail, too. We were pleased to participate in the Here and Now Project’s 5K for Today, joining others who share our commitment to supporting people living with paralysis. We’ve also continued our book talks, recently visiting the Coho Book Club and Diamond Point Book Club. These conversations about Ian’s Ride: A Long-Distance Journey to Joy by Karen Polinsky are a wonderful way to share the experiences behind our work and connect with people who believe in the power of adventure and community.
Another important part of our work this year has been consulting on accessible infrastructure and power wheelchair improvements. These opportunities allow us to contribute to solutions that can make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives. Whether we’re helping identify barriers in the built environment or exploring ways to improve mobility equipment, the goal remains the same: making it easier for people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities and enjoy the outdoors.
All of these efforts are connected by a simple idea: access creates opportunity. Every ride, book discussion, partnership, and consultation helps move us toward a world where outdoor adventure is more inclusive and more accessible.
Thank you to our riders, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners for continuing to support Ian’s Ride. Your generosity and commitment make this work possible, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the months ahead.
Ian Mackay
Executive Director
Ian's Ride
| | Good Moment Premieres as "Best Documentary" at SOHO International Film Festival | | |
The story of Ian Mackay’s record-setting journey is reaching the big screen. Good Moment, a feature-length documentary following the Ian’s Ride founder’s pursuit of a world record, premiered October 11 at the SOHO International Film Festival in New York City and was awarded best documentary of the festival. The film offers an intimate look at Ian’s life as a quadriplegic adventurer and the determination, community, and connection to nature that have shaped his journey.
In 2022, Ian set out to break the world record for the greatest distance traveled in 24 hours using a mouth-controlled power wheelchair. He covered 184.4 miles in 24 hours, demonstrating what adaptive technology, preparation, and a dedicated support team can make possible.
But Good Moment is about much more than the miles. Through Ian’s story and the people around him, the film explores life after paralysis, the importance of community, and the possibilities that emerge when people have the support and access they need to pursue their goals. It also reflects the mission at the heart of Ian’s Ride: making the outdoors more accessible and helping people with mobility disabilities experience the freedom and joy of adventure.
Following its New York premiere, Good Moment will screen in Seattle on Friday, October 23, at Washington Hall. The screening is an opportunity for the local community to experience Ian’s story on the big screen.
Screening details
- Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Location: Washington Hall, Seattle
- Tickets and information: goodmomentfilm.com
We’re excited to see Ian’s journey shared with wider audiences and hope the film inspires more people to consider what an accessible outdoors can make possible.
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From Albany to Buffalo: A Ride to Remember
In September, Ian traveled more than 370 miles in his power wheelchair along New York’s historic Erie Canalway Trail. Joined by two close friends riding alongside him, Ian spent ten days exploring canal towns, enjoying beautiful landscapes, and meeting people who made this journey one of his most memorable rides yet.
Ian and his crew met people who welcomed them with open arms, shared meals, cheered them on from the canal banks, and went out of their way to help along the route. From local businesses offering support to trail advocates and public officials joining them for portions of the ride, the generosity they encountered was extraordinary.
Of course, this journey was about more than covering miles. Every big ride is an opportunity to demonstrate what people with disabilities can do when they have access to the outdoors. Accessible trails create opportunities for adventure, independence, and connection, and Ian hopes these journeys encourage continued investment in infrastructure that welcomes people of all abilities.
One of the most rewarding parts of these rides is seeing how a shared experience can bring people together. Along the Erie Canalway Trail, Ian encountered a remarkable sense of regional pride and a community that understands the importance of preserving connections between towns and cities. The trail offered a glimpse into the canal’s history while showing how these corridors continue to serve people today.
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After completing the ride, Ian and his crew traveled to Vaughan, Ontario, to visit with the team at Motion Concepts, the company behind the power wheelchair that makes his adventures possible. The visit offered an opportunity to share firsthand experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss how mobility equipment can continue to evolve to better meet the needs of its users. These conversations are a key part of Ian’s ongoing mission to make outdoor recreation more accessible for people of all abilities.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed Ian and his crew in New York, rode alongside them, offered encouragement, or helped make this journey possible. The trip was another reminder that adventure is about more than physical ability or distance traveled. It is about sharing experiences, building connections, and creating opportunities for everyone to participate.
With another adventure in the books, Ian’s Ride looks forward to continuing its work to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone.
Read more about the journey, including daily updates and photos, on the Ian’s Ride blog.
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SEA TO SOUND 2026: 74 MILES OF ADVENTURE AND CONNECTION
August 28–30, riders of all abilities came together for three days of adventure along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Covering 74 miles, Sea to Sound celebrated accessible recreation, community, and the belief that outdoor adventure should be available to everyone.
Approximately 150 participants and 60 volunteers made this year’s event possible, with support including aid stations, shuttling, charging assistance, meals, mechanical support, and entertainment. A highlight of the weekend was the wheelchair rodeo at the end of Day 2, celebrating mobility, independence, and the capabilities of adaptive equipment.
Sea to Sound is about more than the miles. It creates opportunities for people living with paralysis and other mobility disabilities to experience the outdoors, challenge themselves, and build lasting connections. Lodging scholarships also help reduce financial barriers, making it possible for more participants and families to join us.
Thank you to our riders, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners who made this year’s event such a success!
Planning for Sea to Sound 2027 is already underway, and we’re excited to build on this year’s experience and welcome everyone back to the trail next year.
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An Adventure on the Spruce Railroad Trail
With Ride Tahoma operating at limited capacity this year, Ian’s Ride added a spur-of-the-moment ride on the scenic Spruce Railroad Trail to create another opportunity for participants to get outside and enjoy an accessible outdoor adventure.
The group set out to enjoy the beautiful Olympic Peninsula scenery, but a few downed trees had other plans! The obstacles forced an earlier-than-expected turnaround, cutting the ride a little short. Even so, the day was a reminder that accessible recreation is about more than reaching a destination. It’s about creating opportunities for people of all abilities to experience the outdoors, connect with others, and enjoy the journey — even when the trail throws us a curveball.
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Join the Conversation: Talk Voice Control with Ian's Ride
Each month, Ian's Ride hosts Talk Voice Control, a free online discussion about using hands-free technology to make everyday life more accessible. Whether you're new to voice control or have been using it for years, these conversations are a chance to learn something new and share what works for you.
Talk Voice Control is led by Ian Mackay and his two awesome cohosts, Chad Traeger and Todd Scheresky, takes place on the last Monday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Pacific. Each session includes practical demonstrations, real-world tips, and plenty of time for questions and discussion. We've covered everything from getting started with voice control to using advanced accessibility features on Apple devices to improve independence and confidence with accessible technology.
Can't make it live? We've got you covered. Every Talk Voice Control session is recorded, and the video, presentation notes, and full transcript are available on our website so you can catch up whenever it's convenient.
Whether you're looking for a solution to a specific challenge or just want to see what's possible, we'd love to have you join us at an upcoming Talk Voice Control. We hope to see you on the last Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. Pacific.
| | Nature and Spinal Cord Injury Survey | |
Mayo Clinic researchers are seeking adult volunteers with a history of spinal cord injury to participate in a survey.
The purpose of this research study is to better understand the relationship between spinal cord injury, spending time in nature and health.
You may be eligible to participate if:
• You are an adult with a traumatic spinal cord injury in the last 1-10 years
| | | | All of our events are only possible with the support of our community. We want to continue to expand our events in size and scope as well as introduce more opportunities for folks with disabilities. If you’re able to donate, even a small amount helps and will ensure more people with mobility impairments can #GetOutside! | | | | |
