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Dear Ian’s Ride Community,
As we move into spring, it’s been energizing to see the momentum building across Ian’s Ride—through events, partnerships, and meaningful community conversations. We kicked off the season with our first ride of the year, the Community Read Ride in Port Townsend. It was a great way to bring people together around movement, accessibility, and shared experience, and it set the tone for what we hope will be an active and inclusive riding season ahead.
We also continued a partnership we’re deeply proud of. On January 7, Ian’s Ride made a $2,500 donation to the Peninsula Trails Coalition, marking the seventh consecutive year of this investment. Accessible trails don’t build themselves, and we believe that putting resources behind the organization working to make them a reality is one of the most important things we can do. In February, we were grateful to host a Virtual Yoga Benefit led by Janet MacLeod. This event created space for connection and wellness during the winter months while also supporting our work—thank you to everyone who participated.
Over the past couple of months, Ian’s Ride has also been featured in several podcasts, including Accessible Hunter, Driven by Purpose and The Adventure Sports Podcast. These conversations help us share our story more broadly and continue building awareness around accessibility and adaptive recreation.
March, in particular, has been full of opportunities to engage with the community through the Port Townsend Public Library’s Community Read:
- Author Karen Polinsky and I joined City Manager Jon Mauro on KPTZ 91.9’s Brewocracy on March 5
- We participated in several thoughtful and engaging book club discussions throughout the month
- Todd Stabelfeldt delivered a fun and informative talk on adaptive technology (March 5)
- A community conversation on ADA accessibility and Port Townsend’s Active Transportation Plan brought together the city engineer and local nonprofit DASH (March 12)
- The Peninsula Trails Coalition shared insights on trails, access, and connecting communities through outdoor recreation (March 19)
All of this activity reflects what makes Ian’s Ride so special: a growing network of people committed to inclusion, connection, and expanding access to the outdoors.
Thank you for being part of this community—we’re excited for what’s ahead this spring.
Ian Mackay
Executive Director, Ian’s Ride
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Upcoming book talk on March 26
Ian and author Karen Polinsky will be at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend on March 26 for a special Meet the Author event and book talk. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a book signing with books for sale from Imprint Bookshop.
| | | Celebrate Trails Day with Ian’s Ride 🚴♀️🌿 | |
Mark your calendar—Celebrate Trails Day is Saturday, April 25, 2026, and Ian’s Ride is excited to be part of this nationwide celebration of the trails that connect our communities.
Hosted each year by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Celebrate Trails Day invites people across the country to get outside and experience the joy, accessibility, and impact of our shared trail systems.
This year, Ian’s Ride is partnering with local trail champions including the Peninsula Trails Coalition to bring our community together on the Olympic Discovery Trail for a fun, inclusive group ride. Whether you’re a longtime rider, new to adaptive cycling, or simply looking for a welcoming way to spend time outdoors, this event is for you.
Ride Details
- 📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
- 📍 Carrie Blake Park, Sequim
- 🕧 Meet at 12:30 PM
- 🚲 Ride begins around 1:30 PM
- 🌉 Route travels from Carrie Blake Park to Lewis Road along the Olympic Discovery Trail
- 🥤 Two aid stations along the way (Railroad Bridge Park & Robin Hill Park)
This ride is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with a relaxed pace that welcomes riders of all abilities—including those using adaptive equipment. Come ride with us, bring a friend, and help celebrate the trails that make our region so special.
| | Community Read Ride Recap | |
On Saturday, March 21, Ian’s Ride brought community members together for a memorable Community Read Ride along the Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend.
Riders gathered at the Milo Curry Trailhead and set out under clear skies for an afternoon of movement, connection, and shared experience. The route to the Port Townsend Boat Haven offered a smooth, accessible ride for cyclists and adaptive riders alike, with a welcoming mix of participants of all abilities.
Along the way, the aid station at Cape George Trailhead provided a chance to rest, refuel, and connect—one of many moments that made the ride feel as much about community as it was about the journey.
After crossing the finish at the Boat Haven, many riders continued the conversation at Social Fabric Brewing, where pizza, drinks, and lively discussion rounded out the day.
This ride was inspired by the Port Townsend Public Library’s Community Read selection, Ian’s Ride: A Long-Distance Journey to Joy by Karen Polinsky. The themes of resilience, accessibility, and shared experience were felt throughout the afternoon—in every mile ridden and every connection made.
| A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the ride, and helped create such a welcoming and inclusive space. | | |
Announcing Talk Voice Control with Ian's Ride
Join Ian’s Ride for an engaging and informative talk exploring the power of voice control technology and its role in expanding independence and access.
For many people with mobility limitations, voice control isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative. Technologies like Apple’s Voice Control and other hands-free tools allow users to navigate devices, communicate, and interact with the world in new ways. As someone who uses this technology every day, Ian brings both lived experience and insight into how these tools can open doors and create opportunity.
What to Expect
This talk will highlight:
- How voice control technology works in real-world settings
- The impact of hands-free tools on independence and daily life
- Practical examples of accessible tech in action
- Opportunities for questions and conversation
| | | | 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! | | | | |
