ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – Ian Mackay, a Washington state resident and passionate outdoor enthusiast, has found a way to continue his love for biking despite being paralyzed from the neck down.
Sixteen years ago, while studying biology at UC Santa Cruz, Mackay’s life took a turn when a biking accident left him paralyzed. He was an avid cyclist before his injury, often dreaming of long bike tours.
His accident occurred on a steep bike path when he lost control and crashed headfirst into a tree.
Mackay refused to let this setback halt his adventures. Today, he still “bikes” using a specialized wheelchair, and he’s dedicated to advocating for more accessible outdoor spaces through his nonprofit, Ian’s Ride.
Mackay has previously ridden across Washington State twice, along U.S. Highway 101 on the Redwood Coast, and from Washington D.C. to Columbus, Ohio. He holds the world record for most miles traveled in 24 hours using a sip-and-puff wheelchair.
The aftermath of the injury forced Mackay to reconsider his future, initially steering him away from the outdoors he loved so much.
“Those first few years, I think I was trying to reinvent myself, thinking that maybe I would, you know, be a computer guy,” Mackay said.
This didn’t work out too well for him, and four years into this new life, he once again started exploring a local trail near his home.
“I got to see the first goldfinch [of the year and a] crocus bloom. And those things really fired me up,” he said. Mackay found solace in nature, motivating him to spend more time on the trails each day.
Mackay’s persistence led him to start Ian’s Ride, a nonprofit organization advocating for more accessible outdoor spaces. Through Ian’s Ride, he organizes long-distance rides on trails, some of which are rail trails — former railway lines converted into trails for recreational use — like the Katy Trail.
“[The Katy Trail] is our nation’s longest continuous rail-trail,” Mackay said. “It’s a great spot for some wonderful outdoor recreation.”
Mackay’s current journey marks his fifth organized ride, taking him and his companions through scenic trails and diverse landscapes. He typically covers around 40 miles a day, exploring natural beauty, connecting with friends, and sharing his experiences on his blog.
“We blog every day. … We talk about our experiences, share photos, and meet some good people along the way,” Mackay said. “I think it’s important for people of all abilities to get outside and live a full life.”
He hopes his efforts will encourage the development of more all-access trails across the nation, making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone.
