More than 360 miles. Nine days. One powerful reminder that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone.
In September, Ian Mackay took on another major adventure: a journey of more than 360 miles along New York's historic Erie Canalway Trail, traveling from Albany to Buffalo in his mouth-controlled power wheelchair.
Joined by two longtime friends riding alongside him, Ian set out to experience the trail firsthand, meet the communities along the way, and shine a light on what's possible when outdoor spaces are designed to include people of all abilities.
Over nine days, the crew traveled through historic canal towns, passed through beautiful stretches of countryside, encountered wildlife, and met an incredible number of people who welcomed them along the route. From local cyclists joining the ride to business owners opening their doors, the generosity and enthusiasm of the communities became one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
But the ride was about more than reaching Buffalo.
Ian also experienced the realities of navigating a long-distance trail in a power wheelchair. Smooth, well-maintained paths offered opportunities for independence and exploration, while rough surfaces, trail closures, confusing detours, and difficult road crossings highlighted the work still needed to make outdoor recreation truly accessible.
That's what makes rides like this so important. Accessibility isn't just about getting from one place to another. It's about being able to explore, connect with others, experience nature, and participate fully in the world around us.
Congratulations to Ian and the entire crew on an incredible journey!
We're proud to share Ian's story through Good Moment, a documentary about his determination to push boundaries, reconnect with the outdoors, and redefine what's possible.
The adventure continues.
Check out CBS5’s story about the ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0FncGY44hk
