It’s 2024, which means it’s time for another big ride! I can hardly believe it’s been two years since we rolled 400+ miles of the easternmost section of the Great American Rail Trail (GART). The beauty was spectacular, the history enlightening and we got to meet some wonderful folks along the way. Furthermore, it cemented our love and appreciation of rail trails.

We really appreciate the work the Rails to Trails Conservancy has done to create and expand accessible trails for millions around our nation. So, we’ve partnered with them once again to highlight this incredible, accessible infrastructure. Rail trails are great destinations for wheelchair adventures because they generally have an appropriate width and manageable slopes. We thought long and hard on what trail to highlight for 2024 and we are excited with our choice.

We’re heading to Missouri to ride the Katy Trail! It is our nation’s longest consecutive rail trail and roughly travels between St. Louis and Kansas City. Much of the trail follows the Missouri River and we are excited to see what it has to offer. The route is 275 miles long which we hope to tackle in seven days between June 21 and June 27. The final 50 miles will be on the Rock Island Spur which moves us up towards Kansas City from Windsor, MO.

Here I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous about riding my wheelchair across Missouri in late June. It’s going to be hot and my body doesn’t sweat from increased temperature. I’ll rely on the team to spray me down and give me ice water whenever possible. Additionally, I’ll bring an ice vest to hopefully help keep my temperature down. Finally, I’ll do my best to start each day with the lowest body temperature I can manage.

A big concern is having to fly with my power wheelchair. I’m a big proponent of flying and seeing the world no matter how complicated your disability or equipment. However, it is a fact that wheelchairs get damaged frequently during air travel. This is scary. This means our trip could be over before it starts if the wheelchair gets damaged on the way to St. Louis. We just have to prepare the best we can and be sure the baggage handlers in Seattle have all the information they need to ensure my chair gets stowed safely. Then keep fingers crossed that the St. Louis staff provides the chair with white glove treatment. Sometimes you have to take a chance…

Another interesting challenge, the cicadas! When planning this adventure, we didn’t realize that every 200 years the 13-year cicada cycle and 17-year cicada cycle match up to create a super swarm. Of course that occurs in 2024. We don’t really know what to expect other than a lot of noise, a lot of bugs and a lot of crunchy exoskeletons. One way or another, it’s bound to be interesting.

I can’t do this alone. I’ll need some folks to support me while I’m out on the trail, and ones crazy enough to be willing to go to Missouri in June during a 200-year cicada super swarm. I once again projected the Ian’s Ride logo on the nearest cloud and soon Josh Blaustein and Jimmy Quenelle were on board. These two are a huge reason I’m able to do these rides. They set time out of their busy lives every other year to chase me around whatever harebrained trail I decide to ride. I’ll say it again, this kind of friendship and support is phenomenal.

In addition, my lovely fiancée Celina Smith will be driving the SAG van and bring us lunch when we are out on the trail inundated with cicadas. I’m really happy to have her with me for this big event. This will be the first Ian’s Ride where my mom, Teena, gets to stay home. She doesn’t like cicadas. We will also be bringing my trusty caregiver Edwin. He was with me on my last two big rides and we are grateful to have him again. He’s a bit skeptical regarding the super swarm.

So why the heck do I do these long rides? It might sound miserable to go bouncing around in a power wheelchair for nearly 300 miles through some really humid heat. But hell, some of the best things in life are difficult. It’s the overcoming of adversity and pushing your limits. I do this to demonstrate what is possible for people of all abilities. I do this to appreciate a much-needed adventure in time with close friends. I do this to highlight accessible infrastructure and encourage others to go follow their own dream. Mainly I just want to show that you can live a full life despite disability. Oh yeah, I also do it for the beer at the end of the day!

We will be active on social media throughout the entire journey and do daily blogs documenting the experience. We’ll be connecting with media outlets and trail organizations wherever possible to tell our story and promote accessible outdoor recreation. We hope to connect with other wheelchair users along the way and particularly meet some folks in the hubs of St. Louis and Kansas City. If you have any must-see spots, notable comments regarding Missouri, or you'd like to join us for a section please let us know. Otherwise, follow along and wish us luck dealing with all those damn cicadas! #GetOutside

•         June 19 – Fly from Seattle to St. Louis

•        June 20 – Prep day

•        June 21 – Machens, MO to Augusta, MO – 40.4 miles

•        June 22 – Augusta to Rhineland – 38.7 miles

•        June 23 – Rhineland to North Jefferson City – 38.6 miles

•        June 24 – North Jefferson City to Rocheport – 37.7 miles

•         June 25 – Rocheport to Clifton City – 37.5 miles

•        June 26 – Clifton City to Leeton – 42.3 miles

•        June 27 – Leeton to Pleasant Hill – 38.5 miles

•         June 28 – Packing day and cool down

•        June 29 – Fly from Kansas City to Seattle

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