Ian's Ride

A Long-Distance Journey to Joy

By: Ian Mackay, Karen Polinsky, Teena Woodward

Narrated by: Tom Campbell

While studying as a biology undergrad at UC Santa Cruz, Ian Mackay crashed his bike into a tree on campus. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, Mackay adapted to his new life with the help of his dedicated family, particularly his mother, Teena Woodward, and a group of quirky friends. After years of despair, and against all odds, he became an inspiring leader, an innovator with Apple, and a world-record-breaking athlete. In this intimate memoir based on more than one hundred hours of interviews, journal entries, and more, writer Karen Polinsky recounts with Ian his accident and determined recovery, in which he discovered the healing power of nature and community.

Ian's Ride is both a personal journey and an adventure quest for nature lovers, endurance athletes, and anyone struggling with a life-changing loss or diagnosis. This deeply moving true story examines how we exist in our bodies, adapt to and overcome adversity, and above all what makes our hearts tick.

©2025 Karen Polinsky, Ian Mackay, Teena Woodward (P)2025 Tantor Media

Honesty with grace

Between Ian, Karen and Teena there is incredible wisdom imparted in this book. For absolutely everyone. I will listen to the final chapter over and over again.

inspiring!

I liked how encouraging it is to get out and live your best life. I would recommend it highly to anyone struggling with physical challenge.

Outstanding and personal

Thank you Ian and others for sharing so much of your personal and private lives as you navigate your world after the accident.