About Us
Community contribution
U.P. native and outdoor enthusiast Todd Poquette formed 906 Adventure Team in 2014 hoping to fill a void: While there were race teams and a handful of group rides, there weren’t any groups welcoming youth or adults new to the bike scene. At the same time, he learned through youth programs and event direction that people weren’t drawn to mountain biking just to compete. For many the allure was deeper, more personal – about adventure.
We’re not coaching for a win Tuesday night, we’re coaching skills for life
Big wins and difficult losses create lifetime memories and growth. What can kids truly take away from a championship season? We want them to prioritize effort, embrace the failures, develop positive habits, and focus on the journey. A win on Tuesday night is fun – and can provide some great stories to tell – but the habits they develop and the work they learn to enjoy will serve them down the road more than the win itself. There’s a certain level of maturity needed to view setbacks as opportunities, and through cycling we are helping kids develop a way to do that.
A 501(c)3 non-profit
Volunteerism: Without volunteers 906AT could not operate across three U.P. counties, reach 300+ youth, or operate three nationally recognized events. The immortal words of Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, ring true: “First Who – Get the right people on the bus. Great ideas become reality when you have great people.” We have great people helping us change lives.
Partnerships: We develop relationships on a “win-win” philosophy (Stephen Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). The community we serve wins, our partners win, kids win, our mission wins. We’re empowering people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure.
Grants: 100% of the grant money 906AT receives will cover the cost of specific projects, equipment purchases, and programs.
Events: Proceeds from Polar Roll, The Crusher, and Marji Gesick support local trail development and 906AT operational expenses. We have donated over $100,000 to local trail organizations (NTN Singletrack, Range Area Mountain Bike Association) since 2015.
Recognition
906 Adventure Team – Governor’s Fitness Awards 2018 Extraordinary Organization of the Year
Polar Roll – Governor’s Fitness Awards 2017 Extraordinary Event of the Year
Marji Gesick – finalist for National Association of Sports Commission’s locally Created Event of the Year
Volunteer Coaches
All of our rides are led by volunteer coaches who have passed a National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) background check, completed Risk Management 101 training, and concussion protocol training. 906 Adventure Team provides Leader backpacks to Group Leaders, ensuring they have everything they need, when they need it. Motorola two-way radios are assigned to each group, providing a reliable form of communication, keeping leaders connected to basecamp.
Board Members
The Law Firm of Brogan & Yonkers, Partner
Michigan Fitness Foundation
Director of Grant Operations
Van Aire Inc.
VP of Engineered Valve Automation Hardware
Gauthier Insurance
Commercial Account Executive
Extreme Tool & Engineering
Project Manager
Guidance Counselor
Nah Tah Wahsh PSA / Hannahville Indian School
Marquette Family Medicine Residency
Carlson Media
Managing Director
Events
To help fund 906 Adventure Team and attract riders to Marquette County’s nationally recognized mountain bike trails, we host three major events.
Marji Gesick
One of the toughest mountain bike races in the country, the Marji Gesick features 100 miles of rocks, roots, and rugged terrain. It’s so tough that about 70% of entrants don’t finish – giving the few who do bragging rights for life. The event has become so popular that we’ve added a 100-mile run, 50-mile bike ride, and 50-mile run. The Marji Gesick is part of The Triple Crown Series.
Polar Roll
We don’t stop biking when the snow flies. In fact, we haul out the fat bikes and challenge riders to 35 miles of groomed fat bike trail – all subject to unpredictable weather, of course. The Polar Roll is part of The Triple Crown Series.
The Crusher
The Crusher is the ultimate Enhanced Gravel experience, offering all riders an opportunity to explore U.P. gravel, two-tracks and fire roads, at their own pace. For some it will be a race, while for others it will be a day of personal exploration and adventure. Established in 2014 as the Huron Mountain Crusher, and known for a short time as HAMR, we’ve returned the event to its original format and intention, offering men and women a unique opportunity to #findtheirlimits solo or as part of a team. The Crusher is part of The Triple Crown Series.
Expanding Beyond Marquette County
906 Adventure Team: Delta County
Our mission to help kids is not restricted to just Marquette County, we want to help the kids all across The U.P. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we’ve recently expanded into the Escanaba area and are starting a 906 Adventure Bike Club: Delta County.
SISU Dirt Crew
SISU DIRT CREW works to improve off road mountain biking trail opportunities across the Gogebic and Penokee Range.