Doing The Hard Things – February 2026
What’s inside: Todd UpdateNew this Year: Adventure by HIKEMarquette Trail Running Series: Adventure Your WayPR26 – Polar RollTriple Crown: “I just want to see if I can do it.”New on MADE U.P.Monkey Loob: “I can’t imagine where I would be without these experiences.”Become an Adventure Team VolunteerEvents with 906AT Excerpt from the Mental Health Foundation: “Adventure experiences for children are diverse. They might include forest schools, high ropes courses, adventurous play, camping, water sports, and climbing, amongst many other activities. Adventures range from once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to everyday adventures, accessible to all.” Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation added, “Adventure helps to generate a range of positive emotions, including excitement, joy and wonder. It also helps to develop a healthy relationship to uncertainty. That is so important in boosting confidence and in children learning how to manage fear and anxiety.” The key elements of adventure include: Connection with nature Physical activity Unfamiliar experiences Challenge and risk Physiologically energized Working together and Supporting relationships From Todd Poquette, Director of Adventure: More than 10,000 people receive this email every month. Several thousand more people are reached through social media. I want to challenge you. Each and every one of ya. Are ya ready? Here it goes… Help us put wonder back into childhood adventure and stop conditioning kids to be afraid of everything around them. Instead of advocating for avoidance help us teach kids how to prepare for challenges, and overcome them. New experiences and the unknown shouldn’t scare us – they should excite us. Advocate instead for preparation, and learning how to properly asses risk. Let’s be real… If we are teaching kids to avoid every little thing that is scary and uncomfortable… What are we leaving them with? I’ll tell ya what I think it is… A phone, or a tablet, or an Xbox, or potentially more common and concerning, we’re leaving them with nothing but an empty room and anxiety. This doesn’t have to become our legacy. We don’t have to be our kids hero. We need to give them the space to become the hero of their own story, and that should be enough for us. Adventure: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. You don’t have to threaten me with a good time 😉 See ya out there. New this year: Adventure by HIKE 906 Adventure Team in Marquette is piloting a new program this summer: Adventure Hike Club. We’re starting with 50 spots on Wednesday nights from 6:00-8:00 PM at Tourist Park through the summer. This is a youth resilience program for kids 5-17 years old. First hike: June 10Last hike: August 19Cost: $150 The concept mirrors that of Adventure Bike Club – create a space for kids to adventure and do hard things – surrounded by a community of leaders who support their personal path of growth and development. We’re taking everything about the bike program and bringing it to kids minus the bike. All the same core values: respect, effort, grit, consistency. Growth Mindset and the “Power of Yet.” You vs. You! Registration opens April 18 – based on the response from the community, we expect spots will full up fast! We also need volunteers. We need dedicated volunteers who will show up for the kids. This is the most important part. If we can’t get volunteers we can’t get kids. Simple, right? Click the link below. Everything ya need to know is there. And then sign up. Our cap as of today is 50 kids, but if we get enough folks who wanna step up we’ll reach more. Two hours a week for 12 weeks this summer could change a kid’s life. LEARN MORE Adventure Your Way The Marquette Trail Running Series was created in 2009 and is the longest standing trail running series in Marquette. MTRS was formed by Andrew Rickauer and a small group of volunteers. Andrew’s commitment to organizing these runs and building community is truly commendable. As he steps away and 906AT takes over the series, we move forward with the intent to honor the work he’s put in and the community he’s created. MTRS has been under the 906AT umbrella for the past four or five years… and this year, we’re diving in a bit deeper and shaking things up a bit. We want to broaden our reach. We want to see more people get into the woods. And we want to offer a program that serves people of all ages and abilities. Running has always been a part of 906AT events – it’s an area that we’ve seen continue to grow over the years – and one we’re excited about! Director of Adventure Todd Poquette and Dawn Lundin are going to lead the Marquette Trail Running Series this year. We’ll be sharing more information in March but expect all new routes this year, including trails in the West End and the North Country Trail system. Our intention is to offer two distances each night of the series – a beginner/kids distance (3 miles or less) and a longer more advanced distance (6 miles or less). Before we finalize the details of this season – we’d like your input. Below is a link to a 3-question survey. If you’re interested in MTRS, take a few minutes and let us know what you think! Take the Survey PR26 – Polar Roll We are just under three weeks away from this year’s Polar Roll Mass Start in downtown Ishpeming on Saturday, February 21. Mother Nature has hit the U.P. with a winter to remember – from blizzard conditions to arctic temperatures – we can’t predict what she has in store for Polar Roll – but now feels like a good time to highlight the environment – quoted from the PR Field Manual: “The environment will be hostile. The topography features punchy climbs, deep snow, and potentially frigid temps. Frostbite is possible, water containers will freeze, and trail conditions
Doing The Hard Things – January 2026
What’s inside: New Year. Same Mission.RESEARCH: Playing in dirt transforms children’s healthVolunteering in 2026: Register NOWLeading Adventure Summit: April 25 & 26Adventure Team Youth ProgrammingYouth & Family InfoAdventure Team Registration: Get Ready!New on MADE U.P.Events with 906AT We’re dedicating the entire newsletter to the youth program and kicking off volunteer recruitment. The LMS (Learning Management System) has been updated. Quizzes have been streamlined and shortened. Video was added to diversify the training experience, and you can complete your training on a mobile friendly app. Progress. Ya know… I remember a time when the LMS was a three-ring binder. We had a handful of coaches and one Adventure Team. The training was nothing more than stuff I collected to hold myself accountable… A handful of ethics, core values, and rules of engagement. We focused a lot on HOW we would do things because how you do things creates your culture. IMO nothing is more important than an organization’s culture. When you have a group of people who believe in each other, trust one another, and like each other… You can do and overcome anything. Nothing can stop you. Failure is not an option. I’m a big believer that we’ve been successful because of the kinda people that get on our bus. Before I let you go, there’s one thing I would like to add. It’s something that keeps me up at night. I’ll call it the “Tyranny of Safety.” Our society has become obsessed with scaring the sh!t out of us so they can swoop in and be the safety police. It’s infecting our minds. It’s impacting our kids. We are losing touch with the world around us because we’re afraid of it, and that brings me to this. Our organization will continue to focus on personal accountability, resilience, courage, adaptability, and helping people become more independent. We will continue to provide difficult experiences to test you, and bring you together. We will continue to serve you before ourself, and lead by example. The world is a dangerous place. No one is going to change that. What we (you) can change is our level of readiness and training. So on that note, it’s 2026… let’s get started. RESEARCH: Playing in dirt transforms children’s health A few weeks ago Todd forwarded me and Marc a link to an article in The Guardian, “read this when you have a quiet moment.” I wasn’t surprised to see the article had to do with kids and the impact of play outdoors. I also wasn’t all that surprised to read about the positive impact on kids who were not just playing outside, but getting their hands into the dirt. I grew up in a small town outside of Grand Rapids. A highlight of my childhood was spending nearly all of my days playing outside. It wasn’t a question of whether we were going to go outside every day – we woke up, had breakfast and were sent out the door, often only returning for snacks, lunch and the occasional bathroom break. We had an endless number of made up games, tree forts, and shenanigans that were top priority. We took a bath nearly every night because we were typically filthy when we came in. Of course, I didn’t realize, and I’m not sure my parents did either the added benefits of playing in the dirt. It’s just what we did. We’re beginning to now understand those benefits on a deeper level – because of the negative trends that began popping up when kids weren’t spending their days in the outdoors. Medical experts are asking and beginning to learn the answer to – why are heath trends in today’s kids on a decline? Our world is different today than it was when I was a kid. Today’s world moves faster, it’s louder, distractions are everywhere. Play, like what’s discussed in the article, often has to be intentional – but that doesn’t make it any less impactful. I don’t think it’s ever been more important to make sure we’re creating opportunities for kids to adventure, play in the mud, and get dirty – it opens up a whole new realm of imagination and discovery – and how great that at the same time, as the research in this article suggests, aids in healthy growth and development. This article also presses the importance of protecting green spaces, parks, trails and places for kids and families to spend time outside together. We need to work together as a community to ensure there isn’t a barrier for this type of play – that our kids have the spaces and places to get dirty. I loved reading the below article and learning about what they’re doing in Finland – I only wish there was more of that happening on a larger scale. But, we can all do our part – and it’s rewarding to know we’re all a part of a community, the 906AT community, that’s creating opportunities and spaces to do just that!By Elizabeth Peterson READ THE ARTICLE VOLUNTEER IN 2026: SIGN UP IS OPEN! The number of kids we’re able to sign up for Adventure Team programming is directly tied to the number of volunteers in each community. For every volunteer, we’re able to open up three youth spots.Volunteers do NOT need to be expert bikers. We provide the training to be an effective volunteer. Volunteers DO need to Lead by Example and commit. Commit to the program. Commit to the 906AT ethos and mission. Commit to putting Service Before Self. And commit to showing up and being present. This program doesn’t just positively impact the kids participating – it changes the adults – for the better. Volunteers must pass a background check and successfully complete the 906AT online training module. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend the Leading Adventure Summit in Marquette in April to further your training and development. 906AT needs active, engaged and dedicated volunteers who believe in building up today’s kids – not by
Crusher 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 31ST AT 9:06 AM Days Hours Minutes Seconds Register CRUSHER-MS Date: 07.18.26 Copper Harbor, Michigan Mass Start events are about community and doing hard things together. The Crusher MS format is harder than your average gravel event. The experience will test you. You will learn about “Yooper Math” and “Checkpoints.” You’re not gonna find a better place on Earth to spend a weekend or a better group of people to spend it with. All MS events begin and end in Copper Harbor (loops), except for the P2P, which is a point-to-point. Join the Crusher Facebook group. It’s the best source for up to date Crusher information and help from the community. Go join it today. Signage: There is none. GPS is required. Routes: We’re headed back to Crusher Country (da Keweenaw). This year, you can choose from the 500-mile bikepack, MS175, MS100, MS40, and MS25, or leave the bike at home and sign up for the MS50NFR or MS25NFR*. Follow the Facebook group and public Crusher page for updates between now and next summer. Teaser routes for each distance have been put out there! * NFR = Not Fun Run MS stands for Mass Start. Learn the Crusher nomenclature. The Mass Start is July 18th-19th, 2026 at the Trail’s End Campground in Copper Harbor. You’ll get to crush it with 400-500 fellow Crushers. We camp together. We cry together. We CRUSH together. Self-supported/Neutral Support. You’re expected to be fully self-sufficient and carry all recommended gear. We’re telling you up front no one is coming to save you. Be prepared. If you’r not prepared stay home. Checkpoints. Are required. Reference the field manual for details. Field Manual. The Field Manual is your single source of truth for all things Crusher. It will contain everything you need to know about the event. The new Field Manual will not be available until early summer 2026, but for now you could download one of the digital copies of the manual on our website to get a feel for what the event is all about. Distances (in miles): 500, 175, 100, 50, 25 (50 and 25 can be biked or run). Timing: Superior Timing. Wanna visit their website? Google it. Photographers: Ryan Stephens Photography, Rob Meendering Photography, and Fresh Coast Exposures. CRUSHER-P2P 500-MILE BIKEPACK Date: 7.13.2026 – 7.19.2026 Somewhere, UPPER PENINSULA Join the Crusher Facebook group. It’s the best source for up to date Crusher information and help from the community. Go join it today. Signage: There is none. GPS is required. Satellite communication devices are recommended for this event. I.E. Garmin Inreach, etc. Route: This is a bikepack route/event. P2P means you start in one place and end in another. There will be logistics. You will need to figure them out. Expect to encounter everything you’d expect from a gravel event, and a lot of stuff you wouldn’t. This includes singletrack. P2P. Point-2-Point. Self-supported. We’re offering you a chance to declare at registration that you’ll complete this challenge unsupported. That means no one can help you from outside the event. If you accept help from anyone, you will be disqualified. We will not move you from unsupported to supported categories mid-event. All P2P riders are required to be fully self-supported. No one is out there to save you. You will be alone. There are inherent dangers in activities of this nature that can only be mitigated by preparation, experience, and grit. Neutral Support. If you register to complete this event “unsupported,” you cannot accept the support of any kind. For everyone else, you know the drill. If you offer help to one rider, you must be willing to help them all if you can. Checkpoints. Are required. Reference the field manual for details. Field Manual. Field Manual. The Field Manual is your single source of truth for all things Crusher. Download a copy of the 2026 field manual as a starting point. Distance (in miles): 500 miles. Date: 7.13.2026 Start Location: Peninsula Point Lighthouse End Location: Trail’s End Campground, 14203 M-26, Copper Harbor, MI 49918 Camping: You can camp at Trail’s End Campground at the finish*. Timing: Superior Timing and Trackleaders. * If you finish CRUSHER-EX Enhanced solo adventuring at it’s worst. Date: 7.01 – 9.30.2026 Also referred to as our expedition format. The ultimate adventure experience. No crowds. No dog and pony show. Just you and the challenge in front of ya. You can complete your ride anytime within the three-month window. You will be all alone. No one is out there to save you. The variety of routes that were offered last year we’re a hit (EX40). We expect to do the same this year. Join the Crusher Facebook group. It’s the best source for up to date Crusher information and help from the community. Go join it today. Signage: There is none. GPS is required. Self-supported/Neutral Support. You’re expected to be fully self-sufficient and carry all recommended gear. We’re telling you up front no one is coming to save you. Be prepared. If you’r not prepared stay home. We’re gonna say this once, and it’s not meant as a comparison of the two formats, but it has to be said: EX is gnarlier, harder, and much more remote than the MS. Go into it fully prepared to be tested in ways you haven’t been tested before. Checkpoints. Are required. Reference the field manual for details. Field Manual.The Field Manual is your single source of truth for all things Crusher. It will contain everything you need to know about the event. The new Field Manual will not be available until early summer 2026, but for now you could download one of the digital copies of the manual on our website to get a feel for what the event is all about. Distances (in miles): EX40BEERS, EX40EAGLE, EX40HUMBODLT, EX100, EX225, and a EX50NFR. Refer to the manual for details. Date: 7.01 – 9.30.2026 Location: Start locations vary. See manual for details. Camping: Not provided. Timing: Trackleaders. Beacons are required for this event. See manual for more details. Photographers:
Doing The Hard Things – December 2025
What’s inside: Thank YOUSponsoring Adventure Teams: For kids, for the communitySponsoring Adventure Teams: From the beginning to todaySponsor Feature: AthaMADE U.P.Volunteer Onboarding coming soonTrain for Life: Even in the off season906AT 12 Days of ChristmasEvents with 906AT To all of you, I want to thank you for… Helping us launch new youth Adventure Teams this year in Ludington and Kalamazoo, and also for helping our existing teams grow, as well. We reached a record number of kids and families in 2025. Your patience as we transitioned volunteers to a brand new Learning Management System. It was a success! Special props to Julie and Marc for the countless hours they invested in setting it up, and rolling it out. Supporting this newsletter and the MADE U.P. Podcast. We’re constantly looking for ways to connect with you, and to help you connect with each other. We will keep the new episodes and newsletters coming your way in 2026. Being the reason all three events, Polar Roll, da Crusher, and Marji Gesick, each broke records for attendance – again! Your continued support of the organization and commitment to “Doing Hard Things” carried us through another great year, and has us poised for another. Supporting our local trail orgs. A portion of the registration you pay for 906AT events is given to orgs who maintain the trails our events use. This year, we donated approximately $40,000 to local trails, because of you. Donating, sponsoring, volunteering, running and/riding in the events, sharing the mission, and most importantly… Leading By Example. Everyone plays a part, and the part they play matters, a lot. Happy Holidays. “I want to encourage people to get involved in their local area.” Every year, sponsor support enables the 906 Adventure Team program to keep costs low for participating families. To state it simply, we wouldn’t be able to offer the program the way we do without the generous partners who’ve joined in our mission for the past 11 years. One of those partners is Dan Farkas with 1st Advantage Realty in Kentwood. This summer will be Dan’s third year supporting Adventure Team Grand Rapids… and his second year as a Trilogy sponsor. For Dan, his desire to give back is personal. Biking and running changed his life for the better, and he wants to carry that forward. Dan says, “The biking part got me more active, it was a keystone that changed my life dramatically, and having intent behind my life – there’s a reflection of that when helping kids around here.” It was the right time and the right place – when he stumbled into a meet-up at Switchback about the launch of Adventure Team in Grand Rapids. He now makes it a point to visit basecamp at least once during programming to see firsthand the impact he’s helping make. “It’s super important to get kids excited and moving to get out there and ride mountain bikes or bikes in general – a lot of kids don’t have the opportunity, and this is the beginning for them.” Dan says he aligns with the mission of 906 Adventure Team – he believes in what we’re doing and he believes in taking care of his community. He’s actively involved in not just 906AT but as a steward for the trails and the spaces we all recreate in – something he wants everyone to take part in. “I want to encourage people to get involved in their local area. I’d really like to see people become trail adopters, trail coordinators, volunteer their time – it takes a village. It’s a lot of work spread amongst dozens – hundreds of people – to get involved and be a part of that – it’s something awesome.” When he’s not helping people find their perfect home at 1st Advantage Realty, he’s volunteering, riding, and training for his next 906AT event. He’s finished the MG50 twice and admits he’s got a bit of unfinished business with the MG100, which might turn into a run in the duathlon. Regardless, he’s committed to bettering the community around him – and continuing to be part of the solution. He’s currently helping to raise funds for Johnson Park in the Grandville area to expand single-track opportunities there and provide a space for thousands of kids to ride. Thanks for all you do, Dan, for your community in West Michigan and ours in the Upper Peninsula and all those in between.By Elizabeth Peterson “It’s pretty cool when I’m walking around the mine and I see someone in a Marji Gesick or Adventure Team shirt.” When Eagle Mine first began sponsoring 906 Adventure Team programming over eight years ago – Matt Johnson, the External Affairs Manager for Eagle Mine says it felt like supporting a startup in the community. The foundation of 906AT was just being built. But the fundamentals and the mission of the organization was set and aligned with Eagle Mine. “As a company we have certain values that we want to promote in our host communities – one of them is supporting youth development, which can be defined in many different ways and in many different activities,” explains Matt. “906AT offers us the opportunity to support the positive of getting kids outdoors in a way that’s not competitive, it’s not pitting one child against another – but rather, having an adventure.” Matt says because of the growth, the success and the positive brand recognition of 906AT, Eagle Mine has continued to support the organization over the years. He recalls some of the kids that were in the program those first years have now graduated college. It’s been a full circle experience for him. “Over the years and the developing success – 906AT has created its own social culture and part of the social culture encourages employees and children of employees to participate in Adventure Teams and events. Whether that was parents dropping kids off or volunteering, participating for events or volunteering for events,” says Matt. “It’s pretty cool when
Polar Roll Registration – 2026
#1 PUT YOUR NAME IN A DRAWING FOR A CHANCE TO REGISTER YOURSELF AND A FRIEND (OR ENEMY) EARLY FOR POLAR ROLL. IF YOUR NAME IS SELECTED, WE’LL TEXT YOU A CODE AFTER 5:00 PM FRIDAY NIGHT. YOU HAVE TO REGISTER BEFORE THE ICEMAN EXPO ENDS AT 7:00 PM!!!! #2 WE’RE HANDING OUT 30 MARJI GESICK GOLDEN TICKETS, BUT THERE’S A CATCH… ONLY TEN OF THEM WILL BE WINNERS!!! BE ONE OF THE FIRST 30 PEOPLE TO FIND US AND ASK FOR A GOLDEN TICKET. #3 WE’RE HANDING OUT **** FREE *** FREEDOM MACHINE SHIRTS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. QUANTITIES LIMITED TO SIZES AVAILABLE ON HAND. WHEN THEY’RE GONE… THEY’RE GONE! #4 LEARN ABOUT THE NEW YOUTH ADVENTURE TEAMS LAUNCHING IN 2026, AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED! #5 CAUSE YA KNOW THERE MUST BE A CATCH, AND YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT IT IS. Supporting Partners
Polar Roll 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 9, 2025 @ 9:06 AM Days Hours Minutes Seconds REGISTER WE SOLD OUT IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES LAST YEAR MASS START FEBRUARY 21, 2026 ::: ONLY 400 SPOTS AVAILABLE Date: 2.17.25 Why: You love winter adventuring with 400 of your best friends.Who: Anyone signed up for the Polar Roll-MS, their support crews, friends and family, and sponsors. What: 15 or 30 miles of machine groomed singletrack, by bike or on foot. When: February 17, 2026Where: Start Line: 319 East Division Street, Ishpeming, Michigan 49855 Finish Line: 319 East Division Street, Ishpeming, Michigan 49855 Routes: Will not be released until the week of the event. GPS is required! If you do not use GPS, go off course, or cut the course, you will be disqualified. Event start times: MS-30 (Bike/Hike) *Reference PR26-MOD1 Field Manual when it is released MS-15 (Bike/Hike) *Reference PR26-MOD1 Field Manual when it is released Event Cut-offs: 12 hours for all event lengths. Timing company: https://www.superiortiming.com/ 2026 Field Manual: Coming Soon. POLAR ROLL EX JANUARY 2026 – MARCH 2026 ::: NOT CAPPED Date: 1.26 – 3.26 Why: You prefer your winter adventures alone, or with a small group of friends.Who: Anyone looking for a challenge, or seeking a winter goal. What: EX15, EX30, Duathlon for Dummies, IQ Test. When: January 1 – February 2026Where: Al Quaal Recreation Area Routes: EX routes will be available one week prior to the opening of the EX window. Start Times: Whenever the hell you want. Event Cut-offs: 24 Hours, All events. Timing company: Refer to the Field Manual for details. Again, this page covers only who, what, when, where, and why. Polar Roll Field Manuals provide a much deeper dive into the nuance and fundamentals of each event. 2026 Field Manual: Coming Soon. POLAR ROLL ULTRA FEBRUARY 23, 2026 ::: PRU150 – 75 SPOTS, PRU100 – 50 SPOTS Date: 2.23.26 Why: Because you’re looking for a new challenge that will take you to your limits. Who: Anyone can sign up. What: PRU150 (150 miles) PRU100 (100 miles) When: February 23, 2026 Where: Start TBD, Finish: West End Ski & Trail, Ishpeming, MI Route: The 2026 route will receive a few “enhancements”. Stay tuned. Start Time: 7:00 AMEvent Cut-off: 48 hours. Buckle Times will be established once the route is finalized.Timing company: https://trackleaders.com/ Again, this page covers only who, what, when, where, and why. Polar Roll Field Manuals provide a much deeper dive into the nuance and fundamentals of each event. In compliance with MCL 324.51113 of the Commercial Forest Act, none of the funds raised for this event will be used as payment or compensation for use of any part of the event that traverses property enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. 2026 Field Manual: Coming Soon Fuel your roll, your stroll and your life. Self-Support Nutrition by Restore Ease Dietetics will help you build a freeze proof nutrition plan so you can keep rolling, strolling, rolling, strolling, what? Early bird pricing is available through 11/11/2025. More information and sign up here: https://www.restoreeasedietetics.com/sports-nutrition/self-support Supporting Partners
Doing The Hard Things – November 2025
What’s inside: Call to Action: Do The WorkPolar Roll 2026: It gets worse before it gets worserCrusher 2026: Nothing is off the tableRegistration Dates for 2026 eventsNew on MADE U.P.#TRAIN4LIFE906 Adventure Team Powered by Borah TeamwearYouth Adventure Teams 2026: Developing resilient kids to create resilient communities Events with 906AT The theme for this month’s newsletter is “Do The Work”. How ironic, as I sit here putting off writing the opening remarks. My issue isn’t a lack of ambition – that’s never the case. But I am struggling to find the right words. Not just any words – the perfect words. Type, delete. Type, delete. Elizabeth is gonna kill me 😂 And then it hit me – like the fresh scent of Buck lure the first time you open a new bottle. Bam!! That’s the problem. I’m not focusing on getting it done… I’m focusing on it being perfect… and that makes me not wanna do it. Why? Because I don’t wanna fall short of expectations. Do The Work isn’t about perfection. It’s about doing whatever it takes to get the job done no matter how bad or ugly things get. How many times do ya think you’ve cost yourself a finish simply because you wouldn’t go toe-to-toe w/ your self doubt, or because ya didn’t think the way you’d finish would be impressive enuff? How many times have you let emotions get da best of you? Would ya rather be a #quitter who is chasing perfection or a resilient grinder that gets shit done? I’m gonna be honest with ya… That 12 hour buckle at Marji is impressive, but so are those folks who finish at 25 hours after they lost their job, went through a divorce, got sick, etc. it’s all a matter of perspective. With that… I’m not asking ya for perfection, but I am asking ya to join us in 2026 while we keep grinding it out and doing the work 👊🏽 If you’re already involved, stay involved.If you’re not involved, get involved. First off, YES. Polar Roll is a week later this year. Ok… read on. You know what I love about Polar Roll? It gives ya something to shoot for in the winter. A goal to keep you motivated. All of that, and ya never know if it’s gonna be the best day of the winter, or the worst. Ha!. No, I’m serious. It can be downright terrible AND that’s why we do it 👊🏽 The best part? You have options. If you love racing, or just hanging with a bunch like-minded people, register for the Mass Start February 21st. You can bike it or hike it. There’s a chance you might hike it even if you bring a bike 😂 Distances are 15 or 30 miles. You can take all day… Just get er’ done by dark. We typically cap the field around 450 people. Not into big gatherings, or racing? Register for the EX. You can choose your category & do it when you want with whomever you want. Solo or with a couple a friends. EX opens January 10 and wraps up in mid-March. Let’s talk Polar Roll Ultra. We’re adding a shorter distance this year, PRU100, for folks who aren’t quite ready to commit to the PRU140 (150?). The number of spots will be limited. The rules and the gear requirements for this new category will be the same as the big one. If you’re gonna sign up for this one – make sure you know what you’re getting into to. February doesn’t mess around. It can be dangerous out there. This isn’t an attempt to scare ya – it’s me telling you to be ready. The Ultra is February 23rd – 25th, 2026. I wanna touch on one other category – one that often gets overlooked. On the EX side of Polar Roll, we offer a snowshoe sampler. It’s three or four routes that are 2-4 miles a piece that you can do alone, or as a family. Heck, you could do it with your partner, or a friend. The routes are local and easy to access. Most importantly, they give ya a reason to get outside in the winter, and it connects you to the community at large. It’s a great way to get kids outside experiencing winter, and you get to pick when ya go. Complete your adventure between January 10 – and mid-March. What next? Join the Facebook Group here. Polar Roll & Polar Stroll: Winter Adventures is a group of 906AT event veterans, #freshmeat, and crews. This group can help you get ready. Also, you should visit the website www.thepolarroll.com, and download last year’s field manual. Read it. It will tell ya everything you need to know before you roll! Registration sold out last year in less than five minutes. Mark your calendar now. It’s November 9th at 9:06 AM. Spots are limited. Also, this is your last chance to check the Polar Roll off your Triple Crown checklist before we run the first “secret event” in October 2026. Refer to the Trilogy website for more information about how to qualify for the Triple Crown and get inducted into the Hall of Pain. MADE U.P. Episode 30 – Dan: At the end of 2024 Dan Harvala committed to finish all three of the qualifying 906AT Triple Crown Events and become a member of the Hall of Pain in 2025. He talks about that journey, but not before unpacking a great deal of combat experience while serving our county with the United States Marine Corps. MADE U.P. Episode 32 – Wally: NTN Board President since 2021, Wally Pearson drops by to talk trails, a career in medicine (retired MD), and how he hopes to continue making a difference in of both worlds. It can be easy to take access to your favorite trail for granted – but we can’t – we need to all work together to maintain, protect and preserve these spaces for future generations –
2026 MARJI GESICK REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH AT 9:06 PM
https://vimeo.com/1126619368?share=copy 2026 MARJI GESICK REGISTRATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH AT 9:06 PM During the week leading up to registration, the site will be password protected to allow sponsors, trail crew, and golden ticket winners a chance to register early. Registration historically sells out in less than a minute. The site will not be password protected when registration opens up on Friday, October 17th at 9:06 PM. • MINI MARJI CAPPED AT 200 SPOTS• RUN CAPS: MG100 (70) MG50 (70), MINI (100)• MARJI CAMP: GROUPS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS AGE 11+ EVERYONE REGISTERS HERE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Marji Gesick follows a self-supported ethos. We are not here to help you. You’re on your own. No one is out there to save you. GPS is required. Road Rules apply at all times. The course will be marked but signs tend to fall down, the wind blows em’ away, or bears eat them. You are responsible for yourself, your choices, and the consequences. You are voluntarily registering for what people call the “Hardest Single-day Event In America.” You are responsible for yourself, your preparation, your choices, and the outcome. If you’re not okay with that, staying home is safer. “Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the face.” – Mike Tyson This weekend only. Early Bird Pricing on Marji Gesick Training Plans from RLP Coaching. Buy A Plan IF YOU DON’T CRY, DOES IT EVEN COUNT? Mud Email When fueling for Marji is the focus but for life is the goal. No matter what day you’re living when Marji rolls around, Self-Support Nutrition by Restore Ease Dietetics will support you from registration to race day and every day after that. Early bird pricing available through 10/19/2025, more info here. Marji Gesick Talk Join one or all of our community groups on Facebook.906AT has a large and active online community. Everyone is welcome to join and be part of it. Groups are a great way to learn about each event, get answers to questions, and get support. Groups are not a great place for your politics and agenda. If you bring them there, we’ll remove you. The groups help people prepare for the events, find their limits, and finish what they start. #unfinishedbusiness#finishwhatyoustart #findyourlimits #blamedanny #marjigesick #blametodd #freshmeat #NUESeries IT’S MARJI GESICK REGISTRATION WEEK. USE ONE OF DA SOCIAL SLIDES BELOW AND HELP US PROMOTE IT. #REGISTER #FRESHMEAT #UNFINISHEDBUSINESS #REGISTRATIONFINISHER FIND YOUR LIMITS Complete the Endurance Trilogy and become a member of the “Hall of Pain.” MORE INFO MARJI CAMP JUNE 4 – 7, 2026 LEARN MORE Supporting Partners
Doing The Hard Things – October 2025
What’s inside: An update from Todd: The ImpossibleMaking Marji Gesick HistoryMatt Acker Continues to Ride Because He CanThe Power of Grit and DeterminationNew on MADE U.P.Marji Supports 906AT Youth ProgrammingRegistration Dates for 2026 eventsSecret Event Q & AEvents with 906AT Sixteen days ago, we witnessed what some said was impossible. For the first time ever, a woman claimed a Marji Gesick buckle, but she wasn’t alone. Three women took a buckle home. It begs the question. How? Here’s how they did it: 1. Each of them believed it could be done, despite the best effort of those who said it could not. 2. Each woman was willing to dedicate the time, effort, and commitment necessary.3. They worked together. We can all learn from this. Let me be clear, women who went for the buckle in the past believed they would (or could) get it. And they worked their asses off, too. The thing that set these women apart this year is that they set out to do it together, and it wasn’t so much about doing it themselves, but doing it together. The goal was simple: one of us needs to buckle. What they wanted to accomplish for women was more important than what they wanted for themselves. They worked together. In a world that promotes individualism, and rewards social media influencers who promote divisiveness; three women reminded us what can be done when we work together… The impossible. How can we apply this approach to our lives? What are you telling yourself is impossible? What is someone telling you cannot be done? Who could you work with, not against, to create more opportunity for both? Think about it. What can we accomplish together? It’s a great time of year for a little reflection. To Syd, Kristy, Kaitlyn, and Julie. Thank you for this timely reminder. “I don’t know if I’ll have a moment like that again.” “I hope that people can see how many limits are self-imposed or based on what has or hasn’t been done in the past. There was a big mental block because there was this energy that it (a woman earning a buckle) wasn’t possible.” Just days after Marji Gesick 2025, Syd Schulz of Los Alamos, New Mexico reflects on the experience and what got her to the finish line, a buckle and standing next to Katie Boyle and Kristy McBride – as the first three women to buckle the MG100 in event history. “The Marji was a career highlight as a race. I don’t know if I’ll have a moment like that again – even if I have better performances. Being one of the first, the energy of the crowd, AND having a good day on the bike,” she admits it was a lot of training and a fair bit of luck. Syd’s Marji story began in 2024 – riding the MG100 for the first time. She said she knew so little about the event that she was a bit hesitant, not knowing what she was getting into. She finished in just under 13 hours. It was then she realized, buckling – finishing in under 12 hours was doable. The coveted buckle had become, in 2024, a point of contention for many Marji racers. There was a push for Todd Poquette, the event organizer, to give women more time. A woman hadn’t buckled since the race began in 2015 and a growing number of participants felt it simply wasn’t possible. Todd held firm. And Syd felt the pressure. “It felt more like us against the course, than against each other.” Syd knew if she signed up again, it’d be all about the buckle. She didn’t register at first for 2025. She says it took a while to decide if she wanted to make that a goal. “Reading the comments from people last year (2024) on changing the time, I thought this needs to happen soon. I wasn’t at all sure that it could be me, but I thought I could help.” Eventually, she committed. She decided to dedicate a year to training – all while knowing finishing below that 12 hour mark would be close. And she committed, knowing she wasn’t alone. She stresses it was a team effort comprised of herself, Katie, Kristy and Julie Momber. “It became more of a personal quest than a race. It felt more like us against the course than against each other. Marji isn’t a raw fitness race – it’s technical skills, course knowledge, execution – it took all of us working together to figure out how that could happen.” And they did it. Coordinating and discussing everything from tire choice and support to aid spots and crews. Syd says it felt incredible on the trail. The women took turns leading; they felt energized by the crowd and other riders – it was all coming together. She says it took all four of them – buckling wouldn’t have happened without everyone working together. Julie had a bad crash around mile 95 – and was unable to finish – but was an integral part of the historic finish. Syd says she’s never felt anything like that finish. The energy was unparalleled. A great punctuation on the end of a season. A moment that was a long time coming for the race and for the women who showed an entire community what’s possible – glass ceilings are meant to be shattered. By Elizabeth Peterson “There’s just something about when you have a streak going.” Matt Acker is no stranger to Marji Gesick – he’s participated in the MG100 every year since it began. He’s also buckled every year. And to top it all off he earned the MG1,000 buckle this year. He says it’s a cool achievement, but the buckles aren’t what keep him coming back. For him, it’s not about what place he lands – it’s about the ride, the time on the trail, the time spent with friends and the community around Marji. In fact, when asked about a favorite moment over the past ten years –
Marji Race Week 2025
https://youtu.be/jtNrx1c3Xh8?feature=shared THE GEAR STORE IS OPEN UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH @ 11:59 PM GEAR STORE Self Supported Ethos You are on your own. We are not here to help you. The course is marked but signs fall down, bears eat them, people mess with them, and the wind blows them away. GPS is required. Road rules apply at all times. You are responsible for your preparation, the choices you make, and the outcomes. If there is an emergency dial 911. GPS + Road Rules GPS is required. If you choose not to use it, that’s on you. The course is marked, but don’t depend on it. Road Rules apply at all times. Obey them. Don’t put your life is anyone’s hands but your own. RWGPS RWGPS Checkpoints Checkpoints are hidden across the route. Some checkpoints have tokens, while others are just there to mess with ya. You won’t know what it is until you check. They all look the same. If you get to a Checkpoint and it’s full of “something”, take one. It’s a token. If it’s empty, #blamedanny and keep rolling. Checkpoint locations and contents are kept secret. We do not share plans with anyone… If you get to the finish line without any of the required tokens we’ll DQ ya. To be clear… all checkpoint signage is found directly on-route. They’re not hidden in da hills. On the approach to a checkpoint you’ll encounter large signs 24” x 36” with the words “CHECKPOINT AHEAD” followed by a sign that says “CHECKPOINT” with a full bin of “something”. Schedule of Events Date Time Event Location Buckle Time Thursday, September 18, 2025 5PM – 8PM MG100 RUN, MG50 RUN, MINI-MARJI RUN PACKET PICKUP Queen City Running Co. Friday, September 19, 2025 8AM MG100 RUN START Forestville TH 28 Hours 5PM – 8PM MG100 BIKE, MG50 BIKE, MINI-MARJI BIKE, MG50 RUN, MINI-MARJI RUN PACKET PICKUP Blackrocks Brewery Saturday, September 20, 2025 7AM MG50 Run Start Downtown Marquette 7:30AM MG100 Bike, Duathlon Start Forestville TH 12 Hours (100Bike), 22 Hours (Duathlon) 8AM MG50 Bike Start Downtown Marquette 10AM Mini Marji Start Jackson Park 12PM Finish Line Opens Ishpeming Sunday, September 22, 2024 2AM Jackson Park Cutoff Jackson Park 8:30AM MG2025 Cutoff Ishpeming Event Maps Packet Pickup Location (Thursday ): MG100 Run, MG50 RUN, MINI MARJI RUN Packet Pickup Location (Friday): MG100, MG50, MiniMarji MG100 Start Location MG50 Start Location Mini Marji Start, Neutral Support – Jackson Park MG Finish Line Map Marquette Mountain Neutral Support Marquette Mountain & 1UP are joining forces to offer you neutral support. You will find them at approximately mile-49 on the one-hundred mile course on Saturday from 9:00 am – until mid-afternoon. There will be aid tents with food and hydration. The resort restaurant will be open for support crews. It has a ton of parking. We’re sharing this so you can plan accordingly. Don’t thank us… we have nothing to do with it. Thank MM and 1UP. NTN SOUTH TRAILS PARKING LOT: We ask that you do not use the South Trails Lot. Marquette Mountain is hosting a neutral support point with 1UP. Lots of resources. LAKE ENCHANTMENT ROAD: Is off-limits to support crews and Marji Gesick traffic. Do not use it. Riders will be able to get support from the resources Marquette Mountain and 1UP provide. There is usually another location on the way to Negaunee called “The Wurst Aid Station”. Count on those points for support. Share this with your crews. Essentially, between Marquette and Negaunee, you need to be on your own. From Marquette Mountain (below). This neutral support point is run by 1UP and MMR. Do not contact us for details. We’re not here to help. Absolutely no access to ascend the mountain or service road after hours. Where Grit Meets Power: Why UPPCO Backs 906AT and the Marji Gesick #quitter isn’t in our vocabulary. At Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), our job is simple: to keep the lights on. But how we do that – by investing responsibly in safety, reliability, and people—reflects a deeper purpose. We power communities across the Upper Peninsula, connecting people not only to energy but also to opportunity, growth, and each other. That’s why UPPCO is proud to be a 906 Adventure Team Trilogy Sponsor, including the Marji Gesick. It’s about showing up for the communities we serve. We’re grateful to be part of this celebration of grit, community, and connection. And if you’re unlucky enough to be out there past dark—we’ll keep the streetlights on for you at the finish line. Racers and linemen know the truth: the only way forward is through. One pedal stroke. One pole climb. One hard-earned step at a time. Both prove the Upper Peninsula runs on determination as much as it does on power. For us, powering communities means more than keeping the lights on. It means standing with the people and events that shape the U.P.’s story. It means backing our neighbors through to the finish line, in every storm. PICK YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL SLIDE AND MAKE IT YOUR PROFILE PHOTO THIS WEEK. On behalf of the Ishpeming Powwow Committee. Check this out if you’re still in town Sunday. Come celebrate Native American culture in the heart of Ishpeming at the Jiikakamiigad Powwow in Ishpeming. Free and open to the public. ALL are welcome. We do ask that no drugs, alcohol or dogs are there. 🔸 Sunday, September 21st 2025 🔸12:00 PM – 7:00 PM 🔸 Ishpeming, Michigan Lake Bancroft Event Highlights Include: 🔸 Traditional Dancing & Drumming Demonstrations 🔸 Live music with Waawiyeyaa an Indigenious Rock band 🔸 Cultural Presentations on Native Regalia 🔸 Unique Native Vendors: Jewelry, Art, Crafts 🔸 Delicious Frybread Tacos & Other foods On Sunday, September 21st from 12-7pm, come celebrate Native American culture in the heart of Ishpeming at the Jiikakamiigad Powwow in Ishpeming. Ishpeming