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
Doing The Hard Things – September 2025
What’s inside: Special edition featuring Adventure Team season highlightsA special MADE U.P. episodeThe unveiling of TWO new Adventure Teams in 2026staying involved and active in the off-season 15 Communities. 1 Team. It’s one thing to type it out and add it to Adventure Team marketing materials… it’s another thing to see and feel what it really means. We’re highlighting an incredible season in this newsletter– 1,300 kids on bikes across the Midwest. Learning to do hard things together with the guidance of 600+ volunteers. As you look through these photos and read about the experiences these kids and families shared – I hope you can take a moment to feel the community – the smiles – the thread that ties this group together. It doesn’t matter what city the stories come from – whether kids rode in Wisconsin or Michigan – you can’t tell a difference between a picture from Lansing or a picture from La Crosse – these kids are together showing all of us – being a part of a team means showing up, doing hard things, respecting and supporting each other, and appreciating each ride for the opportunities to adventure, get outside and connect (not with technology, but with smiles and encouragement). Enjoy this special edition of ‘Doing The Hard Things’ – this edition is all about you and why we keep focused on the 906AT mission: encouraging people to become the best versions of themselves through outdoor adventure.-Elizabeth Peterson “The energy, passion and positivity… was indescribable.” This summer was Nash’s (9 years old) first experience with the 906 Adventure Team in La Crosse, WI. Nash’s experience with the La Crosse County Adventure Team has been unbelievable, sparking a passion for bike riding and personal growth that made him wish the team could meet every day of the week instead of just once a week. Throughout the summer, Nash has developed not only his biking skills but also valuable life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence. The supportive environment of Adventure Team and the amazing coaches challenged him to push past his limits and build his confidence both on and off his bike. As a result, Nash has grown into a stronger, more resilient individual and rider, gaining lessons and friendships that will continue to impact him well beyond the trails. Each week he would come off the trails and want to share with family and friends all of the bike skills that he learned. His stories about the trails and his demonstrations of the skills he learned were just small pieces of how he developed as a person and as a rider. As a parent seeing his smile each week as he came up over the hills of La Crosse was incredible. Throughout the summer as a parent and volunteer I was able to help at the Adventure Team base camp. As an educator my passion is watching children succeed and grow. I had no concept of how volunteering at base camp would not only fill my personal bucket but allow me to be a part of a group of adults that would encourage, teach, challenge, and help children of all ages grow both physically and mentally, and grow their passion for biking. From the young 4-year-old whose goal it was to get off her training wheels to the 12-year-old who struggled with his fear of how to conquer the challenging trails, the adult coaches rallied and cheered them through it. The energy, passion, and positivity the adult coaches and base camp volunteers had that I was able to witness as they left base camp for their rides was indescribable. I am forever grateful as a parent and as a volunteer to be a part of this organization and group of individuals. The volunteers, coaches, and team leads are not only making our youth and biking community stronger but also contributing to making each of us better humans! Thank you, Adventure Team La Crosse!-Lindsey Seipp “The kids conquered their fears over and over.” Adventure Team La Crosse County had a spectacular season. Before the season, thinking about wrangling 130 kids was daunting. But when the time came, the kids arrived, rode their bikes, learned some new skills, and left with smiles, all kudos to our amazing coaches. Not only did we get to use our new trailer this year, we also got to test out our new wooden obstacles. The kids conquered their fears over and over, proving to themselves every week that they are strong and resilient. AT La Crosse also got to test out our skills of “adapting to change.” We had to pivot when the mosquitos got too bad to go into the woods and found out we can have fun just about anywhere. We also cooled down with water balloons when the heat index was over 100. Kids, coaches, and parents are already excited for next year.-Randi Pueschner “She learned to be brave and confident on her bike.” Special thanks to your whole team! This girl, my granddaughter, Savannah, only took her training wheels off her bike a few weeks before she hit the trails this year. She said she learned to be brave and confident on her bike. I think she was the only girl in her group, too! Good stuff! ❤️-Ann Perala Our season started with a bang, as the first two rides had unexpected thunderstorms. Our coaches and riders adapted and overcame the weather, making it memorable experiences for the riders. The following weeks were spent finding individual and collective best selves through outdoor adventures. Highlights included solid friend connections, wildlife exploration, 1:2 rider/coach experiences to overcome personal challenges, another year for an adaptive rider to participate, and no incident reports 🙂 Our 56 coaches are deeply invested in the 906 ethos and it shows, and being their Lead (for the 4th year of ATGB) was pure joy. Matt and I are so grateful for our community, including our sponsors: Belgiosio, BW Corporation, The Bike Hub, Broken Spoke, Pete’s
Doing The Hard Things – August 2025
What’s inside: An update from Todd: Meeting kids (of all ages) where they areP2P: 500 miles of trails, testing skills and finding connectionCrusher 2025: A dream turned reality#CRUSHED: Welcome to Crusher Country (the Keweenaw)906AT: Bike club brings shared experiencesFreedom Machine shirts: On sale now!906 Volunteer Ethos: Service Before SelfEvents with 906AT An update from Todd: Meeting kids (of all ages) where they are When people talk about the 906 Adventure Team, the conversation can go in a lot of directions. If they have kids in our youth program, or if they’re a volunteer coach, they might talk about their Adventure Team. If they’re a participant in the events, they’ll probably talk about Polar Roll, Crusher, and Marji Gesick. If they’ve been inducted into the “Hall of Pain”, they will have some stories to share. Almost everyone who knows us knows we like doin’ hard things, and they’ll be quick to share that, too. I like to get into the weeds and talk about the stuff I think people miss, and today I’m gonna touch on something very important: Meeting people where they are. It’s an important part of our success. It’s the main reason we can connect with just about anyone, of any age or background. I’ll give ya some examples of what this looks like day-to-day for 906AT. We tell volunteers and coaches of the youth Adventure Teams to meet the kids where they are. Figure out where they are developmentally, and figure out how to help them advance. We’re invested in being part of their journey and showing them that they can get better at things they’re not as good at as other kids – and it’s ok to not be as good at something as someone else. Meeting kids where they are tells them we care about them. We want them to succeed, and we will walk with them, instead of leaving them behind. In all of our events, we celebrate the last person to cross the line after 25 hours (or more, depending on the event) the same way we celebrate all of the “winners”. And, can we be honest for a minute? Anyone who shows up and toes the line at a 906AT event can be a winner when they embrace the You vs. You mentality, because that mentality tells people that no matter how they stack up against someone else, their experience matters! A couple of weeks ago, we were up in the Keweenaw for “The Crusher”. After 29 hours, we had close to ten people still on course, after the cutoff. They would not quit, and because of that, we didn’t either. We waited. We let them know that even if it was past the cutoff… their experience mattered. People talk about Marji Gesick and the Crusher like they’re the hardest things you can do in a 906AT event, but I’m here to tell you, they’re wrong. The hardest thing you can do at a 906AT event is put another person’s experience ahead of your own. Support a participant through the night. Volunteer for 40 hours. And do it all with a smile, for someone else. Later in the newsletter, Julie writes about our volunteers. Without these people, there is no 906AT, because 906AT is people, and people meeting other people where they are when they don’t have to, is how you build a community, and create a feeling of belonging to something bigger than yourself. It’s amazing to witness daily the selflessness of this community, and I implore you, all of you, to never lose sight of what got us here… Keep meeting people where they are. “I’m going to pedal my bike today.” Kristy McBride says her interest in the Crusher P2P 500-mile course had to do with the challenge behind it. She’s relatively new to bikepacking; this race was just her fourth time out, and she says she wanted to test her skills. Her approach was simple: she’d ride, camp alone, and get back on her bike. Her drive came from the deep connection one finds on an adventure like this. She says you just can’t find it anywhere else – not like this. The scenery. The breathtaking moments. Too spectacular to even photograph. They’re moments you have to feel and be there to see. There’s no explaining it. No scrolling through a camera roll after the event to show the magnitude of what she immersed herself in. “It was just gorgeous,” recalls Kristy. There aren’t adequate words to describe it. In total, Kristy biked for nearly four and a half days from the Stonington Peninsula to Copper Harbor. She pushed her limits. Did what many didn’t think was possible. And she did it feeling an immense sense of pride. She made it up big climbs, up Arvon and Brockway – she rode in the heat, the rain, the cold. She faced fears of hypothermia. She overcame feelings of loneliness, spending days without seeing another person. And deep down, she carried a sense of knowing – that unless she faced a medical emergency, she would finish. She says she woke up every day ready for the adventure of it. Telling herself, “I’m going to pedal my bike today.” And so she did. Minute after minute. Mile after mile. Day after day. Kristy originally had planned to ride the course unsupported – meaning she wouldn’t be able to accept aid or assistance from anyone along the way. At the last moment, she changed to ride supported. A decision she’s grateful she made. “It’s really special to have those connections out there.” From Spencer Prusi at West End Ski and Trail staying open late so she could grab dry gloves and nap on the floor to the countless others she encountered along the way. She looks back on those interactions with gratitude and love. “It isn’t finished until it’s finished.” Kristy says she felt a lot of emotions during her ride… emotions that she would often have to tuck away, and
Doing The Hard Things – July 2025
What’s inside: An update from Todd: Mistakes are the price we pay to learnNew on Made U.P.Apprentice Leadership Program: From rider to leaderAdventure Team LaCrosse: It’s not the falling down that counts10 Years after 906AT: A rider’s perspectiveWelcome to Crusher CountryJumping into the Outdoors: Finding JoyEvents with 906AT Mistakes are the price we pay to learn. For July, I’m going to share something that happened this week in Marquette and a few thoughts. The weather was looking questionable all day. We kept an eye on the radar while we set up. It would change every 15 minutes. Not helpful. When it was time to make the decision, things looked good, so we decided to go ahead. Everyone showed up and headed into the woods. Then, the radar changed again. Staff decided to shorten the ride. The groups were advised to return early, and parents were contacted. We beat the rain, and everyone made it home safe. Worth noting… It didn’t rain, but the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up, and thunder rumbled overhead. It was scary for some of the kids. We heard some crying and saw a few tears. The experience was… new. The staff and the volunteers did a great job keeping calm and distracting a handful of kids with snacks while they waited for their parents in the 906AT trailer. Before they knew it, they were headed home, telling mom and dad about their adventure. Have you ever been caught outside in a storm? I have. And, every time it happens, I learn something new. The first time it happened, can you guess what I learned? We don’t melt in the rain. Over the years, I’ve learned how to read the weather, the gear I need, and how to use it. Have I made some mistakes along the way? For sure, and I’m thankful I did, because each of those experiences was educational. Mistakes are the price we pay to learn. My parents didn’t teach me to fear the world around me. They encouraged me to experience things and seek adventure. They did what they could to help prepare me. I am thankful for that. I guess the reason I’m sharing this is because it’s 2025, not 1980. It feels like our view of the world has changed. Intentional or not, it seems like we’re telling kids to stay away from things that are uncomfortable and scary, instead of teaching them how to face and overcome them. I don’t know… is the world that much more dangerous than it was forty years ago? Or are we (adults/society) scared and, in turn, passing it onto our kids? Our parents had it harder than we did. Their parents had it harder than they did. Things (life) have gotten better. That’s a good thing. But… comfort comes with a cost. The cost of comfort is a compromised relationship with nature. That’s not good for us. That’s why we developed Youth Adventure Teams. To keep kids in the woods getting dirty, dealing with bugs, running (riding) through the trees, feeling the freedom we felt as kids, but not just the freedom. Also, familiarity with being hot, getting cold, pushing hard, being out of breath, hearing the sounds of the forest, and feeling the wind in their hair. It’s important to experience this stuff. It’s important to learn we can do hard stuff. Stay Wild. Todd Poquette, Director of Adventure Here’s a plug for the MADE U.P. Podcast that we launched four months ago. We’ve recorded 19 episodes and over 60 hours of content. We’ve talked about the events (Polar Roll, Crusher, Marji Gesick), Adventure Team youth programming, youth health trends, trails, access to trails, trail user groups getting along, and community. We talked to our favorite storyteller, Frida Waara. Shelley Wellings from Straight Line Archery in Ishpeming joined us & we talked about bow hunting and what it’s like to be a female business owner in a male-dominated sport. Al and Kristen visited a couple of times and we talked about training – how to get ready to do hard things. If you haven’t yet – check it out. Interested in getting on the pod? Drop me a line. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube ChannelClick here to follow us on Spotify “Coaching is what I want to do with my life.” The Adventure Team Apprentice Leadership Program began three years ago in Marquette, offering kids an opportunity to expand their development beyond the lessons of a rider in bike club. The concept, give kids a place to develop leadership skills, learn the value of giving back to their community and at the same time provide a coach for adventure team that understands the experience of being in the program. Sawyer Stelwagen and Ella Clement are two mentors in the program in Marquette this year. Ella is in her third year, Sawyer is in his second. Both will be Seniors at Marquette High School next year and have been involved in Adventure Team Marquette for years… an experience they say helped them develop into the young leaders they are becoming today. “Coaching is what I want to do with my life,” said Ella. “906 Adventure Team made me what I am today. I love kids and love being a part of the community.” “Initially, my time as a rider, when I was 12 years old was hard. I had a tough time keeping up. There was a big skill difference between me and the other kids. But, that pushed me to work harder and do better,” recalls Sawyer. “I gained confidence and ability. It made me appreciate the program and what it did for my physical and mental journey.” Ella and Sawyer both grew as riders in the program. And both say the lessons learned through bike club – lessons of perseverance and doing hard things overflowed into other areas of their lives. “I learned the importance of staying consistent with my own health and working out. I saw the improvements from just one ride