Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
Breaking Records – Staying Focused: An update from Todd
Strengthening Family Through Adventure Team
Determination Driving Force Behind New Adventure Teams
906AT Heads to Bay Cliff Health Camp
Made U.P. Podcasts
Marquette Trail Running Series Transition
Marji Camp Kicks Off Thursday
Jumping into the Outdoors: Connection
Summer events with 906AT
Breaking Records – Staying Focused
In May, our Adventure Teams registered 1,175 youth for Adventure Bike Club this summer. That is a record. Since January, we recruited and trained more than 560 volunteers. Also, a record.
Why am I sharing the numbers?
It’s not to celebrate. And it’s not to gloat. It’s to remind us, and you, why we’re here. When I started the 906 Adventure Team eleven years ago, sitting at my kitchen table, it wasn’t to run epic events. That came later. In the beginning, it was about creating something special in our community, specifically for kids. We cannot ever forget that… We are here for the kids.
How do we show it?
By showing up… because we have 1,175 reasons to do it, and 560 volunteers who care, not for what they have to gain, but for what they can share. That friends, is the essence of “Doing The Hard Things.”
Enjoy all of the stories Elizabeth and the team put together for this month’s newsletter.
Todd Poquette
Why am I sharing the numbers?
It’s not to celebrate. And it’s not to gloat. It’s to remind us, and you, why we’re here. When I started the 906 Adventure Team eleven years ago, sitting at my kitchen table, it wasn’t to run epic events. That came later. In the beginning, it was about creating something special in our community, specifically for kids. We cannot ever forget that… We are here for the kids.
How do we show it?
By showing up… because we have 1,175 reasons to do it, and 560 volunteers who care, not for what they have to gain, but for what they can share. That friends, is the essence of “Doing The Hard Things.”
Enjoy all of the stories Elizabeth and the team put together for this month’s newsletter.
Todd Poquette
Adventure Team became a steadying force
For Liz Kyer and her three kids, Adventure Team has meant so much more than riding bikes, it’s meant stability, adventure, and a place to grow – together.
Liz’s kids are heading into their 4th year with Adventure Team Lansing – ages 15, 12 and 9 – they began the same year their family began working through the divorce process. Liz says bike club nights became a steadying force. The clear expectations of the program combined with the opportunity to do something together – yet separately – gave the family a place to connect and work through challenges.
She says the “Power of Yet” has become a huge part of her family dynamic – and Adventure Team gave them all a first hand experience of “maybe I can’t do something right now, but eventually I will.”
From handling conflict to building resiliency and forming friendships – the experiences of bike club spread into their lives. She says they’ve learned things will be okay, even when it’s hard (and even when you don’t like it) – and that they can tackle challenges and come out the other side with new skills. And perhaps most impactful – that sometimes you just have to slow down, give people space and be patient when coming together to solve a problem.
The impact hasn’t just been with her kids. Liz started coaching the second year they were involved. And she says the impacts have seeped into everything she does.
“It’s allowed me to do things I never thought I would. I never had mountain biking on my radar.”
Liz is enjoying the ride, carrying with her the motto, “let’s try this, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
The family of four now rides together outside of bike club. They don’t compete, they don’t go fast. They’re in it for the time together and to get outside into the woods.
She says that’s what she wants other families just getting into the program or considering it for their kids to know – that it’s not about being in a certain group, perfecting a skill, or having the best equipment – it’s about being present, noticing things around you and encouraging one another – and of course hanging out in the woods.
Liz’s kids are heading into their 4th year with Adventure Team Lansing – ages 15, 12 and 9 – they began the same year their family began working through the divorce process. Liz says bike club nights became a steadying force. The clear expectations of the program combined with the opportunity to do something together – yet separately – gave the family a place to connect and work through challenges.
She says the “Power of Yet” has become a huge part of her family dynamic – and Adventure Team gave them all a first hand experience of “maybe I can’t do something right now, but eventually I will.”
From handling conflict to building resiliency and forming friendships – the experiences of bike club spread into their lives. She says they’ve learned things will be okay, even when it’s hard (and even when you don’t like it) – and that they can tackle challenges and come out the other side with new skills. And perhaps most impactful – that sometimes you just have to slow down, give people space and be patient when coming together to solve a problem.
The impact hasn’t just been with her kids. Liz started coaching the second year they were involved. And she says the impacts have seeped into everything she does.
“It’s allowed me to do things I never thought I would. I never had mountain biking on my radar.”
Liz is enjoying the ride, carrying with her the motto, “let’s try this, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
The family of four now rides together outside of bike club. They don’t compete, they don’t go fast. They’re in it for the time together and to get outside into the woods.
She says that’s what she wants other families just getting into the program or considering it for their kids to know – that it’s not about being in a certain group, perfecting a skill, or having the best equipment – it’s about being present, noticing things around you and encouraging one another – and of course hanging out in the woods.
By Elizabeth Peterson
“We need this in our town”
This year marks the start of two new Adventure Teams in Michigan, groups are kicking off new programs in Kalamazoo and Ludington. For those who’ve started an Adventure Team, you know the feeling of excitement leading up to that first day and the hard work that happens long before the first ride. We wanted to learn a bit more about the inspiration behind these two teams and how these teams came together.
We start in Kalamazoo:
The story behind Adventure Team Kalamazoo begins in 2020 when Nick Travis decided to do the Crusher EX. It was his first 906AT event and he was thrilled that despite all the canceled events COVID caused that year, there was an option to hit the trails. Getting checked in for the race he noticed a couple of guys wearing Barry-Roubaix shirts – he chatted with them and learned they were all from the same area, Kalamazoo. One of those guys was Travis Hutchens.
A friendship was created through a shared interest in adventure biking. They began biking together, getting their families together. They continued to participate in events, learning more about the organization behind The Crusher, Marji and Polar Roll – 906 Adventure Team. Travis recalls it all just came together and fit. As a teacher he remembers thinking, “we need this in our town. Kids are seeking this – they just don’t know what they’re looking for.”
Nick and Travis, along with Steve Anschuetz and Josh Torrans have all been instrumental in getting this summer’s program started. Nick says they made it happen by keeping focused on the goal and keeping things light and fun. He says there is an undercurrent of people in Kalamazoo who want an Adventure Team to happen because they believe in the mission and the positive impact on today’s kids.
There’s momentum in Kalamazoo. Nick believes in his community and sees an opportunity to grow not just the infrastructure but the biking community – to grow what’s already there from trail access to businesses – one step at a time.
For now – he’s anxiously waiting for the first night of Adventure Team – seeing basecamp set up for the first time – volunteers in place – the flags and canopies – and that moment when he can exhale and say, “Damn, we did it.”
We start in Kalamazoo:
The story behind Adventure Team Kalamazoo begins in 2020 when Nick Travis decided to do the Crusher EX. It was his first 906AT event and he was thrilled that despite all the canceled events COVID caused that year, there was an option to hit the trails. Getting checked in for the race he noticed a couple of guys wearing Barry-Roubaix shirts – he chatted with them and learned they were all from the same area, Kalamazoo. One of those guys was Travis Hutchens.
A friendship was created through a shared interest in adventure biking. They began biking together, getting their families together. They continued to participate in events, learning more about the organization behind The Crusher, Marji and Polar Roll – 906 Adventure Team. Travis recalls it all just came together and fit. As a teacher he remembers thinking, “we need this in our town. Kids are seeking this – they just don’t know what they’re looking for.”
Nick and Travis, along with Steve Anschuetz and Josh Torrans have all been instrumental in getting this summer’s program started. Nick says they made it happen by keeping focused on the goal and keeping things light and fun. He says there is an undercurrent of people in Kalamazoo who want an Adventure Team to happen because they believe in the mission and the positive impact on today’s kids.
There’s momentum in Kalamazoo. Nick believes in his community and sees an opportunity to grow not just the infrastructure but the biking community – to grow what’s already there from trail access to businesses – one step at a time.
For now – he’s anxiously waiting for the first night of Adventure Team – seeing basecamp set up for the first time – volunteers in place – the flags and canopies – and that moment when he can exhale and say, “Damn, we did it.”
“Kids need this program”
Now to Ludington:
When Middle School PE Teacher Alison Helminski and her husband moved back to Ludignton 10 years ago they became a part of the local cycling community. Alison says she considers riding a bike a right of passage for kids. She works with an organization focused on riding safely and equipping kids with the necessary equipment. It’s fulfilling and impactful, but she wanted to do more. Teaming up with Kyle Nichols, owner of Trailhead Bike Shop in Ludington they began searching for a program that focused on not just bike skills but life skills.
She googled ‘youth bike programs’ and stumbled on 906 Adventure Team. She says it was everything they wanted to bring to their community.
Alison says she was drawn to the grit component of the program. As a teacher she wants to provide kids an opportunity to grow their mindset – she sees kids today being fixed on the idea they can’t do something and settling rather than accepting new challenges. “Kids need this program,” she emphasized.
Looking ahead to the summer season, Alison is thrilled to have 37 kids signed up. She says the community has embraced the program and a new opportunity for their kids. She’s anxious to get started – to watch nontraditional athletes gain confidence, grow their team work skills and lift each other up.
She admits it’s been a lot of work to bring Adventure Team to Ludington. Pushing her out of her comfort zone. But she says her core of volunteers and the community rose to the occasion, raising the necessary funds and spreading the message.
“You don’t know what it is, until you see it.” Alison had the opportunity to spend a night last summer at 906 Adventure Team. Seeing it in action, she says, confirmed this program is exactly right.
She hopes to watch the program grow in Ludington over the next few years – inspiring parents and community members to get involved and cement Adventure Team Ludington’s place in the community and in kid’s lives.
When Middle School PE Teacher Alison Helminski and her husband moved back to Ludignton 10 years ago they became a part of the local cycling community. Alison says she considers riding a bike a right of passage for kids. She works with an organization focused on riding safely and equipping kids with the necessary equipment. It’s fulfilling and impactful, but she wanted to do more. Teaming up with Kyle Nichols, owner of Trailhead Bike Shop in Ludington they began searching for a program that focused on not just bike skills but life skills.
She googled ‘youth bike programs’ and stumbled on 906 Adventure Team. She says it was everything they wanted to bring to their community.
Alison says she was drawn to the grit component of the program. As a teacher she wants to provide kids an opportunity to grow their mindset – she sees kids today being fixed on the idea they can’t do something and settling rather than accepting new challenges. “Kids need this program,” she emphasized.
Looking ahead to the summer season, Alison is thrilled to have 37 kids signed up. She says the community has embraced the program and a new opportunity for their kids. She’s anxious to get started – to watch nontraditional athletes gain confidence, grow their team work skills and lift each other up.
She admits it’s been a lot of work to bring Adventure Team to Ludington. Pushing her out of her comfort zone. But she says her core of volunteers and the community rose to the occasion, raising the necessary funds and spreading the message.
“You don’t know what it is, until you see it.” Alison had the opportunity to spend a night last summer at 906 Adventure Team. Seeing it in action, she says, confirmed this program is exactly right.
She hopes to watch the program grow in Ludington over the next few years – inspiring parents and community members to get involved and cement Adventure Team Ludington’s place in the community and in kid’s lives.
By Elizabeth Peterson
906AT Heads to Bay Cliff Health Camp
Every year 7th graders from Marquette Public Schools spend a week at Bay Cliff Health Camp. It’s an opportunity to take the classroom to a new environment and focus on science and team building. Students choose their classes for the week ranging from photography and archery to fishing and you guessed it… adventure biking.
906 Adventure Team participated in the week-long camp for the xx year at the end of May. We started with a session on bike mechanics and maintenance – and followed with group rides around Big Bay.
The first day we stuck to the pavement – getting kids comfortable, not just on the bikes but riding as a group – it’s not always easy to get a group of 12 and 13 year olds to ride in a single line. And then we moved into the woods, forging a path to the lake shore before hiking down to Black Cape Point. The rides were full of adventure and challenges and a bit of mud!
In total we went on seven rides – for some of the kids it was their first time riding with a group on rugged terrain – for others, they’d gone through the 906AT program and were more comfortable on the trail. Regardless of experience the groups encouraged one another and seemed to really take to the idea of making an adventure out of it.
Chatting with one of the students about why she chose the class that week, she admitted: “I thought I would try to do something my parents enjoy – but I can’t do it. It’s not for me.” But by the end of the week that same student reflected on the rides realizing she did do it, and she enjoyed the challenge – and will probably get back out on the trails again!
It was an incredible experience all around – watching the kids who did something they didn’t think they could, sharing in the rides with kids who love being out on the trail and even watching as kids aimed straight for the middle of the mud puddles – just to see if they’d make it through (they all did!).
Here’s to Bay Cliff and MAPS for prioritizing the outdoor experience!
906 Adventure Team participated in the week-long camp for the xx year at the end of May. We started with a session on bike mechanics and maintenance – and followed with group rides around Big Bay.
The first day we stuck to the pavement – getting kids comfortable, not just on the bikes but riding as a group – it’s not always easy to get a group of 12 and 13 year olds to ride in a single line. And then we moved into the woods, forging a path to the lake shore before hiking down to Black Cape Point. The rides were full of adventure and challenges and a bit of mud!
In total we went on seven rides – for some of the kids it was their first time riding with a group on rugged terrain – for others, they’d gone through the 906AT program and were more comfortable on the trail. Regardless of experience the groups encouraged one another and seemed to really take to the idea of making an adventure out of it.
Chatting with one of the students about why she chose the class that week, she admitted: “I thought I would try to do something my parents enjoy – but I can’t do it. It’s not for me.” But by the end of the week that same student reflected on the rides realizing she did do it, and she enjoyed the challenge – and will probably get back out on the trails again!
It was an incredible experience all around – watching the kids who did something they didn’t think they could, sharing in the rides with kids who love being out on the trail and even watching as kids aimed straight for the middle of the mud puddles – just to see if they’d make it through (they all did!).
Here’s to Bay Cliff and MAPS for prioritizing the outdoor experience!
New on Made U.P.!
When Dr. James Reinhart, pediatric cardiologist, spoke at this year’s Adventure Leadership Summit, Todd knew he needed to dive deeper. Reinhart presented health trends in today’s youth. It’s a bit hard to take in – the picture isn’t pretty. But there’s an opportunity to reverse the numbers, to change the course, to set kids up for success rather than a life of distraction and loneliness.If you listen to just one episode of MADE U.P. – let it be this one. Take in the information and then take action and be part of the solution!
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MTRS 2025 Schedule Release & Open House
The Marquette Trail Running Series was created many years ago with one goal in mind – to create community and get more people running.
For the last 15 years, MTRS was run by Andrew Rickauer and a small group of volunteers. Beginning this year, Andrew plans to phase out of organizing. He’s going to turn it over to 906AT staff and volunteers. If you didn’t know this, MTRS has been under the 906AT umbrella for the past four or five years. So, it’s not a huge change, really.
But… you might be wondering… what’s gonna change? Well, the day of the week is the big one. MTRS is moving to Wednesday. We decided to move the series to Wednesdays so it won’t be on the same day as Adventure Team youth Programming (ABC). We want our adventure kids and volunteers to have a chance to jump into the fun.
The next thing isn’t so much a change as a renewed emphasis… Whether you run, hike, or walk, everyone is welcome. If does not matter if you are the fastest runner, or the slowest. We honestly don’t care. Our goal is simple: To get you moving outside. Bring the kids, or come alone. Either works. It’s about community and connecting.
We’re holding an open house this week at Basecamp in Marquette. Learn more, ask questions, check out the full schedule.
MTRS 2025 Schedule Release and Open House
Wednesday, June 4
5:00 – 8:00 PM
955 N. Lakeshore Boulevard, Marquette
For the last 15 years, MTRS was run by Andrew Rickauer and a small group of volunteers. Beginning this year, Andrew plans to phase out of organizing. He’s going to turn it over to 906AT staff and volunteers. If you didn’t know this, MTRS has been under the 906AT umbrella for the past four or five years. So, it’s not a huge change, really.
But… you might be wondering… what’s gonna change? Well, the day of the week is the big one. MTRS is moving to Wednesday. We decided to move the series to Wednesdays so it won’t be on the same day as Adventure Team youth Programming (ABC). We want our adventure kids and volunteers to have a chance to jump into the fun.
The next thing isn’t so much a change as a renewed emphasis… Whether you run, hike, or walk, everyone is welcome. If does not matter if you are the fastest runner, or the slowest. We honestly don’t care. Our goal is simple: To get you moving outside. Bring the kids, or come alone. Either works. It’s about community and connecting.
We’re holding an open house this week at Basecamp in Marquette. Learn more, ask questions, check out the full schedule.
MTRS 2025 Schedule Release and Open House
Wednesday, June 4
5:00 – 8:00 PM
955 N. Lakeshore Boulevard, Marquette
Marji Camp kicks off Thursday
Marji Camp kicks off this week! Riders will begin checking into Rippling River in Marquette on Thursday. We’re gearing up for a weekend of group rides, informational and motivational presenters, great food and community!
There’s no guarantee the weekend will keep you from becoming a #QUITTER but we promise you’ll leave feeling inspired and counting down the days to this year’s Marji Gesick in September.
Check out the Marji Camp Schedule and Rules:
Connection
My day job (in informal education at a university) brings with it annual cycles of students in our space, both by number and age. Right now, we are in summer mode – university students have largely left campus, and our space is gearing up for K-12 summer camps and the chaos they bring. When the college students leave for summer, campus is eerily quiet, and we miss their energy. This is part of what makes the following story so delightful.
We currently have two students working full time in our space getting ready for summer camp and it is very nice to have them around. And not just for the work they are completing. Music and chatter fill the room as our staff busy themselves with the work we’ve laid out for them. Yesterday when I returned from lunch instead of two students, there were three in the maker space. The third is a former employee and long-time maker of art. She came into the space on this day looking to complete a project and find community. Although this student did not know the other two workers it didn’t matter. All three are the same age, in a safe space with little structure and an expectation that they would be accepted. I listened from my office as they talked about family, friends, tv shows and other relevant media (some I had no context for – suggesting the topics might be generational ☺). The students were not on their screens and were clearly enjoying the face-to-face connections.
I start with this example for two reasons: First, Dr Reinhart’s message about teen mental health and loneliness has been on the front of my mind. Second, I like to look for patterns, so that if I see something that works with young people in one situation, I can transfer it to another.
If you were present at the Leadership Summit in Marquette this year or listened to Dr. James Reinhart’s podcast on MADE U.P., you know that teens spend less and less time face-to-face with friends and that loneliness is a real problem for them.
This leads me to think about how we can help young people make connections and build community.
We are about to start our 906 Adventure Team season in 15 communities and intentional interactions are a big part of our season. The intentionality of these interactions comes from relationships we build with kids; relationships we help them build with each other and the way in which the space is set up for them to understand the expectations. This allows them to focus on their team, their bike and their adventure, and not wonder what comes next. Let me share what I mean.
Let’s start with the space, also known as base camp. It looks the same every week – rules and signs are clear, and all riders wear the same shirt, name plate, and have the same expectations. This makes the space feel “safe” because it is predictable. This allows riders to focus on their teammates, coaches and their adventure. Our youth teams are set up by age, not by skills which supports relationship building and teamwork. The only competition you will find at 906AT is personal – you versus you. We cheer for our teammates and encourage their success.
Additionally, coaches are trained to focus on building relationships through adventure with the riders. This means learning names and something about each rider, supporting their “yet”, practicing goal setting, cheering for success and helping to celebrate “failure”.
906 Adventure Team has over 550 volunteer coaches registered this year to support getting youth to adventure on bikes. Helping the riders become the best version of themselves. This means that almost 1200 kids are going to have two hours of supported face-to-face connections every week this summer.
The ease and connection of the summer staff in the makerspace (at work) was contagious. It is the same at Adventure Team. When we focus on teamwork and relationship building in a predictable environment, we see riders open to connection and trying new, and difficult things.
By Julie Cunningham
Whether through a donation to youth resilience programming or a sponsorship of your local Adventure Team, your support is crucial to keep the momentum going. We’ve made incredible progress, but we’re already fully immersed in the planning and building for the next decade of growth. Through your financial partnership, you can be a key part of helping us build the foundation for the next 10 years of leadership, resilience and growth for thousands of youth.
Have a story you’d like to see featured in an upcoming edition of ‘Doing The Hard Things’?
Contact Elizabeth Peterson at elizabeth@906adventureteam.com