Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
A note from the Director of Adventure
PR26 MASS START: #BLAMETODD
PR26 MASS START: Extreme Volunteering
New on Made UP Podcast
Teaser Alert: Marquette Trail Running Series (MTRS) 😱
Adventure Team Countdown!
2026 Leadership Summit
Events with 906AT
A note from the Director of Adventure
As you go through this month’s newsletter, you’re going to read about a lot of cool stories. Cruz, a 13-year-old young man who not only finished the Polar Roll MS15 on February 21st, he won it; while 44% of the field was quitting, and he wasn’t the only kid present for what some are calling the worst Polar Roll conditions in 11 years. There were many others, and they finished, too. You’re going to hear about Jaymie who not only showed up… she finished two minutes before the cutoff at 8:30 pm despite a cancer diagnosis, volunteers who showed up at 4:45 in the morning to setup… and were still there at 8:30 that night to tear down – and they did it all with a smile! Or how bout Steve Flemming, an ultra rider who missed the 48-hour cutoff but refused to go home until he finished… and finally did after 60 hours. He didn’t do it to win the race or get a buckle; he did it because he believes in finishing what he started.
I really hope you can take ten minutes to read what we’ve put together for you this month, and then take a few minutes to let it sink in. I’ll tell ya what I took away from last weekend and all of the stories we’ve heard. Who you surround yourself with is incredibly important. I believe it has the power to change your life; in fact, I’ve watched it happen countless times over the past 11 years. When you hang out with people who have high standards, your standards change. When you hang out with people who won’t quit, you don’t wanna quit. It’s contagious. When you learn to stop comparing yourself to everyone else, it frees you – and all of a sudden you can just show up and compete against yourself. If you don’t like drama, you need to start hanging out with people who don’t do drama. It makes sense when you say it out loud, right?
Enjoy the newsletter. The team puts a lot of time into it for you. You might even wanna share it with someone who needs to hear some of the stories, or maybe they just need a place to feel welcome and accepted.
I really hope you can take ten minutes to read what we’ve put together for you this month, and then take a few minutes to let it sink in. I’ll tell ya what I took away from last weekend and all of the stories we’ve heard. Who you surround yourself with is incredibly important. I believe it has the power to change your life; in fact, I’ve watched it happen countless times over the past 11 years. When you hang out with people who have high standards, your standards change. When you hang out with people who won’t quit, you don’t wanna quit. It’s contagious. When you learn to stop comparing yourself to everyone else, it frees you – and all of a sudden you can just show up and compete against yourself. If you don’t like drama, you need to start hanging out with people who don’t do drama. It makes sense when you say it out loud, right?
Enjoy the newsletter. The team puts a lot of time into it for you. You might even wanna share it with someone who needs to hear some of the stories, or maybe they just need a place to feel welcome and accepted.
PR26 MASS START: #BLAMETODD
In true 906AT fashion – we don’t make anything easy – and this year’s Polar Roll was anything but! From grooming the trails to participants battling the Mackinac Bridge to snow, wind, and conditions that pushed people to Find Their Limits – Polar Roll 2026 will be remembered and talked about for years to come. It seemed to be more of a mental test than a physical test. When you showed up to ride your bike in the snow and ended up pushing more than pedaling – could you find the will to keep going? Could you adapt to the experience you were in versus the experience you expected?
545 people signed up for Polar Roll.
429 people started.
185 texted #Quitter.
244 finished.
It Gets Worse, Before It Gets Worser.
Polar Roll is perhaps too often considered the ‘gimme’ of the 906AT Trilogy. It’s just 15 or 30 miles. For those working toward the Secret Event and the Triple Crown – Polar Roll is the first to check off the list, the event with the least amount of miles. But surprise? “I’d rather do Marji 100 than ever do that again,” said one PR finisher. And isn’t that the point? Isn’t that why we put these events together? Isn’t that what you show up for? An experience that pushes, tests and takes you out of your comfort zone. Polar Roll 2026 certainly did that.
545 people signed up for Polar Roll.
429 people started.
185 texted #Quitter.
244 finished.
It Gets Worse, Before It Gets Worser.
Polar Roll is perhaps too often considered the ‘gimme’ of the 906AT Trilogy. It’s just 15 or 30 miles. For those working toward the Secret Event and the Triple Crown – Polar Roll is the first to check off the list, the event with the least amount of miles. But surprise? “I’d rather do Marji 100 than ever do that again,” said one PR finisher. And isn’t that the point? Isn’t that why we put these events together? Isn’t that what you show up for? An experience that pushes, tests and takes you out of your comfort zone. Polar Roll 2026 certainly did that.
What is hard? The answer to that question is different for everyone. In fact, while there was a lot of frustration during Polar Roll – there were also a lot of people enjoying the experience, riding, walking, laughing through the challenge – whether they finished or texted #QUITTER. 13-year-old Cruz Woodbury, the first place finisher of the MS15, who may never realize the significance of his accomplishment, said he just rode his bike and never looked back. Was he excited to take first place? Sure, he seemed happy – it was hard. But, he also was just out enjoying a day on his bike. That was his perspective.
Now, let’s flip that to the perspective of the last finisher. Jaymie Smith was out there to do a hard thing. To feel every mile, every push, work through the challenges, and FINISH, no matter what. And she did with just two minutes left to cutoff. For Jaymie it was a celebration of life.
Days after Polar Roll Jaymie said, “I finished chemo – I just wanted to celebrate that I’m alive by doing something that is me – going on an adventure, pushing my body and my mind.”
Jaymie’s first 906AT event was supposed to be Crusher last year – but a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment kept that from happening. And so, her first 906AT event became Polar Roll. And after 12 hours on the course… she finished, tears streaming down her face – not out of frustration, but with gratitude – for the adventure, the experience, the opportunity to push her body. That was her perspective.
“If I can make it through these awful procedures and experiences – come on, I can do this,” said Jaymie. “I think it helped that I knew I was going to be slow – it wasn’t about physical fitness, it was about what was between my ears.”
It’s easy sometimes to get lost in the way things were supposed to go – but it’s something really remarkable and beautiful to watch 429 people dive into the possibility of what happens when things don’t go as planned. That’s life. That’s what we’re here for. That’s what we’ll keep showing up for. And for everyone who said they’ll never do that again – we’ll see you next year. We make no promises to what the day will bring – but we promise we’ll be there with an experience for you to decide what it becomes.
And if you need something to hold onto next time – we’ll leave you with this from Jaymie: “I tried to look at the beauty of the trees, the quietness of the space – there were a lot of cussing people on the trail – but also, being around so many fantastic people was wonderful. I kept thinking, how cool that I actually get to do this – what an opportunity.”
Check out the Results:
Superior Timing
Check out the Photos:
Rob Meendering Photography
Ryan Stephens Photography
Special thanks also to Fresh Coast Exposures for spending the weekend with us and filming one of the most memorable Polar Rolls to date.
PR26 MASS START: Extreme Volunteering
906AT events wouldn’t happen without volunteers. Those who give their time to support the organization and every person who signs up for a day, or sometimes longer, of suffering. Polar Roll MS is extreme volunteering.
The first volunteers for the Mass Start Polar Roll gathered in front of Ishpeming High School at 4:45am. It was dark. It was snowing. It was windy. It was cold. And yet, every person had a smile on their face and an energy of excitement and anticipation – ready to get to work! Fast forward 15 hours – some of those same faces gathered in front of Ishpeming High School as the last bits of Polar Roll were loaded into a trailer. It was dark. It was snowing. It was windy. It was cold. And yet, every person still had a smile on their face, this time with an energy of accomplishment and pride.
In the 15 hours that were this year’s Polar Roll Mass Start – volunteers lined road crossings, they grilled food, they welcomed riders to the finish line, they kept fires burning, snacks and water flowing, and more than anything, they provided invaluable support and encouragement for every rider and snowshoer on the course.
“Having been on the side of receiving – it has felt so lovely, I felt so supported – I feel really driven to show up for others. It’s a morale boost, a game changer – oh, you have an oatmeal cream pie – that can be a game changer,” says volunteer Cori Noordyk. “Just to be there and support the people who are doing tough things – it can feel just as good as doing the tough things.”
The first volunteers for the Mass Start Polar Roll gathered in front of Ishpeming High School at 4:45am. It was dark. It was snowing. It was windy. It was cold. And yet, every person had a smile on their face and an energy of excitement and anticipation – ready to get to work! Fast forward 15 hours – some of those same faces gathered in front of Ishpeming High School as the last bits of Polar Roll were loaded into a trailer. It was dark. It was snowing. It was windy. It was cold. And yet, every person still had a smile on their face, this time with an energy of accomplishment and pride.
In the 15 hours that were this year’s Polar Roll Mass Start – volunteers lined road crossings, they grilled food, they welcomed riders to the finish line, they kept fires burning, snacks and water flowing, and more than anything, they provided invaluable support and encouragement for every rider and snowshoer on the course.
“Having been on the side of receiving – it has felt so lovely, I felt so supported – I feel really driven to show up for others. It’s a morale boost, a game changer – oh, you have an oatmeal cream pie – that can be a game changer,” says volunteer Cori Noordyk. “Just to be there and support the people who are doing tough things – it can feel just as good as doing the tough things.”
This was Cori’s second year volunteering at one of the road crossings. She set up The Sugar Shack – providing hydration, snacks, and homemade maple syrup. She spent the day on course with her 10-year-old son, Rowan. Cori is no stranger to Polar Roll, she’s participated before – and she’s ridden in Crusher and Marji – she knows and has felt the value of strangers showing up – providing support – and offering encouragement during the ups and downs that these events have become known for.
“Rowan, he participates in 906AT. It’s important to model to kids and to adults that races don’t just happen by happenstance. They happen because people show up and I’m always going to be the person that shows up.”
Bron Harmon has volunteered at Polar Roll for three years. For all three years, she’s been stationed at the road crossing at Malton Road – a point in the course where riders come out of the woods and have less than two miles to go to the finish.
“We bring our cowbells – for most people when they hear that cowbell – it’s a moment of, we’re coming to something, they get a jolt of excitement, that bit of encouragement of, you’ve made it this far, keep rolling.”
Harmon says when riders come to her crossing, they’ve spent a few very quiet hours in the woods, with their thoughts – they’re hoping that grind is over, they’re spent, and she and her crew get to be the light – getting them across the road, but also confirming, they’re on course, they’re almost there. It’s an experience she’s come to really appreciate.
“Finding space to volunteer my time is where I prefer to be. My husband is right there with me – we get to spend a fun day together. The opportunity to give my time and make that donation back to 906AT is the value.”
Every volunteer is valued. Every interaction is significant. Those moments shared between volunteers and participants can be the difference in what happens next on the course. 906AT is beyond grateful for the way people like Cori and Bron and countless others show up – our community is unique, it’s strong, it’s energetic, lively, and passionate. Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter!
“Rowan, he participates in 906AT. It’s important to model to kids and to adults that races don’t just happen by happenstance. They happen because people show up and I’m always going to be the person that shows up.”
Bron Harmon has volunteered at Polar Roll for three years. For all three years, she’s been stationed at the road crossing at Malton Road – a point in the course where riders come out of the woods and have less than two miles to go to the finish.
“We bring our cowbells – for most people when they hear that cowbell – it’s a moment of, we’re coming to something, they get a jolt of excitement, that bit of encouragement of, you’ve made it this far, keep rolling.”
Harmon says when riders come to her crossing, they’ve spent a few very quiet hours in the woods, with their thoughts – they’re hoping that grind is over, they’re spent, and she and her crew get to be the light – getting them across the road, but also confirming, they’re on course, they’re almost there. It’s an experience she’s come to really appreciate.
“Finding space to volunteer my time is where I prefer to be. My husband is right there with me – we get to spend a fun day together. The opportunity to give my time and make that donation back to 906AT is the value.”
Every volunteer is valued. Every interaction is significant. Those moments shared between volunteers and participants can be the difference in what happens next on the course. 906AT is beyond grateful for the way people like Cori and Bron and countless others show up – our community is unique, it’s strong, it’s energetic, lively, and passionate. Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter!
New on MADE UP!
Episode 43 – Brandon Doran & Paul Hytinen – Polar Roll 2026 Debrief
What does it mean to text #quitter? It means the journey is just beginning – it’s not over – you are not at the end of your journey – you’re just getting started!
#unfinishedbusiness
Brandon Doran (owner at Fresh Coast Exposures) and Paul Hytinen (retired miner/906AT Volunteer) unpack their respective experiences with this year’s Polar Roll Mass Start and Ultra events.
Teaser Alert: Marquette Trail Running Series (MTRS) 😱
Here’s the cliff notes: We’re shaking things up.
Here’s the tl/dr: Everyone knows 906AT for the Trilogy Endurance Series. We’ve made a name for ourselves advocating for folks to do hard things. That’s not gonna end anytime soon. However, if you are on the outside of this world looking in… I bet ya think it looks pretty scary.
That’s why we’re rolling out a new version of MTRS. It’s not just a running series… It’s a Community Series. A casual way to begin your fitness and/ or endurance journey. Heck, you could just do it for fun, too. Our goal this year.. is to help more people get to know us and for us to get to know them. We look at it like this: The series can be whatever you want it to be for you. It’s a chance for you to meet more and new people. Our staff and community will be there every step of the way.
I know I am gonna get this question, so I’m gonna address it. Is this series for ultra fit, super serious people who wanna do nothing but race and win? Answer: Those people might show up, and we’ll welcome them. If they want to go out there and kill it we don’t wanna stop them. BUT… I’m gonna go back to what I said earlier. This is a Trail Running Series for…The community. MTRS is for everyone. There will be no points, season standings, or podiums. You show up or you don’t. You can treat it as “training or just a night out. If you have kids… I highly encourage you to bring them.
Here’s another question I’ve been asked a number of times the past couple a weeks: Are ya gonna use the same courses? Answer: No. All of the courses will be brand new. I can’t give ya all the deets… but I’ll say this… RAMBA, Al Quaal, Harlow… Do I have your attention? 
I bet I do! We’ll offer a short course and a long. You’ll get two hours to do one, or both.
I bet I do! We’ll offer a short course and a long. You’ll get two hours to do one, or both. Last question… and then ya have to wait until the April Newsletter for “the rest of the story.” What day of the week will MTRS take place? Answer: There will be a total of six MTRS events, all held on Tuesday.
Hey, if you have questions about the series and you just can’t wait for April… Reach out. I’m happy to talk about it and help ya get ready. In the meantime… start recruiting your family and friends to join us. All skill levels. All abilities. All ages. All people. I cannot stress this enough… MTRS is more than a running series. It’s a Community Series.
Stay tuned for more info in April.
“Adventure Team Countdown!”
We are just over three months away from the start of Adventure Teams in 17 communities in the Midwest! We’re anticipating over 1,500 kids this year. That means more volunteers, more planning, more bikes and more adventures! We cannot wait!
This time of year begins the crucial behind the scenes work that makes Adventure Teams run smoothly over the summer. We’ve secured locations, we’re finalizing partnerships, placing orders for gear and equipment and perhaps most importantly we’re holding meet-ups in each of our communities – registering volunteers and meeting families.
Why do we keep doing it? Why do we keep expanding to new communities?
According to Pediatric Cardiologist and 906AT Board Member Dr. James Reinhart, current trends show pediatric obesity is steadily rising, depression among 12+ year olds has doubled, screen time is as high as 8 hours per day, loneliness is increasing, and 80% of kids today are insufficiently active. We provide this programming to give kids a space to grow, find community, and develop life skills – combating these alarming trends. We want every child to have this opportunity for adventure and development!
As with all 906AT programming we couldn’t do it with you! We still need volunteers in all 17 communities. Help us spread the word to your friends and family – share the opportunity with coworkers. The commitment is two hours a week for 9-12 weeks but the connections, memories, and impact you make will last long into the future.
It’s going to be a busy and fun summer! Sign up below to volunteer. Mark Adventure Team registration on your calendar, April 18. And count down the days to another amazing season of adventure! We’ll see you out there!
This time of year begins the crucial behind the scenes work that makes Adventure Teams run smoothly over the summer. We’ve secured locations, we’re finalizing partnerships, placing orders for gear and equipment and perhaps most importantly we’re holding meet-ups in each of our communities – registering volunteers and meeting families.
Why do we keep doing it? Why do we keep expanding to new communities?
According to Pediatric Cardiologist and 906AT Board Member Dr. James Reinhart, current trends show pediatric obesity is steadily rising, depression among 12+ year olds has doubled, screen time is as high as 8 hours per day, loneliness is increasing, and 80% of kids today are insufficiently active. We provide this programming to give kids a space to grow, find community, and develop life skills – combating these alarming trends. We want every child to have this opportunity for adventure and development!
As with all 906AT programming we couldn’t do it with you! We still need volunteers in all 17 communities. Help us spread the word to your friends and family – share the opportunity with coworkers. The commitment is two hours a week for 9-12 weeks but the connections, memories, and impact you make will last long into the future.
It’s going to be a busy and fun summer! Sign up below to volunteer. Mark Adventure Team registration on your calendar, April 18. And count down the days to another amazing season of adventure! We’ll see you out there!
2026 Leadership Summit
To be an Adventure Team coach you must pass a background check and complete the online training modules. So why do so many coaches choose to attend the Leadership Summit each spring in Marquette in addition to those requirements. After all most coaches drive to Marquette and find a place to stay over for a night or two AND the Leadership Summit does not fulfill any obligation for coaching. Just like so many experiences that are 906 related, it comes down to community. See what a veteran coach has to say:
As a new Leader or someone ready to attend the 906AT Leadership Summit for the first time, the opportunity to connect with a community of people with a wealth of varied knowledge and experience on biking, working with youth, health and safety, and lessons learned through being part of the program is invaluable. The online learning program is a great foundation, but there’s so much that can’t be covered in a web-based learning format. Adventure Bike/Run/Hike Club is different from coaching other youth sports, particularly competitive programs, so learning from experienced leaders goes a long way to feeling confident and ready as a new leader. The Summit takes the online learning to the next level as volunteers with a deep understanding of the program share real-life application of the training materials. It’s about community and the summit gives someone new to the program the opportunity to immerse themselves in what it means to be part of the Adventure Team.
-Teresa DeLisle, Lansing Eastgate Adventure Team
Each year we have a packed room for the Leadership Summit and many coaches return more than one year. Also, each year the 906AT staff make changes to the Summit based on feedback from participants. Highlights of recent changes include hands-on first aid training with medical doctors who also coach and can answer questions, small group work for on the bike skills, riding obstacles and addressing skill cards with riders, and a panel of coaches willing to answer audience questions. Add to this content that addresses why we use hiking and biking to support youth in our communities – addressing screen time trends and the importance of getting kids active outdoors. This sentiment is echoed in the words of a veteran coach below:
As with many things in life, the in-person experience is always better than the virtual option. The Leadership Summit is no exception. Being among the cohesive 906 Adventure Team community provides a much deeper understanding of who we are as an organization and how we can best serve the youth in our communities. Learning the hands-on skills, from first aid and managing a medical emergency to basic trail side bike repairs were incredibly valuable. It helped build my confidence as both a coach and a mountain biker.
My teenage son was an Adventure Bike Club participant for 3 years before joining the Leadership Apprentice program. As a coach and parent, it was incredible to see the personal growth he gained from Leadership Summit. He became more confident in both bike and life skills. Not only was this critical fo his own development, he also gained a deeper understanding of the organization as a whole and what he was truly a part of.
-April Sauer, Green Bay Area Adventure Team
A sneak peek at what is new for this year: Todd Poquette is going to talk with us about AI (find out if you guess correctly what the letters represent), we will unpack some youth riding scenarios from this past season and discuss what to pay attention to when it comes to addressing mental health concerns for youth. The taco food truck will make an appearance, and you can purchase beverages from Barrel and Beam, so it is sure to be a good time once again. We hope to have you volunteer as a coach and to see you attend the 2026 Leadership Summit. We will be happy to welcome you to the community and support your journey. You can read about the journey of a veteran coach who finds value in the Summit below:
Attending the 906 Adventure Team Summit in Marquette is always one of the highlights of my year. It’s more than just in person training. It’s a chance to reconnect with the mission of 906 Adventure Team and with others who are passionate about building resilient youth through outdoor adventure. I love sharing the growth I’ve witnessed in my riders and hearing similar stories from other communities. Being surrounded by leaders who are committed to developing a stronger, more confident next generation is both inspiring and energizing. Don’t think just because you’re not a team/group lead you don’t have an opportunity to be a part of making a difference. I’ve been able to grow through this organization not only by leading a group of riders but also by supporting other areas of the team.
-Ben McRae, Midland Area Adventure Team
The 906AT Leadership Summit fills up every year. Be sure to register early!
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.
Trilogy Partners
