Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
THE POWER OF YES
You Support Us. We Pay It Forward.
Gluski Park: “Cherish and take care of place like this.”
Polar Roll 2027 ::: Registration Opens 11.08.2026
Made U.P. Podcast
First ever Secret Event was a success!
Events with 906AT
Carol Dweck is an American psychologist widely known for her research on motivation, personality, and the concept of “mindsets.” Her work influences the way we approach youth development and frankly, the Trilogy Events, too. If you are not familiar with her work – check it out. It’s a must-read for any human that has kids, works with kids, or influences kids. Here’s a synopsis: Your skills, abilities, and intelligence are not fixed capabilities that you get sent into the world with. You can directly influence your abilities (and your outcomes) through hard work, dedication, and persistence. Challenges and failures aren’t proof the world is against you… they are the tax you pay for success.
Usually, I would go into talking about Dweck’s “Power of Yet” concept, but that’s not what I came here to talk about today. In fact, I did not come here to talk about Carol Dweck at all, but I felt compelled to give her a plug. So, there ya go. You have just enough info now to go learn more about her.
I want to talk about the Power of Now. I’m not talking about the book from Eckhart Tolle and spiritual enlightenment. That’s a good book, too. I recommend it, but I digress… Honestly, to avoid confusion with Eckhart, I’ll revise my theory in real-time. We’re going to call this the “Power of Yes.” If I were to add a subtitle to it, it would be: How we built the 906 Adventure Team. To make sure we’re all on the same page… Let me bring it all together: “The Power of Yes: How we built the 906 Adventure Team.”
Here we go. “The Power of Yes.” It cannot happen until you say it will. It cannot get done if you will not own it. If you envision one or more scenarios where it doesn’t happen – it won’t. If you envision only success, the Power of Yes will succeed. Often times, you will say yes with no proof or supporting information suggesting success, and because of that, most people say no. Say yes. Fear is proof you are on the right path. If you’re not afraid you’re not really AFI. You don’t need a five year plan. You don’t need to know where ya think it’s all going to end. Say Yes and let it work itself out. You do not control time – so stop talking about it. You’ll be amazed by how much time you have once you stop complaining about not having enough of it. If you’re waiting for the right time you’ll spend your life living the wrong time.
If you’re still here – listen to this: You have to say yes. You have to be willing to say yes when everything and everyone says that you are unqualified. Look at me with 906. On paper, I wasn’t qualified to start a non-profit. I had never run an event. I wasn’t a teacher… Too many people spend their lives letting the world and people around them tell them what they are gonna be. You weren’t sent here to ask for permission, folks.
I’m not saying you should say yes to everything, but, if I am honest with you, that’s pretty much how I roll. If I think something aligns with what we’re trying to do (906AT, myself, or my family) I’ll say yes and figure out the rest later. I do not mind making mistakes. Frankly, I see a lot of value in making them (mistakes). Too many people are living a story written by someone else. They use playbooks that are tired retreads of what everyone else is doing. They’re afraid to shake shit up. That’s a call back to something I said earlier – fear as an indication you are on the right path. Fear indicates there’s a level of unknown, excitement, and that it (whatever in the hell you are trying to do) matters.
Don’t wait till the end of December to unpack this for yourself. Say YES, and get to work now.
Usually, I would go into talking about Dweck’s “Power of Yet” concept, but that’s not what I came here to talk about today. In fact, I did not come here to talk about Carol Dweck at all, but I felt compelled to give her a plug. So, there ya go. You have just enough info now to go learn more about her.
I want to talk about the Power of Now. I’m not talking about the book from Eckhart Tolle and spiritual enlightenment. That’s a good book, too. I recommend it, but I digress… Honestly, to avoid confusion with Eckhart, I’ll revise my theory in real-time. We’re going to call this the “Power of Yes.” If I were to add a subtitle to it, it would be: How we built the 906 Adventure Team. To make sure we’re all on the same page… Let me bring it all together: “The Power of Yes: How we built the 906 Adventure Team.”
Here we go. “The Power of Yes.” It cannot happen until you say it will. It cannot get done if you will not own it. If you envision one or more scenarios where it doesn’t happen – it won’t. If you envision only success, the Power of Yes will succeed. Often times, you will say yes with no proof or supporting information suggesting success, and because of that, most people say no. Say yes. Fear is proof you are on the right path. If you’re not afraid you’re not really AFI. You don’t need a five year plan. You don’t need to know where ya think it’s all going to end. Say Yes and let it work itself out. You do not control time – so stop talking about it. You’ll be amazed by how much time you have once you stop complaining about not having enough of it. If you’re waiting for the right time you’ll spend your life living the wrong time.
If you’re still here – listen to this: You have to say yes. You have to be willing to say yes when everything and everyone says that you are unqualified. Look at me with 906. On paper, I wasn’t qualified to start a non-profit. I had never run an event. I wasn’t a teacher… Too many people spend their lives letting the world and people around them tell them what they are gonna be. You weren’t sent here to ask for permission, folks.
I’m not saying you should say yes to everything, but, if I am honest with you, that’s pretty much how I roll. If I think something aligns with what we’re trying to do (906AT, myself, or my family) I’ll say yes and figure out the rest later. I do not mind making mistakes. Frankly, I see a lot of value in making them (mistakes). Too many people are living a story written by someone else. They use playbooks that are tired retreads of what everyone else is doing. They’re afraid to shake shit up. That’s a call back to something I said earlier – fear as an indication you are on the right path. Fear indicates there’s a level of unknown, excitement, and that it (whatever in the hell you are trying to do) matters.
Don’t wait till the end of December to unpack this for yourself. Say YES, and get to work now.
You support us. We pay it forward.
Some people register for our events to find their limits. Some just wanna see if they can finish what they start. Some will aspire toward the Hall of Pain. There are a lot of reasons people show up and challenge themselves voluntarily when they could just stay home and sit on the couch. For some, it’s the buckle. For many, it’s personal. You sign up for an event. You prepare. You show up. You have an experience. Good or bad – you get what you paid for.
You support us. We pay it forward. Here’s how we do it…
We create youth Adventure Teams.
17 Teams across the Midwest.
We support community trails and partner non-profits.
In 2026:
$33,925 to RAMBA
$17,990 to NTN
$3,598 to Friends of Harlow
Total 906AT contribution to other non-profits in 2026 was $50,408.
Since 2015:
$234,100 to RAMBA
$151,330 to NTN
$17,060 to Friends of Harlow
$2,000 to MBTN
$1,000 to CHTC
$37,605 to other supporting non-profit groups
Total community support from 906AT since 2015 = $443,095
We’re building a community trailhead for outdoor adventure.
We recently raised approximately $2,100,000 to build a community trailhead for outdoor adventure here in Marquette. When this newsletter goes out on Monday the project will be sitting at nearly 80% complete. The remaining 20% of the project will be completed in the spring of 2027. By next summer we will open Gluski Park to the public.
So how have we been able to get so much good shit done? I’m gonna tell ya. A little over a year ago, I wrote three words on a whiteboard at Basecamp:
Service Before Self. I wrote it down quietly and walked away. Never said a word to anyone about it. I wrote it down because I feel like that’s what got us here.
I think it’s easy to overcomplicate stuff. I’d say most people aspire to do good things during their time on the planet – but they make it more complicated than it has to be. If you wanna do good in the world – focus on aligning with good people and doin’ good stuff. Put all of your energy into doin’ good stuff. Consider the impact of your actions on others. Put them first. If you make mistakes – do better.
Do good things. Focus on what you have in common with people. Take the high road. Put service before self.
You support us. We pay it forward. Here’s how we do it…
We create youth Adventure Teams.
17 Teams across the Midwest.
We support community trails and partner non-profits.
In 2026:
$33,925 to RAMBA
$17,990 to NTN
$3,598 to Friends of Harlow
Total 906AT contribution to other non-profits in 2026 was $50,408.
Since 2015:
$234,100 to RAMBA
$151,330 to NTN
$17,060 to Friends of Harlow
$2,000 to MBTN
$1,000 to CHTC
$37,605 to other supporting non-profit groups
Total community support from 906AT since 2015 = $443,095
We’re building a community trailhead for outdoor adventure.
We recently raised approximately $2,100,000 to build a community trailhead for outdoor adventure here in Marquette. When this newsletter goes out on Monday the project will be sitting at nearly 80% complete. The remaining 20% of the project will be completed in the spring of 2027. By next summer we will open Gluski Park to the public.
So how have we been able to get so much good shit done? I’m gonna tell ya. A little over a year ago, I wrote three words on a whiteboard at Basecamp:
Service Before Self. I wrote it down quietly and walked away. Never said a word to anyone about it. I wrote it down because I feel like that’s what got us here.
I think it’s easy to overcomplicate stuff. I’d say most people aspire to do good things during their time on the planet – but they make it more complicated than it has to be. If you wanna do good in the world – focus on aligning with good people and doin’ good stuff. Put all of your energy into doin’ good stuff. Consider the impact of your actions on others. Put them first. If you make mistakes – do better.
Do good things. Focus on what you have in common with people. Take the high road. Put service before self.
Gluski Park: “Cherish and take care of a place like this.”
If you’ve been following the design, development and build of Gluski Park, you’ve likely heard us mention Rock Solid Trail Contracting. And if you’ve stopped by and watched the work being done, you’ve likely seen Rock Solid’s crew in the park, sporting bright orange, digging, shaping, and creating the trails that will, this Spring, be Gluski Park.
Rock Solid is based in Copper Harbor and Bentonville, Arkansas. They’ve built hundreds of miles of trails across the country and a reputation for sustainable, high-quality, destination worthy trail systems. Partnering with RS just made sense. Their connection to the Upper Peninsula. Their commitment to community. Their dedication to their craft.
Gluski Park is a unique project. Located in the heart of east Marquette. It brings the trails to town. Where Rock Solid might typically be building trails through the woods – this project presented a unique challenge: build a trail system for all levels of users, for bikers, hikers and walkers, and do so in a one-acre space. They took the original concept and design – and from our perspective “knocked it out of the park.”
Rock Solid Lead Foreman Robbie Mitchell has spent the last three months navigating the project, from the first truck load of dirt to the last. He says it’s been a fun experience, similar to a project he recently completed in Mason City, Iowa.
“Knowing it had similar goals – a pump track, jumps, flow trails – I like these projects, they’re fun – figuring out how the pacing will work out, these types of trails and this type of park, I came excited.”
Robbie, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana has been with Rock Solid for three and half years and is no stranger to the Upper Peninsula. He’s spent time traveling the U.P., chasing bike parks while working other jobs in lower Michigan and Wisconsin. Coming to Marquette, leading the Gluski Park Project – he says he was pumped and has learned a lot.
“This job gave us a lot more experience in working with the regulated side of construction. We’ve had to align ourselves with the various construction partners and it’s worked out really well. Our main goal is the ride quality – making sacrifices in other places (of the park) for the rider, but there was more to it than that this time and we worked through it.”
Ensuring city ordinances, codes and requirements were met – Robbie and his team then focused on the artistic side of their work – feeling the space, the design, the features as a visitor to the park would.
“When you get out there, you put the perimeters out there and then the paintbrush goes. You’re figuring it out, painting and sculpting into the dirt. It’s 100% artistic expression.”
And as Robbie and his team wraps up their portion of Gluski Park this week – he’s proud of the work they’ve done and the impact they’re making in the community.
I asked him if there was a feature or line he was most proud of – he proceeded to detail nearly every feature and line in the park – from the green lines to the pump track – it’s apparent Robbie and his team put their heart into every inch of this park.
“It’s all passion really, the stress creeps in every now and then, but then we’re outside, building jumps and having fun.”
He says a job like this is successful when he’s surrounded by a solid team of people. He made sure they hit the very specific marks but ultimately let his crew do what they needed to do. And as they prepare to say goodbye he hopes above all the community will “cherish and take care of a place like this.”
Rock Solid is based in Copper Harbor and Bentonville, Arkansas. They’ve built hundreds of miles of trails across the country and a reputation for sustainable, high-quality, destination worthy trail systems. Partnering with RS just made sense. Their connection to the Upper Peninsula. Their commitment to community. Their dedication to their craft.
Gluski Park is a unique project. Located in the heart of east Marquette. It brings the trails to town. Where Rock Solid might typically be building trails through the woods – this project presented a unique challenge: build a trail system for all levels of users, for bikers, hikers and walkers, and do so in a one-acre space. They took the original concept and design – and from our perspective “knocked it out of the park.”
Rock Solid Lead Foreman Robbie Mitchell has spent the last three months navigating the project, from the first truck load of dirt to the last. He says it’s been a fun experience, similar to a project he recently completed in Mason City, Iowa.
“Knowing it had similar goals – a pump track, jumps, flow trails – I like these projects, they’re fun – figuring out how the pacing will work out, these types of trails and this type of park, I came excited.”
Robbie, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana has been with Rock Solid for three and half years and is no stranger to the Upper Peninsula. He’s spent time traveling the U.P., chasing bike parks while working other jobs in lower Michigan and Wisconsin. Coming to Marquette, leading the Gluski Park Project – he says he was pumped and has learned a lot.
“This job gave us a lot more experience in working with the regulated side of construction. We’ve had to align ourselves with the various construction partners and it’s worked out really well. Our main goal is the ride quality – making sacrifices in other places (of the park) for the rider, but there was more to it than that this time and we worked through it.”
Ensuring city ordinances, codes and requirements were met – Robbie and his team then focused on the artistic side of their work – feeling the space, the design, the features as a visitor to the park would.
“When you get out there, you put the perimeters out there and then the paintbrush goes. You’re figuring it out, painting and sculpting into the dirt. It’s 100% artistic expression.”
And as Robbie and his team wraps up their portion of Gluski Park this week – he’s proud of the work they’ve done and the impact they’re making in the community.
I asked him if there was a feature or line he was most proud of – he proceeded to detail nearly every feature and line in the park – from the green lines to the pump track – it’s apparent Robbie and his team put their heart into every inch of this park.
“It’s all passion really, the stress creeps in every now and then, but then we’re outside, building jumps and having fun.”
He says a job like this is successful when he’s surrounded by a solid team of people. He made sure they hit the very specific marks but ultimately let his crew do what they needed to do. And as they prepare to say goodbye he hopes above all the community will “cherish and take care of a place like this.”
Written By Elizabeth Peterson
POLAR ROLL 2027 ::: REGISTRATION OPENS
11.08.2026 @ 9:06 AM ::: Limited Spots Available
In 2027, we’re bringing back the original Polar Roll Mass Start route – an epic point-to-point adventure from Marquette to Ishpeming. Polar Roll is the original 906AT event, and this route is by far the most compelling winter route we’ve ever been able to offer. Whether we get 1” of snow or 100” of snow this year – we’ll follow this route for the MS30.
On the MS15 side of things, the change provides a more “enjoyable” experience. Both the MS15 and MS30 will start at the same time on opposite ends of the county. That means, for the short event, you will not have long racers breathing down your neck all day. In my book, that’s a good thing for you and them.
The Ultra is getting tightened up. We’re gonna focus on a 135 mile route and a 75-100 mile route. The goal is to provide the most compelling, remote experience possible without stretching it out to 160 miles.
Here’s the event info from our website:
This is the who, what, when, where, and why. For a more complete and comprehensive overview of the event, rules, recommended gear, etc., please refer to the passport, which you can download from the top of this landing page. The current year’s passport will be released in January; until then, please reference the previous year’s passport.
The Polar Roll Facebook Group is a great source of event information, gear, and more. Join the group with this link.
MASS START
Why: You love a good fat bike party in da woods in the middle of February with 500 people.
Who: Anyone signed up for the Polar Roll-MS, their support crews, friends and family, and our sponsors.
What: 15 or 30 miles of machine groomed singletrack, by bike or on foot. *** It will actually be 30 miles this year.
When: February 20, 2027
Where: MS30 Start in Marquette, Finish in Ishpeming. MS15 Start in Ishpeming, Finish in Ishpeming.
Routes: MS30 returns to O.G. P2P route from Marquette to Ishpeming. MS15 stays on the west end.
Event start times:
MS-30 8:00 am (Bike/Hike) See the Field Manual for more information.
MS-15 8:00 am (Bike/Hike) See the Field Manual for more information.
Event Cut-offs: Dark-Thirty
Timing company: Superior Timing
EX
Why: For a more intimate adventure alone, or with a couple of friends. The EX experience is for people who appreciate and embrace the unknowns and variables of solo winter adventure. Conditions are unpredictable & require a higher level of self-support.
Who: Anyone signed up for the Polar Roll-EX.
What: EX15, EX30, Duathlon for Dummies, IQ Test. Will there be a Secret Level this year? 😈
When: January 1 – March 1, 2027
Where: EX events utilize multiple start points. See the field manual for more info.
Start Times: Whenever the hell you want.
Event Cut-offs: 24 Hours, All events.
Timing company: Refer to the Field Manual for details.
ULTRA
Why: Because you have been dreaming of a winter ultra that offers a ton of groomed bike specific singletrack, and we have it. Read on.
Who: This event is capped and will be limited to participants whom we allow to register for it.
What: PR-Ultra (135 miles), PRU-Ultra (100 miles)
When: February 22, 2027
Where: TBD
Route: TBD
Start Times: 7:00 AM
Event Cut-offs: 48 hours
Timing company: https://trackleaders.com/
Made U.P. Episode 61 – Daniel Streinz
He goes by Daniel, Dan, Uncle Dan The Uni Man and now you can also call him the first human to officially finish the Marji Gesick 100 on a unicycle. For real. He finished on a unicycle in under 25 hours. Hear how he made it happen.
First ever Secret Event was a success! Will we see you next year?
The Secret Event was held in Copper Harbor at Trails End Campground the weekend of October 9 – 11th. First, what is not to love about Copper Harbor in fall. The colors were gorgeous, the weather was very near perfect, and the Northern Lights put on a show. Secondly, Trails End Campground is a great host, allowing 906 to “take over” their campground with lovely, shared spaces and cozy rustic campsites as well.
The Secret Event was a celebration of the hard work for all event participants who earned a place in the Hall of Pain. Their success makes for a good reason for a party in their honor, and this event also provided a very appropriate celebration for their support crew. These are the folks who do not always receive the same public recognition for their hard work. Additionally, the event provided 906AT with an opportunity to recognize trilogy volunteers along with the event participants and their families.
The Hall of Pain members were provided a site at Trails End Campground along with the amenities that come with the stay, breakfast in Copper Harbor, rides on the East Bluff Shuttle and a shared dinner with live music. This left lots of time for riding the trails and socializing and it seemed as though both activities were highlights of the weekend.
I personally enjoyed connecting and getting to know names while organizing the shuttle and appreciated how many kids rode the shuttle up and the trails down with their adults (several under 5 years old), I had an opportunity to talk with at least three other area AT leads (face-to-face) who I often only see on Zoom and I along with some other volunteers and kids rode the trails together. None of these seem like big things and yet this is not how an event usually rolls out for me.
If we step back from the Secret Event and consider the bigger 906 picture, the trilogy events (Polar Roll, Crusher and Marji Gesick) will continue to provide participants with opportunities to become Hall of Pain members. We appreciate that about the events and the participants who continue to work hard to compete with themselves and the course. As long as 906 offers the events and has participants to support, we will continue to need and rely on volunteers. Each of the events has their own unique set of volunteer expectations and all require dedication – from 6 hours standing in the snow and the cold to a weekend of “suffering” at the finish line in Ishpeming.
Future Secret Events will continue to highlight the success of the riders and runners who participate, along with their families AND volunteers who serve at all 3 events (Trilogy Volunteers). Ultimately, we all win with this event because the more participants and volunteers who are eligible the more funds raised through the Trilogy Events to support youth at area Adventure Teams and that is what this is all about!
The Secret Event was a celebration of the hard work for all event participants who earned a place in the Hall of Pain. Their success makes for a good reason for a party in their honor, and this event also provided a very appropriate celebration for their support crew. These are the folks who do not always receive the same public recognition for their hard work. Additionally, the event provided 906AT with an opportunity to recognize trilogy volunteers along with the event participants and their families.
The Hall of Pain members were provided a site at Trails End Campground along with the amenities that come with the stay, breakfast in Copper Harbor, rides on the East Bluff Shuttle and a shared dinner with live music. This left lots of time for riding the trails and socializing and it seemed as though both activities were highlights of the weekend.
I personally enjoyed connecting and getting to know names while organizing the shuttle and appreciated how many kids rode the shuttle up and the trails down with their adults (several under 5 years old), I had an opportunity to talk with at least three other area AT leads (face-to-face) who I often only see on Zoom and I along with some other volunteers and kids rode the trails together. None of these seem like big things and yet this is not how an event usually rolls out for me.
If we step back from the Secret Event and consider the bigger 906 picture, the trilogy events (Polar Roll, Crusher and Marji Gesick) will continue to provide participants with opportunities to become Hall of Pain members. We appreciate that about the events and the participants who continue to work hard to compete with themselves and the course. As long as 906 offers the events and has participants to support, we will continue to need and rely on volunteers. Each of the events has their own unique set of volunteer expectations and all require dedication – from 6 hours standing in the snow and the cold to a weekend of “suffering” at the finish line in Ishpeming.
Future Secret Events will continue to highlight the success of the riders and runners who participate, along with their families AND volunteers who serve at all 3 events (Trilogy Volunteers). Ultimately, we all win with this event because the more participants and volunteers who are eligible the more funds raised through the Trilogy Events to support youth at area Adventure Teams and that is what this is all about!
Written By: Julie Cunningham
Trilogy Partners
