Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
An update from Todd: The Impossible
Making Marji Gesick History
Matt Acker Continues to Ride Because He Can
The Power of Grit and Determination
New on MADE U.P.
Marji Supports 906AT Youth Programming
Registration Dates for 2026 events
Secret Event Q & A
Events 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.
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 – it wasn’t the finish line he recalled; it was a moment the first year, before support crews lined the trails, before Metallica blared over the speakers at the start, before anyone who signed up had a clue what they were in for.
His favorite experience was rolling in to grab his drop bag for the second time during his ride to find it wasn’t there. He had nothing to resupply. He remembers one man being there, making waffles and candied bacon. He says he ate as much as he could and took back off. About halfway to the finish, around the Carol Jackson trail he stopped at a checkpoint. A woman was there, she took one look at him and said, “You don’t look good, you want half my peanut butter sandwich?” He nodded; he doesn’t think he could even mutter a response. Telling the story he chuckles, “There I was standing at a checkpoint, eating a sandwich, in the middle of nowhere, just blown away by the beauty around me.”
That’s what this experience is for Matt – it’s an opportunity to find gratitude. Gratitude for the beauty of a place he says has become a second home. An opportunity to find gratitude for a body that allows him to ride and enjoy the experience. He admits he still enjoys challenging himself and pushing himself, but what keeps him coming back is the fun of it all.
As a professional cyclist, he’s traveled around the world for 15 years, competing, adventuring, going on bike rides. And through it all he’s experienced challenges off the bike, challenges in his life that make the challenges on his bike pale in comparison. And so, he says he’ll keep on finding the joy in each ride, putting good, positive energy into the world around him. He’s approachable, friendly, relaxed – always willing to have a chat, give a high five or sign a plate.
He says he has no plans to quit anytime soon and the Marji is a staple of his Fall schedule. “There’s just something about when you have a streak going, you’re drawn to keep it going.” Here’s to the next 10 years Matt! We’ll see you next year!
In fact, when asked about a favorite moment over the past ten years – it wasn’t the finish line he recalled; it was a moment the first year, before support crews lined the trails, before Metallica blared over the speakers at the start, before anyone who signed up had a clue what they were in for.
His favorite experience was rolling in to grab his drop bag for the second time during his ride to find it wasn’t there. He had nothing to resupply. He remembers one man being there, making waffles and candied bacon. He says he ate as much as he could and took back off. About halfway to the finish, around the Carol Jackson trail he stopped at a checkpoint. A woman was there, she took one look at him and said, “You don’t look good, you want half my peanut butter sandwich?” He nodded; he doesn’t think he could even mutter a response. Telling the story he chuckles, “There I was standing at a checkpoint, eating a sandwich, in the middle of nowhere, just blown away by the beauty around me.”
That’s what this experience is for Matt – it’s an opportunity to find gratitude. Gratitude for the beauty of a place he says has become a second home. An opportunity to find gratitude for a body that allows him to ride and enjoy the experience. He admits he still enjoys challenging himself and pushing himself, but what keeps him coming back is the fun of it all.
As a professional cyclist, he’s traveled around the world for 15 years, competing, adventuring, going on bike rides. And through it all he’s experienced challenges off the bike, challenges in his life that make the challenges on his bike pale in comparison. And so, he says he’ll keep on finding the joy in each ride, putting good, positive energy into the world around him. He’s approachable, friendly, relaxed – always willing to have a chat, give a high five or sign a plate.
He says he has no plans to quit anytime soon and the Marji is a staple of his Fall schedule. “There’s just something about when you have a streak going, you’re drawn to keep it going.” Here’s to the next 10 years Matt! We’ll see you next year!
“I wanted to quit – it seemed like such a good idea.”
You wanna know what Grit and Determination look like? Introduce yourself to 17-year-old Ella Clement and 14-year-old Addie Lambe.
Ella and Addie crossed the finish line of the MG100 together, along with Addie’s father, brother and friend. For much of the ride the young women leap frogged on the course, but into the night, through rain, mud and the last 15 miles they rode together – determined to finish.
Talking to Addie about her experience she said, “Ella brought our group’s spirits up. She really helped mentally. She kept my head pretty high riding with her, she kept saying, we’re going to get the green dot.”
Ella says she’s not someone who podiums every time – she’s out there to do something really hard and show herself she can. And that’s exactly the experience she found in Marji.
The MG100 was her longest ride alone. She’d trained for it, following a plan from Mudslingers. She was in some ways ready, knowing she could do it, knowing she’d be out there relying on herself – but, she also admits her mindset going into Marji wasn’t great.
“The last three events I red dotted. But I just knew I’d keep going.”
Ella and Addie crossed the finish line of the MG100 together, along with Addie’s father, brother and friend. For much of the ride the young women leap frogged on the course, but into the night, through rain, mud and the last 15 miles they rode together – determined to finish.
Talking to Addie about her experience she said, “Ella brought our group’s spirits up. She really helped mentally. She kept my head pretty high riding with her, she kept saying, we’re going to get the green dot.”
Ella says she’s not someone who podiums every time – she’s out there to do something really hard and show herself she can. And that’s exactly the experience she found in Marji.
The MG100 was her longest ride alone. She’d trained for it, following a plan from Mudslingers. She was in some ways ready, knowing she could do it, knowing she’d be out there relying on herself – but, she also admits her mindset going into Marji wasn’t great.
“The last three events I red dotted. But I just knew I’d keep going.”
Addie started with some of those same emotions. She, like Ella, has a goal of getting into the Hall of Pain. They both attempted the Crusher MS175 and didn’t finish. She also says she’d watched her dad in the MG100 years earlier and she wasn’t sure she could see herself in that position. It was scary. There was an element of uncertainty for what the course would be like and how she would respond. But she was all in. Fighting through those awkward feelings, finding moments of enjoyment, especially in those first ten miles and pushing through the moments where she wanted to quit.
“I saw our van and I wanted to quit. It seemed like such a good idea, but I didn’t because I knew I had gone so far. I told myself, you did not come this far to quit now. What would be the point?”
Ella, despite several falls, riding in the rain without a rain jacket and brutal conditions – found enjoyment in harshness. She says it rained all night – and she kind of enjoyed it – she said it made the trail miserable, but fun – she laughs thinking back – “everybody hates it, but I like to be different.”
Ella and Addie crossed the finish line in downtown Ishpeming at 7:55am, Sunday morning. They’d been on the course for just over 24 hours. They were surrounded and cheered to that line by family, friends, and a handful of strangers – there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Ella says it was the most emotional finish she’s ever had. She felt accomplished. She’d went in with a mindset to keep moving forward and she did – and managed to have a really good time in the process.
Addie said the finish was amazing – crossing together, with Ella, meant a lot to her. She says doing events like the Marji – being a part of 906AT reminds her that she’s not going to have everything just handed to her. And if she can push herself through the MG100, she can push herself out of other tough situations. She knows through these experiences, things can and will always get better.
Ella and Addie – two young women with Grit and Determination – not afraid of Doing Hard Things – growing as individuals and serving as role models and leaders to the next generation of riders.
By Elizabeth Peterson
MADE U.P. Episode 28 – Ella: Hear more about Ella Clements Marji Gesick experience and her motivation behind racing, riding, and serving with the 906 Adventure Team on the MADE U.P. podcast.
“THANK YOU!”
Marji Gesick particpants – support crews – family and friends – THANK YOU!
906 Adventure Team set out on a goal this Marji to raise $10,000 for our summer youth programs. And we came damn close. Together we raised $8,825.11 – in one weekend!
To everyone who gave. To everyone who stopped to talk about 906AT and our mission of empowering people to be the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure. To every person who supports and values the work being done in 17 communities to get kids on bikes doing hard things – THANK YOU!
Let’s keep the momentum going. We’re not stopping, we’re not slowing down – we’re doing this for kids – we’re doing it for families – we’re doing it because we know it matters – we know kids need more of this – and we GET to do it because of supporters like you! THANK YOU!
906 Adventure Team set out on a goal this Marji to raise $10,000 for our summer youth programs. And we came damn close. Together we raised $8,825.11 – in one weekend!
To everyone who gave. To everyone who stopped to talk about 906AT and our mission of empowering people to be the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure. To every person who supports and values the work being done in 17 communities to get kids on bikes doing hard things – THANK YOU!
Let’s keep the momentum going. We’re not stopping, we’re not slowing down – we’re doing this for kids – we’re doing it for families – we’re doing it because we know it matters – we know kids need more of this – and we GET to do it because of supporters like you! THANK YOU!
If you’ve been part of our community for a while you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Endurance Trilogy, Hall of Pain, and Secret Event. You might even be a member (of the Hall of Pain). With a recent announcement of the first secret event (October of 2026), I want to take a few minutes to share the details.
Endurance Trilogy
The Trilogy consists of three 906AT events: Polar Roll, The Crusher, and Marji Gesick. Within each event, there are qualifying events for the Triple Crown. You can complete the Triple Crown in one year, or across multiple years. Upon completion of the Endurance Trilogy, you become a lifelong member of the Hall of Pain.
Hall of Pain
The honorary status bestowed upon those who have completed the Endurance Trilogy. These folks embody 906 Adventure Team of doing hard things and finishing what you start. To see the current list, visit www.triplecrownendurance.com.
Important note: Upon completion of the Endurance Trilogy, you need to apply for induction to the Hall of Pain. If you have not done that, please visit www.triplecrownendurance.com, and fill out the form toward the bottom of the page.
Secret Event
In the beginning, we thought the secret event would be a small group of people of people getting together to do one more terrible event. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Today, there are three hundred people in the Hall of Pain, with many more people planning to join them. Back in the day, we called it da secret event because we planned to keep the details, well, secret. There’s no way in hell three hundred people are gonna keep a secret. Looks like we need a new name. That’s 906AT for ya… always evolving.
So, what will the secret event be? I’m not ready to tell ya. I can tell you it will be the weekend of October 10, 2026. For now, that’s all ya get. I would plan to take a long weekend if yer’ planning to be here. Hall of Pain members will need to register for the event. Registration will open on January 1, 2026 on bikereg.com. By then, we’ll have specific dates sorted out for you, and a location.
Family, friends, and support crews are welcome, and encouraged to join you. Let’s be honest, you probably wouldn’t be in the Hall of Pain without em’.
If you have questions that are not answered here, get a hold of me. Text and phone is best. You can try email, but I don’t know when I’ll get to it.
Secret Event Q&A
Q: How do I get into the Secret Event?
A: Become a member of the Hall of Pain.
Q: How do I become a member of the Hall of Pain?
A: Complete a qualifying event in each of the three 906AT events: Polar Roll, Crusher and Marji Gesick. (for a total of three separate races)
Q: What categories qualify?
Polar Roll: MS30 or EX30 (Bike or Snowshoe), ULTRA 100 or 150 (Bike or Snowshoe)
Crusher: 500P2P, MS50NFR, EX50NFR, MS350, MS175, EX225 (Run or Bike)
Marji Gesick: MG100 (Run or Bike), Worst of Both Worlds or the Out and Back
Q: How long do I have to complete these events in order to get into the Secret Event?
A: You have until 10/10/26 – the day of the Secret Event.
Q: Do I have to complete all of the events in one year?
A: No. You can take one year or 10. But you can’t do the secret event until you’ve checked all three boxes.
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
