Supporting Partners
15 Communities. 1 Team. It’s one thing to type it out and add it to Adventure Team marketing materials… it’s another thing to see and feel what it really means. We’re highlighting an incredible season in this newsletter– 1,300 kids on bikes across the Midwest. Learning to do hard things together with the guidance of 600+ volunteers. As you look through these photos and read about the experiences these kids and families shared – I hope you can take a moment to feel the community – the smiles – the thread that ties this group together. It doesn’t matter what city the stories come from – whether kids rode in Wisconsin or Michigan – you can’t tell a difference between a picture from Lansing or a picture from La Crosse – these kids are together showing all of us – being a part of a team means showing up, doing hard things, respecting and supporting each other, and appreciating each ride for the opportunities to adventure, get outside and connect (not with technology, but with smiles and encouragement). Enjoy this special edition of ‘Doing The Hard Things’ – this edition is all about you and why we keep focused on the 906AT mission: encouraging people to become the best versions of themselves through outdoor adventure.
-Elizabeth Peterson
“The energy, passion and positivity… was indescribable.”
This summer was Nash’s (9 years old) first experience with the 906 Adventure Team in La Crosse, WI. Nash’s experience with the La Crosse County Adventure Team has been unbelievable, sparking a passion for bike riding and personal growth that made him wish the team could meet every day of the week instead of just once a week.
Throughout the summer, Nash has developed not only his biking skills but also valuable life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence. The supportive environment of Adventure Team and the amazing coaches challenged him to push past his limits and build his confidence both on and off his bike. As a result, Nash has grown into a stronger, more resilient individual and rider, gaining lessons and friendships that will continue to impact him well beyond the trails. Each week he would come off the trails and want to share with family and friends all of the bike skills that he learned. His stories about the trails and his demonstrations of the skills he learned were just small pieces of how he developed as a person and as a rider. As a parent seeing his smile each week as he came up over the hills of La Crosse was incredible.
Throughout the summer as a parent and volunteer I was able to help at the Adventure Team base camp. As an educator my passion is watching children succeed and grow. I had no concept of how volunteering at base camp would not only fill my personal bucket but allow me to be a part of a group of adults that would encourage, teach, challenge, and help children of all ages grow both physically and mentally, and grow their passion for biking. From the young 4-year-old whose goal it was to get off her training wheels to the 12-year-old who struggled with his fear of how to conquer the challenging trails, the adult coaches rallied and cheered them through it. The energy, passion, and positivity the adult coaches and base camp volunteers had that I was able to witness as they left base camp for their rides was indescribable.
I am forever grateful as a parent and as a volunteer to be a part of this organization and group of individuals. The volunteers, coaches, and team leads are not only making our youth and biking community stronger but also contributing to making each of us better humans! Thank you, Adventure Team La Crosse!
Throughout the summer, Nash has developed not only his biking skills but also valuable life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence. The supportive environment of Adventure Team and the amazing coaches challenged him to push past his limits and build his confidence both on and off his bike. As a result, Nash has grown into a stronger, more resilient individual and rider, gaining lessons and friendships that will continue to impact him well beyond the trails. Each week he would come off the trails and want to share with family and friends all of the bike skills that he learned. His stories about the trails and his demonstrations of the skills he learned were just small pieces of how he developed as a person and as a rider. As a parent seeing his smile each week as he came up over the hills of La Crosse was incredible.
Throughout the summer as a parent and volunteer I was able to help at the Adventure Team base camp. As an educator my passion is watching children succeed and grow. I had no concept of how volunteering at base camp would not only fill my personal bucket but allow me to be a part of a group of adults that would encourage, teach, challenge, and help children of all ages grow both physically and mentally, and grow their passion for biking. From the young 4-year-old whose goal it was to get off her training wheels to the 12-year-old who struggled with his fear of how to conquer the challenging trails, the adult coaches rallied and cheered them through it. The energy, passion, and positivity the adult coaches and base camp volunteers had that I was able to witness as they left base camp for their rides was indescribable.
I am forever grateful as a parent and as a volunteer to be a part of this organization and group of individuals. The volunteers, coaches, and team leads are not only making our youth and biking community stronger but also contributing to making each of us better humans! Thank you, Adventure Team La Crosse!
-Lindsey Seipp
“The kids conquered their fears over and over.”
Adventure Team La Crosse County had a spectacular season. Before the season, thinking about wrangling 130 kids was daunting. But when the time came, the kids arrived, rode their bikes, learned some new skills, and left with smiles, all kudos to our amazing coaches. Not only did we get to use our new trailer this year, we also got to test out our new wooden obstacles. The kids conquered their fears over and over, proving to themselves every week that they are strong and resilient. AT La Crosse also got to test out our skills of “adapting to change.” We had to pivot when the mosquitos got too bad to go into the woods and found out we can have fun just about anywhere. We also cooled down with water balloons when the heat index was over 100. Kids, coaches, and parents are already excited for next year.
-Randi Pueschner
“She learned to be brave and confident on her bike.”
Special thanks to your whole team! This girl, my granddaughter, Savannah, only took her training wheels off her bike a few weeks before she hit the trails this year. She said she learned to be brave and confident on her bike. I think she was the only girl in her group, too! Good stuff! ❤️
-Ann Perala
Our season started with a bang, as the first two rides had unexpected thunderstorms. Our coaches and riders adapted and overcame the weather, making it memorable experiences for the riders. The following weeks were spent finding individual and collective best selves through outdoor adventures. Highlights included solid friend connections, wildlife exploration, 1:2 rider/coach experiences to overcome personal challenges, another year for an adaptive rider to participate, and no incident reports 🙂 Our 56 coaches are deeply invested in the 906 ethos and it shows, and being their Lead (for the 4th year of ATGB) was pure joy. Matt and I are so grateful for our community, including our sponsors: Belgiosio, BW Corporation, The Bike Hub, Broken Spoke, Pete’s Garage, and Stadium Bike.
-Kelsy Kellermann
2025 was an excellent year for the Lansing area’s Burchfield location! We had an amazing group of volunteers who all understood and embraced our mission. They showed up each week and executed the program with consistency, helping youth experience new adventures and challenging them to embrace the power of YET. The teams especially loved riding to the berry patches, bombing down the sledding hill and tackling the features at Dirt School. We saw tons of personal growth and real life connections between the riders. We only wish the summer could be longer!
-Laurie DeYoung
“Structure matters.”
“People do better, they operate at a higher level, and they get along better when you provide structure.” -Todd Poquette
If you’ve ever wondered why t-shirts and name plates are required at Adventure Team, why basecamp is set up the way it is, why the intentional exchange of custody is mandated, why kids and volunteers are required to attend 80% of the rides – this is your episode of Made U.P.
906AT Board Member and Adventure Team Midland Lead Julie Cunningham turns the table on 906AT Director of Adventure Todd Poquette asking him to dig a little deeper on all things 906AT uncovering “the why’s” of Adventure Team.
Listen to this in the off-season and be prepared for 2026!
Click here to listen on our YouTube Channel
Click here to listen on Spotify
This year marked Iron County’s 4th year of Adventure Team. We are proud that our small community’s bike club has grown each year. This year saw added excitement with the development of new trails, thanks to the Iron County Trail Club.
A lot of work happens behind the scenes planning for the season. It can be stressful as a volunteer when you’re balancing family and work and the added responsibilities that come with serving as an area lead. However, it all pays off when the season starts and you see all the smiles and excitement on the faces of the kids on the team. But what I enjoy most is the stories that the kids tell about their adventure when they return to basecamp.
This season we experienced a lot of bike issues and break downs. It was a great lesson for the kids that in life things won’t always go as planned. Things break. We find a solution and the adventure goes on.
A lot of work happens behind the scenes planning for the season. It can be stressful as a volunteer when you’re balancing family and work and the added responsibilities that come with serving as an area lead. However, it all pays off when the season starts and you see all the smiles and excitement on the faces of the kids on the team. But what I enjoy most is the stories that the kids tell about their adventure when they return to basecamp.
This season we experienced a lot of bike issues and break downs. It was a great lesson for the kids that in life things won’t always go as planned. Things break. We find a solution and the adventure goes on.
-Jim Koch
“It’s not a hyberbole when I say that he’s never been more excited.”
After learning about Adventure Team through the events, I was excited to get my kids into the program. They had been riding in a racing club for years, and my wife and I had been coaching them but they were firmly latched on to us. This didn’t allow for any growth. As excited as we were, the kids weren’t and they both openly rebelled against going. I had to make a bargain with my son: just give me 3, after that it’ll be your choice. Our daughter wasn’t adapting any better to the situation.
My son had told me he had two goals on the bike for the year, which were features at the park that he could never conquer. On the very first night away from my own coaching, he did them both. It’s not a hyperbole when I say that he’s never been more excited. It was really empowering for him to do harder things in that environment. After the third week, he told me as I was putting the bikes on the car “Dad, it’s been three weeks, do you remember what you told me” I asked “does this mean you’re not coming?” He looked me in the eye, put his shirt on, and jumped into the car. I smiled.
When I got back from coaching my own group each night, my own kids who initially “didn’t want” to be at Adventure Bike Club were mixed up in a pile of new friends, eating post-ride treats and were impossible to get into the car when it was time. The last ride night, I faced a riot where they were refusing to leave their friends when it was time to go. They spent their summer getting dirty, catching salamanders, riding bikes, and being kids. They had to get far out of their comfort zones to get there: they learned to do hard things.
My son had told me he had two goals on the bike for the year, which were features at the park that he could never conquer. On the very first night away from my own coaching, he did them both. It’s not a hyperbole when I say that he’s never been more excited. It was really empowering for him to do harder things in that environment. After the third week, he told me as I was putting the bikes on the car “Dad, it’s been three weeks, do you remember what you told me” I asked “does this mean you’re not coming?” He looked me in the eye, put his shirt on, and jumped into the car. I smiled.
When I got back from coaching my own group each night, my own kids who initially “didn’t want” to be at Adventure Bike Club were mixed up in a pile of new friends, eating post-ride treats and were impossible to get into the car when it was time. The last ride night, I faced a riot where they were refusing to leave their friends when it was time to go. They spent their summer getting dirty, catching salamanders, riding bikes, and being kids. They had to get far out of their comfort zones to get there: they learned to do hard things.
-Don Zuzula
We’re launching two new Adventure Teams in 2026!
Adventure Team Gaylord and Adventure Team Petoskey
This means more kids on bikes doing hard things, learning bike skills and life skills! It means more volunteers, more parents and affirms our dedication to the 906AT mission and opportunities.
Ron Carr from Gaylord says, “I want to bridge the gap between competitive sports and academics by giving youth an outlet for adventure and exploration. Too often I see kids trading curiosity and the outdoors for digital devices.” His goal is to replace screens with handlebars, and video games with trails—helping kids rediscover the sense of freedom, challenge, and joy that comes from riding in the woods.
In Petoskey the love of 906AT and the drive to create an adventure team began years ago when Ryan and Rachel Brown (then living in Marquette) began volunteering and participating in 906AT events and programming. Ryan says “there is something about 906 that resonates with people. It’s hard to put into words what it is, but it‘s one of those feelings you know when you feel it. We want to be able to bring this piece of “home” with us, and knew the best way to do it was to get our own team going. To be able to give that feeling to so many more people. To get all the memories, smiles, tears, fist bumps, berry picking breaks, and everything in between to a new group of kids, families, and coaches. To continue to spread the Adventure Team as far as we can and make sure we do our small part to help the community in a way we’d like. To see those kids and families then head to the events and push themselves. Heck, maybe start their own Adventure Team some day!”
We can’t wait to see these communities get rolling! Welcome Adventure Team Gaylord and Adventure Team Petoskey!
Ron Carr from Gaylord says, “I want to bridge the gap between competitive sports and academics by giving youth an outlet for adventure and exploration. Too often I see kids trading curiosity and the outdoors for digital devices.” His goal is to replace screens with handlebars, and video games with trails—helping kids rediscover the sense of freedom, challenge, and joy that comes from riding in the woods.
In Petoskey the love of 906AT and the drive to create an adventure team began years ago when Ryan and Rachel Brown (then living in Marquette) began volunteering and participating in 906AT events and programming. Ryan says “there is something about 906 that resonates with people. It’s hard to put into words what it is, but it‘s one of those feelings you know when you feel it. We want to be able to bring this piece of “home” with us, and knew the best way to do it was to get our own team going. To be able to give that feeling to so many more people. To get all the memories, smiles, tears, fist bumps, berry picking breaks, and everything in between to a new group of kids, families, and coaches. To continue to spread the Adventure Team as far as we can and make sure we do our small part to help the community in a way we’d like. To see those kids and families then head to the events and push themselves. Heck, maybe start their own Adventure Team some day!”
We can’t wait to see these communities get rolling! Welcome Adventure Team Gaylord and Adventure Team Petoskey!
Adventure Team: Looking forward
We cannot let a season end without looking forward to the next one! With that in mind,
please add these dates to your 2026 calendar:
please add these dates to your 2026 calendar:
- January 1, 2026: Volunteer registration begins
- April 18, 2026: (NOTE the earlier date): Youth registration opens
- April 25, 2026: Leadership Summit in Marquette
- April 26, 2026: Youth registration closes
In the off-season, we will be working on updates to coach training materials. Some
changes to look forward to are a greater focus on training videos, a deeper dive into
topics that focus on riding with youth and more support with weekly coach and family
newsletters.
changes to look forward to are a greater focus on training videos, a deeper dive into
topics that focus on riding with youth and more support with weekly coach and family
newsletters.
We have heard a sizeable number of parents say they had to buy themselves a bike,
get back into biking or complete a bike check before riding based on their child’s time
with Adventure Team. It is great to hear about how a rider’s experience spills over and
affects other family members. This begs the question – how can we continue to support
youth adventure in nature during the off-season?
Recognizing that getting out in nature is beneficial to our mental and physical health,
here are some suggestions to consider:
get back into biking or complete a bike check before riding based on their child’s time
with Adventure Team. It is great to hear about how a rider’s experience spills over and
affects other family members. This begs the question – how can we continue to support
youth adventure in nature during the off-season?
Recognizing that getting out in nature is beneficial to our mental and physical health,
here are some suggestions to consider:
- Find a local trail you can hike or ride together. Go close to home so it does not feel like a chore.
- Make time during your weekly family schedule to be outdoors.
- Let your time outdoors be unstructured. Your kids don’t need you to bring stuff to engage in nature.
- Stand back and listen. It is likely that your kids will use their curiosity and imagination to enjoy the natural world.
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
