2024
Polar Roll:
Here’s where things stand
When I sat down to write this update we were supposed to get 3-10” of snow. it went south of us.
As it sits today, the trail orgs have not had enough snow to groom. That should change. I just don’t know when. We’re supposed to get hit by a system this weekend. We’ll see what happens. Expect conditions to be enhanced (the way we like it).
The goal is to give ya some new looks this year and change up the routes, but so far, at least, the weather has given us a big FU.
We’ll open with EX routes on NTN. When we have enough snow, we’ll add a couple of routes in RAMBAland. There is a new EX15 on NTN. It’s a miniature version of the long. A lil’ bit of FU and a whole lot of fun. The EX30 might look the same, but it’s not. It’s going in the opposite direction, and we adjusted the route. It’s a great ride.
Updates will be provided weekly via blog posts and in the group on Facebook.
EX: What it is.
What to expect.
EX events are intended to be done solo or in small groups. You have the flexibility of picking who you do it with and when. Unlike the mass start routes that are groomed for a specific date the EX is open for 60 days. Conditions will vary. Be prepared. Expect some hike-a-bike.
We’ve come up with our share of bad ideas over the last ten years, but the EX format ain’t one of them. Mass Start events aren’t for everyone. This format offers those folks an alternative. It’s another way for us to get more people off the couch and “into the game”. Not to mention, it’s a helluva lot easier to do events that flex with your schedule, and there’s something special about going out alone and doing hard stuff. Also, when you do hard shit (like 906AT events), it inspires others to do the same, and you’re supporting eleven youth Adventure Teams around the Midwest.
Refer to the “recommended gear” in the PR24-MOD Field Manual (see below).
GPX:
Where to get them.
How to read them.
GPX is required for all Polar Roll events (Yes, MS too). EX events do not offer course signage. MS events do, but “signs fall down, bears eat them, and people move them”. You are responsible for your navigation.
PR24-EX15-109… It’s not just a bunch of numbers.
PR24 = Polar Roll 2024
EX15 = EX route, 15 miles
109 = January 9th, the creation date
It’s pretty straightforward once you get used to using em’ for a while. All mass start routes will begin with MS. The ultra file will have “ultra” in the extension. On that note, if you go to RIDEWITHGPS right now, you’ll see the file we uploaded is called “PR23-ULTRA2132023”. That is last year’s route. We uploaded it as a reference until the final route is complete for 2024.
FIELD MANUAL:
You need to read it. Here’s why.
Excerpt from PR24-MOD1:
This field manual provides the basic doctrinal framework of Polar Roll. Content discussions include fundamentals, culture, logistics, routes, maps, event partners, the mission, and more. The topics, gear recommendations, community code of conduct, rules, and logistics apply to all Polar Roll formats: Mass Start (MS), Expedition (EX), and Polar Roll – Ultra.
The primary audience for this manual are Polar Roll participants, support crews, friends and family, partners and sponsors, and 906 Adventure Team staff.
Polar Roll is a winter event. Winter events are generally more dangerous. The stakes are much higher. Mistakes carry larger consequences. You signed up for this. Your understanding of the event and you preparation for it are your responsibility. If you are not completely confident in your ability to handle the rigors of this event you should stay home.
Listen, we’re here to have a good time just like you, but we can’t ignore the facts. All of this stuff is dangerous, and if we’re honest, that’s kinda why we like to do it, but each of us needs to own the decision to show up. No one is gonna be out there to save you, for EX or MS events. The Field Manual has everything you need to know. It’s your responsibility to read it.
You are responsible for your choices, preparation, and outcomes.
Complete the Endurance Trilogy
The Triple Crown consists of three of the toughest events on bike or foot. From the grueling singletrack of Marji Gesick, the relentless wilderness of The Crusher, or the unpredictable weather of The Polar Roll, 906 Adventure Team events are no walk in the park. Athletes that complete one from each of these three events below are granted lifetime entry into our Hall of Pain and are eligible to attend our annual “secret event.”
You do not have to complete all three challenges in the same year, you just have to complete one of each sometime in your lifetime.
When we came up with the idea for the “Hall of Pain” back in 2019 we thought we’d be lucky to get 50 people to do it. We were wrong. Today, there are almost 240 people who have completed the “Trilogy”. That’s f$%*&@! crazy. You can too, and if you manage to do all three before October, you’ll be able to join us for the first “Secret Event”.
Good Luck. You’ll need it.
2014-2024 TEN YEARS OF DOING HARD THINGS
Some people dabble in testing themselves. They like to do something hard, check it off the list, and talk about it for the next twenty years. Other people commit to living outside their comfort zone, for life. They constantly look for new challenges. They don’t rest on what they did in the past. Every day is a new opportunity to prove themself, and inspire others.
Here’s to the next ten years and the challenges ahead. One day at a time. One challenge at a time.
Keep Doing Hard Things.
