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    Triple Crown Endurance Trilogy Events

    Polar Roll Fat Tire Bike Event

    Polar Roll

    It Gets Worse, Till It Gets Worser

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    Enhanced Gravel
    Marji Gesick Mountain Bike Race

    Margi Gesick

    Finish What You Start
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  • Adventure Teams

    Adventure Team Youth Resilience Program

    Interested in starting an Adventure Team in your area? Learn More

    Youth Resilience Headquarters

    Youth Adventure Team

    Spring
    Training

    Leadership
    Training

  • Endurance Trilogy

    Triple Crown Endurance Trilogy Events

    Polar Roll Fat Tire Bike Event

    Polar Roll

    It Gets Worse, Till It Gets Worser

    The Crusher

    Enhanced Gravel
    Marji Gesick Mountain Bike Race

    Margi Gesick

    Finish What You Start
  • Triple Crown
  • #TRAIN4LIFE
  • About 906AT
  • Ways To Support
    • BASECAMP
    • Membership
    • Sponsor Adventure Team
    • Start An Adventure Team
    • Sponsor Our Events
    • Volunteer
Donate

The Crusher Enhanced Gravel Bike Race

The
Crusher

WELCOME TO ENHANCED GRAVEL

Register For The Event
Downloads
Field Manual
EX GPX Files
MS GPX Files
White Gravel Background Transition

The ultimate enhanced gravel experience.

Facebook

Complete the Endurance Trilogy.

Learn More
The Basics
Self-Supported Ethos
FAQ's
Trails
Local Shops
History
Results
The Basics

#Train4life

Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the face.

GET A PLAN

This page covers 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 June; until then, please reference the previous year’s passport. 
 

CRUSHER – Mass Start

Why: You love adventure, enjoy community gatherings, and welcome an old-fashioned hard-as-heck challenge.  

Who: Anyone signed up for the Crusher-MS, their support crews, friends and family, and our sponsors.  

What: 40, 100, or 175 miles of gravel; a team event; even a 50-mile “not fun run”

When: July 15-16, 2023 

Where: Otter Lake Campground, E7609 Buckhorn Rd, Munising, MI 49862

Camping & Lodging: Every year, we reserve Otter Lake Campground and pay for it. Sites go to participants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the campground is full, those who still need to secure a spot must find accommodation elsewhere. They are on their own. 

Routes and Event start times: This information will not be available until late May to early June. Crusher routes change every year. That’s part of the fun. You never end up doing two Crushers that are the same.

Event Cut-offs: 24 hours for all event lengths. 

Timing company: https://www.superiortiming.com/

Register For The Crusher
MS GPX Files

CRUSHER – EX

Why: You enjoy isolation, suffering, and riding through the night. Your idea of a good time is fording a river and dragging your heavy-ass bike through a beaver dam. Instead of seeing a therapist, you do Crusher. 

Who: Anyone signed up for the Crusher-EX and their support crews.

What: 40, 100, or 225 miles of enhanced gravel. We even have a terrible 50-mile run and a ridiculous challenge called “The Fist”.

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023 

Where: Start and finish at Koski Korners, 13401 US Hwy 41, Champion, MI 49814

Routes: This information will not be available until late May to early June. Crusher routes change every year. That’s part of the fun. You never end up doing two Crushers that are the same.

Start Times: Up to you. Start whenever you want. 

Event Cut-offs: Released with the passport in June. 

Timing company: https://trackleaders.com/

Again, this page covers only who, what, when, where, and why. Crusher Passports provide a much deeper dive into the nuance and fundamentals of each event. Download a copy and dig in. 

Register For The Crusher
EX GPX Files

Self-Supported Ethos

THE SELF-SUPPORTED STATEMENT 

906AT productions are unlike most events you will sign up for. We do not hold your hand. We give you just enough information to point you in the right direction and leave it up to you to get all the details. We share a lot of content through the official Facebook pages, Facebook event groups, and the newsfeeds on our website. Stay connected. If the way we do stuff isn’t your thing, it’s ok. There are a lot of other events out there.

“You are on your own. No one is out there to save you. GPS is required. You must observe and obey the “rules of the road.” We do not sign the course. You should not approach wildlife. In an emergency, dial 911.”

906AT events will expose you to treacherous terrain, inclement weather, fatigue, and hallucinations; the activity is inherently dangerous. At some point, you will likely ride or push your bike through the night, swearing you’ll never do <insert event name here> again. Don’t feel bad; this is normal.

Hype disclaimer: Right now, some people start rolling their eyes because they think some marketing department is trying to scare them. That’s not the case. What we’re telling you isn’t hype. If you don’t respect the inherent danger of an activity, it could kill you. However, with proper preparation and practice, you will learn how to survive and thrive; that’s our goal.

Each event carries a recommended gear list. Find the lists. Make sure you have everything on them. Train with the gear. Learn how to use it. The last place you want to find out you don’t know how to start a fire is on the Peshekee Grade at six o’clock in the morning when it’s 33 degrees. It’s a mistake you might only get to make once.

Some ask, “Why do you make it so hard?” Well, the world is full of people pushing easy things on you and hyping stuff up to be challenging that isn’t. Those folks are just trying to sell you a product. Our mission is to help you find your best version. That’s going to take work – Dedicated, consistent, hard work. We’re not selling you a product; we’re offering you an opportunity. 

FAQ's

This is the first time I’ve done an event like this. Where do I start?

Please spend some time reviewing the website – all of it. Not just the specific event or events you are interested in but everything. Dig into the “about” pages. Get a feel for who we are, what we do, and our mission. Understand the connection between the Endurance Trilogy (Triple Crown) and Adventure Team youth programs. 

Next, get connected to the online community. Look through the posts. Ask some questions. We’ll warn you it can be a tough crowd, but you will not meet a group of people more committed to helping each other. That includes new folks willing to put in the time and work. 

There’s a nifty tool called Google. Type in what you’re looking for and hit enter. Google will show you videos, articles, and posts related to your search. It’s handy. 

Download a copy of the current Field Manual (Polar Roll) or Passport (Crusher). Read it cover to cover. 

Is there a training video for learning to differentiate between sincere question responses and snarky jokes?

One of our community members suggested this question for the FAQ. It is too funny to leave out. The answer is No. 

What is the difference between MS and EX?

Mass Start: Large community event scheduled for a specific day or weekend. Race atmosphere. Great chance to meet people and make friends. MS events are good training opportunities for EX courses, but success with MS does not directly correlate to EX success. They’re different animals. 

EX format: Also called EX-expedition or Crusher-EX. Solo or small group format. You get a time window to complete your event (often 90 days). You can do it as many times as you want. More challenging than MS events. On a scale of 1-10, the adventure rating is about 15. 

Do I need everything on the recommended gear list?

Yes. You do. Consider the recommended gear list as the bare minimum. Your needs will vary with the weather and other variables. Some people will watch the weather and make gear decisions based on the forecast. Don’t do this. You should gear up for the worst-case scenario. 

What kind of questions can the online community help with?
  1. What kind of bike should I use? 
  2. What tire pressure should I run?
  3. Where is early packet pickup?
  4. What GPS should I use?
  5. Do I need a snorkel?
  6. What’s with all the middle fingers?
  7. Is pain going to chase me? 
  8. How do I keep all the tech charged? 
  9. Will places be open if I get to L’Anse at 3:00 am?
  10. What kind of lights do you recommend?
  11. What’s with the green and red dots?
Are there cutoffs? What are they?

Yes. Here’s a list:

  1. Crusher-MS events 24 hours.
  2. Crusher-EX events: EX225 = 40 hours. All the rest are 24 hours. EX-Bikepack cutoff will vary with distance. Refer to the Passport. 
The gpx-file for my event is longer than I signed up for. Why?

We like to underpromise and over-deliver. Where else can you get 25% more miles for free? 

Can I use an e-bike?

No. Our answer is not a statement or position on e-bikes. 906AT events are not e-bike events. 

Are there aid stations?

There are no official event-run aid stations. 

Can I accept aid from someone on the course?

Neutral support is allowed and must be given to all participants without exception. 

How are drop bags handled?

We do not handle drop bags. 

Who picks me up if I text #quitter?

You must have your contingencies covered. 

What should I do if I or someone else is hurt?

Call 911. 

Why is GPS mandatory?

We don’t sign the course. 

Will friends and family be able to track me?

For the Mass Start, they’ll be able to track when/if you finish via Superior Timing’s website. EX Crushers are allowed a beacon, but it must be reserved—Trackleaders handles tracking. Crushers can find instructions for securing one in the Passport. 

What is Enhanced Gravel?

Nothing against traditional Gravel, but it’s boring and predictable. We want to challenge and surprise you. We’d like to see how you handle the unexpected. Enhanced Gravel is the best of the worst we can give you. For clarification, both MS and EX formats are enhanced, with the latter offering much more of everything you don’t want. 

What’s the weather like?

Unpredictable and dangerous. It can be 90 degrees during the day and 30 degrees at night. Thunderstorms can pop up with hail and gale-force winds. Ma Nature will turn creeks into small raging rivers overnight. It’s wild out there. 

Are there places to take a nap?

Here are some ideas:

  1. In a ditch.
  2. The bench on Arvon. 
  3. Inside the outhouse on da Peshekee Grade. 
Who is your timing service?

MS: www.superiortiming.com
EX: www.trackleaders.com

Can I transfer my registration?

Yes. Until June 1st. 

Can I get a refund?

No. 

Can I change my race?

Yes. Until June 1st.

Are there podiums and cash prizes?

We don’t offer cash prizes or traditional podiums. Everyone is there for their reasons and goals. Every finish matters. 

What is the buckle cutoff?

40 hours (EX225)

How’s the parking?

Terrible.

Trails

R.A.M.B.A. & NTN Logos

THE CRUSHER SUPPORTS ’EM, AND SO SHOULD YOU

The Marji Gesick is a production of the 906 Adventure Team, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit. The organization is based in Marquette County and serves ten communities in three states offering youth Adventure Teams. Its mission is to empower kids through outdoor adventure to become the best versions of themselves.

906AT Productions, like The Crusher, give back to local trail-building organizations, including NTN, RAMBA, Munising Bay Trails Network, and Friends of Harlow.

A portion of your entry fees goes back into the trails on which we hold our events. 

Local Shops

LOCAL BIKE SHOPS – THESE SHOPS SUPPORT US, AND YOU SHOULD SUPPORT THEM!

We’ve got some of the best bike shops in the country up here. How else can 5 different shops survive in a region of 33,000 people. When we break stuff (we do that a lot) or just need a beer and a place to hang, we go here. You should too. Make it a point to visit at least one of them every time you’re in our neck of the woods because we could not do any of this without their support.

These are the local shops that have pledged to financially support us, give ’em a visit!

West End Ski & Trail Logo

West End Ski & Trail

101 S. Main St,
Ishpeming, 49849

906-204-2498
westendtrail.com

Down Wind sports Logo

Down Wind Sports

514 N 3rd St
Marquette, MI 49855

Phone: (906) 226-7112
downwindsports.com

Sports Rack Marquette Logo

Sports Rack

315 W Washington St
Marquette, MI 49855

Phone: (906) 225-1766
sportsrackmqt.com

History

HISTORY OF DA CRUSHER 

We were founded originally in 2014 as “The Huron Mountain Crusher” by Matt Beardsley and Mike Beck. Then, a local grassroots event appealing to more experienced riders. No frills, no support. The duo operated the event until 2017, offering new routes and distances each year.

Mike moved on. Matt remained in the area creating and putting routes out around July and August. Current Director of Pain Todd Poquette rode the long Crusher routes in 2016 + 2017. He envisioned Crusher being an event that could appeal to a broader audience than the infamous Marji Gesick.

In 2018 Matt and Todd started working together. 906 Adventure Team took on the event as a 906AT production. Crusher had its biggest year, attracting over one hundred people from a handful of states across the Midwest.

We ran the first point-to-point Crusher in 2019. Enhanced Gravel was born. Riders nationwide tested themselves against a route from Copper Harbor to Marquette – 400 riders took on the Crusher that year. “Da Crusher” officially hit the national radar.

Everything changed in 2020. Lock-downs. No events. To hell with it – ADAPT. Crusher-EX was born. We hosted the first truly self-supported Crusher. It was a summer of “watching dots.” One thousand people took on the Crusher that summer, creating a community that has stuck together and grown stronger every year since.

Today, Crusher offers riders two options. You can ride with us at a mass start event or tackle the EX alone. It’s been an interesting journey as the event has evolved and grown.

#906adventureteam
#enhancedgravel
#dontchasepain
#getoffdacouch
#beuncivilized
#crusherex
#greendot

Results

It’s not a race, it’s an adventure.

Unless your name is Kransz or Tinker The Crusher is not a race.

What really matters is what color your dot is at the end of the event.
Green dot = finished.
Red dot = try again.

But we get it, some people get really worked up about how they did. They were so deep in the pain cave that they didn’t remember what time they finished, or if they finished at all. So, take these results with a few grains of salt and a healthy portion of whiskey, because at the end of the day what matters is that you crushed, or got crushed.

  • 2023 EX Results
  • 2022 EX Results
  • 2022 MS Results
  • 2021 Results
  • 2020 Results

In compliance with MCL 324.51113 of the Commercial Forest Act, none of the funds raised for this event will be used as payment or compensation for use of any part of the event that traverses property enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program.

The Crusher
Newsfeed

CrusherMS 23’ is in the books

  • July 19, 2023

CR23 MASS START

  • July 7, 2023

C:\2023 Crusher_Get your gear ready

  • June 29, 2023

Crusher 2023

  • December 30, 2022

Why Todd? Why do you love to watch people suffer!?

  • July 26, 2022

Everything You Need to Know on EX Opening Day

  • June 29, 2022

Recommended Gear

  • June 16, 2022

CRUSHER: ENHANCED GRAVEL DISCUSSIONS

Follow Group

Join one or all of our community groups on Facebook.
906AT has a large and active online community. Everyone is welcome to join and be part of it. Groups are a great way to learn about each event, get answers to questions, and get support. Groups are not a great place for your politics and agenda. If you bring them there, we’ll remove you. The groups help people prepare for the events, find their limits, and finish what they start. 

STORIES

Be
Prepared

Whether you’re #freshmeat or are returning to settle some #unfinishedbusiness here’s a few things that have been written about the event. But take them all with a grain of salt. It’s not as bad as they make it seem. Or is it? Only one way to find out.

Four Days On The Crusher
Bikepacking.com
Mountainflyer Magazine
Crush or be Crushed
Silent Sports Magazine
Crush Proof 2020
Crossing the Abyss CrusherEX PreRide Experience
Torrey Dupras
The Crusher Race Report – by Greg Gentle
Fat-bike.com

Other
Ways To
Participate

Not ready to take on the challenge yet, or want to volunteer? There are plenty of other opportunities to support the community and our children’s future.

Volunteer

There are a ton of opportunities to volunteer for our events. Contact us for more information.


Contact Us

Sponsorship
Why should you sponsor one, or all, of our events?

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the 906 Adventure Team’s sole purpose is to make an impact on our community. Unlike those other events, we’re not owned by a publicly-held corporation, or charging $650 for a day of adventure. We’re trying to change lives, not bank account balances.

Our audience vocally support the brands that support our events. Our sponsors often go out of the way to tell us that our racers make an impact on their business.


Sponsor Our Events

Donate
When you make an investment into the 906 Adventure Team, you’re doing more than just helping a kid get on a bike. You’re helping get kids outside, where they will make new friends, explore their community, and gain confidence. Coaches encourage kids to try new things, expand their comfort zone, and set and work toward goals. 906 kids are taught to compete against themselves and to support others. The kids encourage one another, often inspiring each other to try new things or take a second and third run at an obstacle they couldn’t clear. When you support 906, you’re supporting the development of more resilient, independent, and active kids.

Donate Today

"There is no finish line.”
- Todd Poquette

I think of events as experiences or chapters of life we dedicate to personal change. Sure, for some, it’s all about chasing that win or a podium, but for most of us, it’s about what happened in the middle, between the beginning and the end, the moment we wanted to quit but kept going, a chance to find our limits. A lot happens in the bush when you’re out there for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. These guys and gals help us capture and tell your stories. 

Rob Meendering Photography

Ryan Stephens Photography

Fresh Coast Exposures

Aaron Peterson Studios

Rob Meendering Photography

Supporting Partners

Get our updates.
Get involved.

955 North Lakeshore Boulevard
Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 748-0034
Todd@906AdventureTeam.com

ENDURANCE TRILOGY
  • Marji Gesick
  • Polar Roll
  • The Crusher
  • Triple Crown
  • Marji Gesick
  • Polar Roll
  • The Crusher
  • Triple Crown
Adventure Team
  • Adventure Teams
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  • Sponsor Our Events
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  • Merch
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copyright © 2022 – 906AT. All rights reserved.
registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 82-1691265

Privacy Policy

955 North Lakeshore Boulevard
Marquette, MI 49855

Call: (906) 748-0034
Todd@906AdventureTeam.com

ENDURANCE TRILOGY
  • Marji Gesick
  • Polar Roll
  • The Crusher
  • Triple Crown
  • Marji Gesick
  • Polar Roll
  • The Crusher
  • Triple Crown
Adventure Team
  • Adventure Teams
  • BASECAMP
  • Leadership Training
  • Spring Training
  • #TRAIN4LIFE
  • Volunteer
  • Adventure Teams
  • BASECAMP
  • Leadership Training
  • Spring Training
  • #TRAIN4LIFE
  • Volunteer
Ways To Support
  • Donate
  • Membership
  • Sponsor Adventure Team
  • Start An Adventure Team
  • Sponsor Our Events
  • Contact
  • Merch
  • Donate
  • Membership
  • Sponsor Adventure Team
  • Start An Adventure Team
  • Sponsor Our Events
  • Contact
  • Merch
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  • Endurance Trilogy
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  • #TRAIN4LIFE
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