Dirty Chain Podcast Episode 22: Todd Poquette and the 906 Adventure Team

Overview:

In this episode, Trevor and Sheldon sit down with Todd Poquette, founder and director of the 906 Adventure Team. Known for his grueling and uniquely branded races such as the Margie Gessick, Polar Roll, and the Crusher, Todd discusses the philosophy and origins behind 906, its youth programs, and the signature culture of toughness and accountability that defines the team’s approach.

Todd Poquette shares the origins and vision of the 906 Adventure Team, a grassroots movement that emphasizes mental fortitude, community, and inclusivity—particularly for youth. His perspective rejects conventional youth sports pressures in favor of building resilience through physical adventure and personal accountability. Through both the 906 youth programs and adult races like Margie Gessick, Todd has cultivated a vibrant, challenging, and humorous culture that now resonates across the national cycling scene.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[00:01:15] Intro and major gravel race recaps (Mid-South, Iditarod Trail Invitational)
[00:04:55] Introducing Todd Poquette – the "Director of Adventure"
[00:07:10] Todd’s Upper Peninsula background and coaching involvement with NICA
[00:12:15] The concept and criteria behind the 906 Triple Crown
[00:14:45] Event choices and rider mindset—riding Crusher with confidence
[00:16:10] Origins of 906 Adventure Team and its mission to serve underrepresented youth
[00:21:20] Youth club expansion across Marquette, Delta, and Gogebic counties
[00:22:45] Adventure Bike Club structure and community-building focus
[00:26:30] Adventure vs. competition – philosophy of inclusion and growth
[00:31:45] Providing bikes and scholarships to remove barriers to entry
[00:38:10] Community impact and reaching underserved kids and girls
[00:42:00] Accidentally launching adult events – Polar Roll and Margie Gessick
[00:46:30] Margie Gessick name origin and story of Margie and Charlotte
[00:50:15] The birth of Quitter the Unicorn
[00:53:00] “Blame Todd” and creating culture through signage and mindset
[00:56:00] National recognition and community pride from 906 events
[00:59:30] COVID-19 reflections and the power of reevaluating priorities
[01:02:10] Race plans for 2020 and keeping the door open with flexibility