02/19/2026
Continued Day 7
Day 7 // February 18, 2026 - Inspired.
The 3 Old Guys have arrived in Nome. 3 Old Guys: Rob Hallstrom, 68, Rex Hibbert, 72 and Paul Dick, 75.
There is much to say about this adventure, and we are all (very) anxious to hear the recap of what they endured out on the trail today. But before we get to that, I feel like it is important to pause and acknowledge this milestone.
In 2023, the 3 Old Guys decided to ride their Arctic Cat - Snowmobiles from Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Alaska. Ideally, Fairbanks, but goal was simply Alaska. After nearly 5,000 miles, 38 days, two snowmobile fires, breaking trail (chainsaws and all), and extreme conditions the 3 Old Guys achieved this dream. Completing their trip ~60 miles outside of Fairbanks in Circle, Alaska. They became the first individuals to accomplish this following the aggressive and remote route they crafted and without any on-ground support crews. Goal achieved.
But adventurers never get enough.
It wasn’t long and they set their sights on North America. In 2025, the 3 Old Guys set out to connect their initial route West and head East. Once again, loading up their Arctic Cat’s and departing Grand Rapids, Minnesota this time to Newfoundland. This ride was different from the Alaska trip as it generally follows established trail systems. 4,000 miles later, the Guys ventured as far East as the terrain and snow would take them in Newfoundland. Goal achieved.
For most people, they would say: “We did it – 3 Old Guys rode across North America”. But not these Guys.
While Rex and Paul had previously ridden the Iron Dog, Rob had not been to that part of Alaska on snowmobile and the trio wanted to connect their efforts all the way to the East coast as the 3 Old Guy team.
In 2026, the Iron Dog provided that opportunity, giving them the honor of serving as Iron Dog Ambassadors in the Iron Dog race from Big Lake, Alaska to Nome, Alaska. If you have been following along, just because they were part of the Iron Dog collective, this run has been far from easy—-handing them challenges each day from a small crash, mechanical issues and huge storms to un-anticipated deep snow and breaking of trail; but none of that was too much for this crew and only added to the adventure and the story.
So, tonight as they ride into Nome, we look at the map in awe and inspiration. 3 Old Guys, 3 friends, 3 explorers that continue to show the world that you can accomplish your dreams at any age.
Congratulations Guys. We are SO proud of you and SO proud to call you ours.
IRON DOG GROUP Iron Dog Team 60 - Stuart/Stuart Devon Hetteen Hetteen Heritage Racing Thomas Sno Sports KLIM Stafford/Hooperirondogteam21 Trevor Helwig
