3 Old Guys; Daily Update
- Thread starter gary_in_neenah
- Start date
Day 2 / Feb 14
The 3 Old Guys arrived in St. Germain, Wisconsin early this evening. They traveled ~200 miles and reported an "interesting" day facing a mix of good snow, bad snow, and some closed trails due to a missed turn. As is common on these adventures, they ended up leveraging Plans A, B, and C!
Despite the relatively mild obstacles, they were able to arrive in St. Germain just in time to attend tonight's Fish Fry for the Hall of Fame events and reported out that "everyone is feeling good and all is running good".
The 3 Old Guys arrived in St. Germain, Wisconsin early this evening. They traveled ~200 miles and reported an "interesting" day facing a mix of good snow, bad snow, and some closed trails due to a missed turn. As is common on these adventures, they ended up leveraging Plans A, B, and C!
Despite the relatively mild obstacles, they were able to arrive in St. Germain just in time to attend tonight's Fish Fry for the Hall of Fame events and reported out that "everyone is feeling good and all is running good".
LoveMyDobe
Active member
I was just on their FB page and they overnighted in Iron River WI on the 13th!! I don't think any locals even knew.
Day 3 / Feb 15
Today was a planned “rest” day for the 3 Old Guys—though, in reality, it felt more like a “play” day. They spent their time touring not one but two major snowmobile landmarks: the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Yes, they are two distinct places! In between visits, they made sure to fuel up and check over their sleds in preparation for tomorrow’s ride.
First stop: The Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, Wisconsin. This weekend, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame is hosting its annual induction ceremony, celebrating the 2025 honorees. The 3 Old Guys were thrilled to take part in the festivities, connect with legends, old friends, and snowmobile icons.
Dedicated to preserving the history of snowmobiling—both recreational and competitive—the Snowmobile Hall of Fame features a museum, library, and displays honoring those who have shaped the sport- largely from a racing perspective. Each year, the induction recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions, from racers to industry pioneers.
Just 20 minutes down the road in Eagle River, Wisconsin, the Guys visited The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame and World Snowmobile Headquarters. This Hall of Fame focuses on the broader historical and recreational impact of snowmobiling. Inside the World Snowmobile Headquarters, visitors can explore a museum showcasing the evolution of snowmobiles, from early vintage models to the modern machines of today.
While the Snowmobile Hall of Fame celebrates the competitive side of the sport, the International Hall of Fame honors those who helped shape snowmobiling into the winter pastime it is today.
For the 3 Old Guys, today was full of unforgettable moments, including:
Seeing one of their very own sleds from the Alaska trip on display at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Viewing a sled and the tools and technology used during Ralph Plaisted’s historic expedition.
Catching up with so many industry legends (more on this tomorrow!).
The Best Part? The Community…. As usual. The best part of the day wasn’t just the museums—it was the feeling of being surrounded by a thriving snowmobiling community. Everywhere they looked, sleds were lined up outside venues, fueling up at gas stations, and hitting the trails.
After years of declining snow and fewer riders, it felt almost nostalgic. “It reminded me of when I was a kid in small-town Thief River,” one of the Guys reflected. It was a day filled with history, camaraderie, and a shared love for the sport that has shaped so many lives.
Today was a planned “rest” day for the 3 Old Guys—though, in reality, it felt more like a “play” day. They spent their time touring not one but two major snowmobile landmarks: the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Yes, they are two distinct places! In between visits, they made sure to fuel up and check over their sleds in preparation for tomorrow’s ride.
First stop: The Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, Wisconsin. This weekend, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame is hosting its annual induction ceremony, celebrating the 2025 honorees. The 3 Old Guys were thrilled to take part in the festivities, connect with legends, old friends, and snowmobile icons.
Dedicated to preserving the history of snowmobiling—both recreational and competitive—the Snowmobile Hall of Fame features a museum, library, and displays honoring those who have shaped the sport- largely from a racing perspective. Each year, the induction recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions, from racers to industry pioneers.
Just 20 minutes down the road in Eagle River, Wisconsin, the Guys visited The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame and World Snowmobile Headquarters. This Hall of Fame focuses on the broader historical and recreational impact of snowmobiling. Inside the World Snowmobile Headquarters, visitors can explore a museum showcasing the evolution of snowmobiles, from early vintage models to the modern machines of today.
While the Snowmobile Hall of Fame celebrates the competitive side of the sport, the International Hall of Fame honors those who helped shape snowmobiling into the winter pastime it is today.
For the 3 Old Guys, today was full of unforgettable moments, including:
The Best Part? The Community…. As usual. The best part of the day wasn’t just the museums—it was the feeling of being surrounded by a thriving snowmobiling community. Everywhere they looked, sleds were lined up outside venues, fueling up at gas stations, and hitting the trails.
After years of declining snow and fewer riders, it felt almost nostalgic. “It reminded me of when I was a kid in small-town Thief River,” one of the Guys reflected. It was a day filled with history, camaraderie, and a shared love for the sport that has shaped so many lives.
Day 4 / Feb 16
After a fantastic night reconnecting with friends, celebrating the 2025 Snowmobile Hall of Fame inductees, and even being recognized as distinguished guests, the 3 Old Guys hit the trails this morning feeling energized and more passionate than ever about this incredible sport.
One of the true highlights of the weekend was honoring good friend and longtime Alaskan snowmobile racer Scott Davis, a 2025 Hall of Fame inductee. Scott’s career in snowmobile racing is nothing short of legendary—he’s competed in the grueling Iron Dog race 29 times, finishing 25 of them and landing on the podium 20 times, with seven total wins spanning from 1985 to 2007. His endurance, skill, and dedication to the sport are unmatched, making this Hall of Fame recognition well deserved.
The Iron Dog race, touted as the “World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race”, covering over 2,500 miles across the brutal Alaskan wilderness, also has deep ties to the 3 Old Guys. In 1994, as rookies, Paul Dick & Rex Hibbert competed in the Iron Dog, finishing an impressive 3rd place. Scott Davis recalled that year vividly, calling it “a brutal cold year!” Paul and Rex are true examples of #IronDogTough, continuing to prove that age is just a number and that the love of putting miles on a sled never fades.
And the connections don’t stop there—Rob Hallstrom’s father, Hank Hallstrom, rode in the Iron Dog Ambassador Class in 2004 at the age of 68, making him the oldest competitor to ever run the race at the time. It’s safe to say that the Iron Dog spirit runs deep in this crew!
As for today’s ride, the 3 Old Guys had solid conditions, great snow, and plenty of fellow riders out enjoying the trails. After a morning push and a lunch break, they stopped for the night in Kenton, Michigan, where they were welcomed at the Two Rivers Motel with a perfect bunk setup. After fueling up for tomorrow, they headed out for dinner and a beer, only to find themselves in the middle of Kenton’s annual predator hunt weekend—with the town’s two bars packed with energy and excitement.
A great day, a great ride, and even greater memories—onward East!
After a fantastic night reconnecting with friends, celebrating the 2025 Snowmobile Hall of Fame inductees, and even being recognized as distinguished guests, the 3 Old Guys hit the trails this morning feeling energized and more passionate than ever about this incredible sport.
One of the true highlights of the weekend was honoring good friend and longtime Alaskan snowmobile racer Scott Davis, a 2025 Hall of Fame inductee. Scott’s career in snowmobile racing is nothing short of legendary—he’s competed in the grueling Iron Dog race 29 times, finishing 25 of them and landing on the podium 20 times, with seven total wins spanning from 1985 to 2007. His endurance, skill, and dedication to the sport are unmatched, making this Hall of Fame recognition well deserved.
The Iron Dog race, touted as the “World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race”, covering over 2,500 miles across the brutal Alaskan wilderness, also has deep ties to the 3 Old Guys. In 1994, as rookies, Paul Dick & Rex Hibbert competed in the Iron Dog, finishing an impressive 3rd place. Scott Davis recalled that year vividly, calling it “a brutal cold year!” Paul and Rex are true examples of #IronDogTough, continuing to prove that age is just a number and that the love of putting miles on a sled never fades.
And the connections don’t stop there—Rob Hallstrom’s father, Hank Hallstrom, rode in the Iron Dog Ambassador Class in 2004 at the age of 68, making him the oldest competitor to ever run the race at the time. It’s safe to say that the Iron Dog spirit runs deep in this crew!
As for today’s ride, the 3 Old Guys had solid conditions, great snow, and plenty of fellow riders out enjoying the trails. After a morning push and a lunch break, they stopped for the night in Kenton, Michigan, where they were welcomed at the Two Rivers Motel with a perfect bunk setup. After fueling up for tomorrow, they headed out for dinner and a beer, only to find themselves in the middle of Kenton’s annual predator hunt weekend—with the town’s two bars packed with energy and excitement.
A great day, a great ride, and even greater memories—onward East!
Tim in Indiana
Active member
pclark
Well-known member
Hope you’ll be able fix the truck Tim, we hit one on 51 right by your church last summer and totaled our vehicle.Yep, exactly right. Also where I hit a damn deer with my truck on Thursday morning.
Day 5 / Feb 17
Today, the 3 Old Guys covered about 180 miles, traveling from Kenton, Michigan, to Munising, Michigan. The morning started cold but clear, with stunning sun dogs. With freshly groomed trails, Paul even declared it “the most pristine riding he’s ever had.” As the day went on, they encountered a mix of conditions—some trails were still rough from the weekend, with groomers yet to come through—but that didn’t slow them down or dampen the fun.
You all must be saying the snow prayer because the last 24 hours have brought 24 inches of fresh snow - keep it up! All this fresh powder has the Old Guys itching to get off-trail a bit, but they’re holding back to avoid any unnecessary wear and tear on the sleds—after all, there are still thousands of miles to go on this 4,000-mile journey.
This trip has been a stark contrast to some of their previous adventures—especially their ride to Alaska. With groomed and organized trails, they’re experiencing more “traffic,” but also a lot less time digging themselves out of powder! It’s a different kind of challenge, but the Guys are embracing every mile.
Tonight, they’re enjoying a night of comfort, hosted by a great group of men at the H-58 Snow Cocks Lodge. Their sleds are tucked away in a heated garage, they shared dinner with their hosts, and they’re sleeping in luxury—if you’re ever in the area, this place is worth checking out!
And as always, a little history lesson for the road…Did you know the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was not originally included in proposals to form the State of Michigan? Instead, it became part of Michigan as a result of the Toledo War, a border dispute between Michigan and Ohio in the early 1800s. Both states wanted Toledo for its commercial potential, leading to tensions that, while mostly mild (with only one fatality), required Congress to step in. In the end, Ohio got Toledo, and Michigan was given the Upper Peninsula—a trade that, in hindsight, worked out pretty well for Michigan snowmobilers!
Another incredible day in the books—onward to Newfoundland!
Today, the 3 Old Guys covered about 180 miles, traveling from Kenton, Michigan, to Munising, Michigan. The morning started cold but clear, with stunning sun dogs. With freshly groomed trails, Paul even declared it “the most pristine riding he’s ever had.” As the day went on, they encountered a mix of conditions—some trails were still rough from the weekend, with groomers yet to come through—but that didn’t slow them down or dampen the fun.
You all must be saying the snow prayer because the last 24 hours have brought 24 inches of fresh snow - keep it up! All this fresh powder has the Old Guys itching to get off-trail a bit, but they’re holding back to avoid any unnecessary wear and tear on the sleds—after all, there are still thousands of miles to go on this 4,000-mile journey.
This trip has been a stark contrast to some of their previous adventures—especially their ride to Alaska. With groomed and organized trails, they’re experiencing more “traffic,” but also a lot less time digging themselves out of powder! It’s a different kind of challenge, but the Guys are embracing every mile.
Tonight, they’re enjoying a night of comfort, hosted by a great group of men at the H-58 Snow Cocks Lodge. Their sleds are tucked away in a heated garage, they shared dinner with their hosts, and they’re sleeping in luxury—if you’re ever in the area, this place is worth checking out!
And as always, a little history lesson for the road…Did you know the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was not originally included in proposals to form the State of Michigan? Instead, it became part of Michigan as a result of the Toledo War, a border dispute between Michigan and Ohio in the early 1800s. Both states wanted Toledo for its commercial potential, leading to tensions that, while mostly mild (with only one fatality), required Congress to step in. In the end, Ohio got Toledo, and Michigan was given the Upper Peninsula—a trade that, in hindsight, worked out pretty well for Michigan snowmobilers!
Another incredible day in the books—onward to Newfoundland!
Tim in Indiana
Active member
I was going up to Marenisco to meet some friends from home for breakfast. I was getting over the flu that seems to be hammering everyone and probably should have stayed home. Just as I crossed the line it darted out and I caught it with the right corner, it came up over the hood and down the side. It was dead when it hit the road. It sounded like the front would be wiped out but when I looked at it the only damage visible was a small chunk knocked out of the lower side of the grill.
My body guy is on vacation for a couple weeks but looking at it a new grill and the black plastic housing behind it should be all it takes. Nothing bent, no bodywork, no paint, no lights. I should get off easy, I was very lucky.
goofy600
Well-known member
I was going to say it starts with a B and then the second mixed bag would be with an M
Day 6/ Feb 18
This morning, the 3 Old Guys departed Snow Cocks Lodge, greeted by yet another 10 inches of fresh powder. That’s the magic of lake effect snow—a phenomenon where cold air moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, picking up moisture and dumping it as heavy snowfall on the surrounding land. This process can create intense, localized snowstorms, which is exactly what the Guys have been experiencing. With fresh snow continuing to fall, the trail was nearly invisible, making for a peaceful ride through the Upper Peninsula.
Covering nearly 180 miles today, the Guys made a highly recommended stop at the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum (check out their latest FB post), where the history of snowmobiling truly comes to life. This non-profit museum is home to an incredible collection of antique, vintage, and classic sleds, offering a deep dive into the evolution of the sport. The Guys were in awe of the extensive displays and couldn’t have been more grateful for the warm welcome and great tour. If you’re ever in the area, this is a must-visit for any snowmobile enthusiast!
After their pit stop, they continued onward and ended the day at the Clarke Motel —but this place is so much more than just a motel. Known for its community-driven spirit, the Clarke Motel has built a reputation around a niche market focused on helping and repairing stranded snowmobilers. This isn't your typical repair shop where you drop your sled and pick it up next week, rather if a snowmobile breaks down or gets stranded, Mike Clarke steps in to rescue, haul, and repair sleds, doing everything they can to get riders back on the trail quickly. What’s even more incredible? They often use donated parts to keep costs down, making repairs more accessible for those in need.
As of February 3rd, the Clarke Motel has repaired over 157 sleds this season—33 of those with donated parts. That’s the kind of goodwill that keeps this sport thriving. Their location is setup perfectly for riders, featuring cabins, a lounge with a pool table, a shop for sled repairs, and a snack bar, but it’s the generosity and community spirit that truly make this place special.
If you have extra snowmobile parts collecting dust in your garage or shed, please consider donating them to the Clarke Motel. Check out their Facebook page, Clarke Motel, send them a message, and be a part of something that keeps riders on the trail.
Today was yet another powerful reminder that the heartbeat of this adventure, and the snowmobiling community, lies in kindness, unwavering generosity, and a shared passion for the sport.
This morning, the 3 Old Guys departed Snow Cocks Lodge, greeted by yet another 10 inches of fresh powder. That’s the magic of lake effect snow—a phenomenon where cold air moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, picking up moisture and dumping it as heavy snowfall on the surrounding land. This process can create intense, localized snowstorms, which is exactly what the Guys have been experiencing. With fresh snow continuing to fall, the trail was nearly invisible, making for a peaceful ride through the Upper Peninsula.
Covering nearly 180 miles today, the Guys made a highly recommended stop at the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum (check out their latest FB post), where the history of snowmobiling truly comes to life. This non-profit museum is home to an incredible collection of antique, vintage, and classic sleds, offering a deep dive into the evolution of the sport. The Guys were in awe of the extensive displays and couldn’t have been more grateful for the warm welcome and great tour. If you’re ever in the area, this is a must-visit for any snowmobile enthusiast!
After their pit stop, they continued onward and ended the day at the Clarke Motel —but this place is so much more than just a motel. Known for its community-driven spirit, the Clarke Motel has built a reputation around a niche market focused on helping and repairing stranded snowmobilers. This isn't your typical repair shop where you drop your sled and pick it up next week, rather if a snowmobile breaks down or gets stranded, Mike Clarke steps in to rescue, haul, and repair sleds, doing everything they can to get riders back on the trail quickly. What’s even more incredible? They often use donated parts to keep costs down, making repairs more accessible for those in need.
As of February 3rd, the Clarke Motel has repaired over 157 sleds this season—33 of those with donated parts. That’s the kind of goodwill that keeps this sport thriving. Their location is setup perfectly for riders, featuring cabins, a lounge with a pool table, a shop for sled repairs, and a snack bar, but it’s the generosity and community spirit that truly make this place special.
If you have extra snowmobile parts collecting dust in your garage or shed, please consider donating them to the Clarke Motel. Check out their Facebook page, Clarke Motel, send them a message, and be a part of something that keeps riders on the trail.
Today was yet another powerful reminder that the heartbeat of this adventure, and the snowmobiling community, lies in kindness, unwavering generosity, and a shared passion for the sport.
Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum of the Upper Peninsula
Welcome to the Official website for The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum of Naubinway, MI. We are a non-profit, 501c3, antique, vintage and classic snowmobile museum in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We are located on the north side of US 2 in downtown N
www.snowmobilemuseum.com
I can't get enough of their stories. This and last year would be dream trips.
Curious about a couple things though. What are they wearing for boots, especially the one with tape on it? Also wondering if they're leaving those gas cans empty for now on the more civilized part of their trip
Curious about a couple things though. What are they wearing for boots, especially the one with tape on it? Also wondering if they're leaving those gas cans empty for now on the more civilized part of their trip
Noticed that too. More than one guy has tape I think. Anyway I think the white boots might be Bunny Boots. Way old, way proven. Developed by the US military many years ago for cold weather. They have some type of system that creates a vacuum between the inside and outside that provides a barrier. Great boots but not necessarily the best compared to technology of today imo. When you a do a trip like that you want your proven gear and those babies look like they have been proven to those guys.
Bunny Boots
For ultimate warmth and darn-near indestructible durability, you just can't beat these U.S. Military Surplus Bunny Boots. Thick rubber construction is double-layered in key wear areas. Plus, (3) 0.25" thick layers of insulation—plus an extra layer in the toe— keep you marching despite wicked-cold temps. Bunny Boots are only available in men’s full sizes. 
Features:
- Military issue
- Durable 100% rubber construction
- Insulating air pocket
- Rated to -65°F
- (3) 0.25" thick layers of wool insulation all around, all sandwiched between layers of rubber
- Heel wedge accepts ski or snowshoe bindings and doubles as a kick-off wedge
- High-traction soles and double-thick rubber in all wear areas
- Gusseted tongue
- Rugged nylon laces
- Nylon-lined interior
- Made in the U.S.A.
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