Kim Bergeron of Dublin and Jean-Pierre Bernier of Hancock will compete in the Pro Class of the Iron Dog Race in Alaska, starting on Feb. 17.

Bergeron, owner of K.E. Bergeron Mechanical Systems in Keene, and Bernier, owner of Red Barn Logistics in Hancock, will attempt to cover more than 2,500 miles of Alaskan backcountry. They will navigate mountain passes, traverse the Yukon River, cross sections of the Bering Sea and brave recorded temperatures of minus-57 degrees as they travel from Big Lake to Nome, marking the halfway point, and then back to Big Lake.  

Since its start in 1984, only 14 teams from eastern North America have entered the Iron Dog race, and only four have finished. In the 2023 Iron Dog Race, the Pro Class began with a field of 25 teams, 15 of which finished.

“The riders who come out for the Iron Dog are the real deal,” stated Bernier, “I’m grateful and proud to be on the course with them and to represent New England and my home state of New Hampshire.”  

Bergeron and Bernier have experience in the Expedition Class of The Iron Dog race, which ends at the halfway point in Nome – an 1,100-mile course. Both have completed the Expedition Class each year for the past three years, and Bergeron has crossed the finish line six times.  

“When JP approached me about moving up to Pro Class for the 2024 race, I knew if I were ever to make this move that he would be my teammate,” stated Bergeron, “We push each other to be our best in all things: as riders, as business owners, and as fathers and husbands.”  

The race course covers some of Alaska’s most-remote and rugged terrain through some of the harshest winter conditions. Fuel and oil are provided at designated checkpoints, but all other logistics are the responsibility of the teams. Teams must provide all their own gear, tools and safety equipment, and plan their own lodging and meals for the duration of the race.  

“It’s a lot of preparation and investment,” stated Bergeron, who now specializes in logistics and planning services for riders in the Expedition Class. “Getting our sleds ready is just the beginning. Figuring out where to stay at the end of each leg, making sure we have the parts and tools we need in the event of a mechanical issue, even something so simple as food, is a challenge in this environment.”  

Bergeron served 10 years as county director of New Hampshire Snowmobile Association (NHSA) and serves currently as business director on the NHSA board of directors, is vice-chair for the Northeast chapter of the  International Snowmobile Congress and is a member of the Winchester Trail Riders, Merrimack Valley Trail Riders, New England Trail Riders Association and New Hampshire Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

Additionally, Bergeron supports trail-riding in Trapper Creek and Petersville in Alaska, donates the use of snow machines for volunteers of the Iron Dog race and provides financial support for one of the checkpoints of the race.  

Bernier has served on the Hancock Conservation Commission since 2017, working to protect local New Hampshire trails and trail access for riders, and is a member of the Washington Snow Riders in New Hampshire, the Merrimack Valley Trail Riders , New England Trail Riders Association and New Hampshire Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

The team will share their Iron Dog Pro Class journey on Facebook at Iron Dog Team #15 Bergeron/Bernier and on Instagram at 2024 Iron Dog Team #15. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Bernier at 603-801-8092 or via email at jpbernnh@gmail.com.