One minute you’re scrolling Facebook, the next you’ve signed up to blast through the desert in an off-road rally with a total stranger from the internet. Tina and Jill “met” in a Facebook group for people dreaming about (and obsessively planning for) the Rebelle Rally. A few messages later, they jumped in with both feet—meeting face-to-face in real life for the first time at a sand dune training in California. Since then, they have logged countless miles together through sand, dirt, and even snow. Now, they are ready to hit the start line with their third teammate: “Rowdy,” a 2017 Jeep Wrangler with big opinions and full-send energy.
Fortec
RN / Mom
Terrace Park, OH
Northern Arizona University – BFA Graphic Design, BSN Nursing / Grand Canyon University – MSN
"Where is the go button?"
When I was 19, I drove 2500 miles across the country solo with only a road atlas. I had never driven more than a day away. This was before GPS or cell phones, so I was only able to check in with my parents at telephone booths.
The Rebelle has been on my radar for years. Family and career obligations took priority, but that desire to rally was always there, waiting for the right time to say “yes.” I am so excited I could finally say “yes” this year!
Badass women, nature, and traveling.
The PittTed LassoBattlestar Galactica
Probably a tie between parenting and prepping for the Rebelle in very different ways.
My competition goals are to bring the sass, be safe, and always keep learning.
Adventuring into the wilds, photography, coaching youth mtn bike team, gardening, fishing, wildlife spotting, looking at rocks, paddle boarding, air shows
I don’t have any formal background in motorsports. I grew up on a farm driving all sorts of equipment and toys: tractors, ATV’s, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, etc.
Some cool experiences include living in New Zealand for a year, volunteering in Haiti after the earthquake, and traveling with my family in my old Land Cruiser all over the US.
I got my driver’s license the day I turned 16. The feeling of freedom and independence I had as I drove off on my own that day hasn’t been topped! A close second would be the day I bought my first car, a 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser. That day was 23 years ago, and it is still going strong.
I am a primatologist and college professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.
Decatur, GA
University of California, Davis (BA) - Psychology; Georgia Institute of Technology (MS, PhD), Psychology
"“When you see someone putting on his big boots, you can be pretty sure an adventure is going to happen.” Pooh Bear"
I once spent 100 consecutive days sleeping in a tent—even while I was traveling for work!
The Rebelle Rally brings together what I love most: off-road driving, exploring remote places, problem-solving, building self-sufficiency, and the camaraderie of adventurous women.
I love my family, friends, (and pets!) beyond measure. I admire those who are open to growth, strive to do the right thing (especially when it isn’t easy), and live with kindness and humility.
The Woman Warrior – Maxine Hong Kingston Dharma Bums – Jack KerouacPrincess Mononoke – Hayao Miyazaki
This life. ❤️
Most of all, I enjoy activities that require developing and applying learned skills. It’s immensely satisfying to be competent in the things that bring meaning to my life.
I love my work but, when I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. Favorite activities include rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, overlanding, motorcycling, and all adventures big and small.
I am an off-road enthusiast and have been since I was a a kid growing up near the Bay Area in CA. I currently live in Atlanta, GA but return to CA regularly. I have raced motorcycles (WERA) and cars (SCCA) in the past. Recently, I’ve been spending much of my free time overlanding in the Southwest. My rig is a 2017 Jeep JKU modified mostly for overlanding. I have been following the RR for a while and am excited to be participating this year!
My most memorable experiences so far include trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, teaching biology to Tibetan monks at a monastic college in India, racing vintage motorcycles in the Moto Giro d’Italia, and competing in SCCA racing with a Miata—winning the Southeast Division championship in my first year!
