10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#159

Team Desert Belles

In December 2023, two adventurous women set out for what they thought would be a simple off-road day in Southern California’s high desert. Instead, that trip sparked a journey that led them to the Rebelle Rally. In their first year together as a team, they took on the 2024 Rebelle Rally and proved themselves on course, driving a clean rally with no flats or mechanical failures and finishing in 20th. That experience solidified their teamwork, gave them confidence in their Bronco, and ignited an even deeper drive to return stronger. Since then, their path has been fueled by determination, teamwork, and a hunger to grow. Over the past year, they’ve not only trained tirelessly but also founded the Rally Training Co-Op, a community where Rebelles come together to sharpen their skills, exchange knowledge, and support one another. Hosting their own trainings has given them an entirely new perspective: from reverse-engineering enduros and checkpoint challenges to appreciating the immense effort the Rebelle Rally staff puts in each year. This season has been all about structured growth. By challenging themselves and lifting others along the way, they’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the rally, a stronger bond as teammates, and sharper tools to take on whatever the course throws their way. If last year was about building a foundation, this year has been about leveling up, brick by brick, kilometer by kilometer.

Sponsored By:

Opt Offroad, Rock Jock 4×4, Armadillo Designs, Pirelli, Radflo, Warn, BTF Fabrication, Baja Designs, Glue Tread, MORFFlate, Black Rhino Wheels, Anderson Composites, Morimoto, Pennzoil, K&N, Tease Shirts

Kristen Harbert

Driver

I’m passionate about supporting women in the off-road world and sharing my love for the outdoors through family-centered adventures. Whether it’s hitting the trail or building community, I’m driven by the joy of the journey and making this space more welcoming for everyone.

What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?

I’m a homeschooling mom and I help support our family business, Opt Offroad, which my husband owns and runs. Homeschooling is more than just how we do school, it’s how we do life. We spend a lot of time together at home, learning side by side and working as a team. Whether it’s lessons at the table or shipping truck parts in the garage, we’re all in it together. It’s a unique rhythm, but it’s special to build something as a family and always have each other’s back.

Residence:

Joshua Tree, CA

Favorite Quote:

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” — Hunter S Thompson

Fun Fact:

I married my high school sweetheart!

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Why the Rebelle? Because it pushes me to grow. Every time I take on something new in this space, I’ve seen a real shift in my confidence and capability on and off the course. The rally has become more than just a challenge; it’s introduced me to an incredible community of women who support and inspire each other. That’s something I want to keep showing up for, year after year.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

The person who inspires me most is my husband, Jason. He’s been by my side since high school, constantly encouraging and supporting me in ways I never imagined. The example he sets through his work ethic, resilience, and quiet confidence has pushed me to be stronger, braver, and to believe I’m capable of more than I ever thought possible.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

I’m more of a book nerd than a podcast or TV person. My top three are:
1. The Bible – my foundation and source of strength
2. The Chronicles of Narnia – full of wisdom, adventure, and wonder
3. The Lord of the Rings – the ultimate epic about courage, loyalty, and light in dark places

Greatest adventure to date?

My greatest adventure so far was driving my Bronco on the iconic Golden Spike trail in Moab for the first time this year. I’m comfortable navigating rough, rocky terrain in the open desert, but Moab was a whole new challenge—narrow ledges, steep waterfalls, and technical climbs that demanded precise throttle control. It pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way and gave me a whole new appreciation for what both my Bronco and I can do.

Prior Years Competed:

2023, 2024

What are your competition objectives and why?

My goal is to keep improving every year and push myself to do better than the last. I’m not just here for the ride—I train hard, take it seriously, and show up ready to grow. Last year gave me a solid foundation, and now I’m focused on building from that experience and seeing how far I can go.

What makes you tick, outside of work?

Being out in nature, especially the desert, is what makes me tick. Whether I’m cruising a quiet desert trail in my Bronco, camping in remote spots with friends and family, or just tending to my cactus garden at home in Joshua Tree, that’s where I feel most grounded. I love the stillness, the wide-open spaces, and the way the desert teaches you to slow down and appreciate the little things.

What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?

I don’t have a traditional motorsports background, just a longtime love for off-road racing, especially Ultra4. The Rebelle Rally is my first hands-on experience, and I’ve been learning as I go. Most of my training has been self-led, figuring things out through practice, research, and a lot of seat time. I’m still learning every time I’m out there, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.

What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?

One of my most memorable experiences outside the Rebelle was hiking Half Dome in Yosemite—back before you needed a permit. I sprained my ankle about halfway up, but luckily I was with my dad and a group of his firefighter friends. They wrapped my ankle, handed me hiking poles, and helped me push through. I limped all the way to the summit and back down, and it’s still one of my proudest (and most painful) accomplishments.

Which terrain is your favorite part of the course and why?

The open desert is my favorite terrain. It’s where I feel most at home, confident, capable, and clear-headed. But it’s also humbling. The vastness of it all reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme, and I think that’s part of why I love it so much.

What is the most challenging part of the Rally for you?

The most challenging part for me is managing time and emotions over the long haul. The Rebelle is a marathon, not a sprint, so I’m always working on keeping a steady pace and staying level-headed. It’s about not getting too down when we make mistakes, but also not riding too high on the wins. Just staying focused and moving forward, one checkpoint at a time.

How has the rally changed you and what made you want to come back?

The rally has definitely made me tougher. It changed my mindset from “there’s nothing I can do” to “what can I do to overcome this?” It’s not about overconfidence...it’s a quiet, steady belief that I’m more capable than I give myself credit for. That shift in perspective has impacted my everyday life, and it’s a big part of why I wanted to come back.

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

One of my earliest 4x4 memories is with my dad in his Jeep. Our family was exploring a redwood forest, driving down a quiet forestry road that felt like a private tour through the towering trees. We came across an old landslide that had partially buried the trail, and I remember thinking we’d have to turn back. But my dad just shifted into 4Lo and calmly drove right over it. That moment stuck with me, it was the first time I realized where 4x4 vehicles could take you...that’s when I fell in love with off-road adventure.

Allison Sloat

Navigator

I have a deep passion for navigation and geology, and my enthusiastic personality drives me to help others succeed alongside me. I believe that hard work can be enjoyable and fulfilling, making every challenge an opportunity for growth!

What is your occupation and what does that mean to you?
Residence:

29 Palms, CA

Are you active or retired military? If so, which branch?

No, but shoutout to my amazing husband who is about to retire from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service!

If you attended college or University where did you go and what was your major?

Bachelors in Geology from UC Davis

Favorite Quote:

"We are volcanoes. When women offer our experience as our truth, as human truth, all the maps change. There are new mountains." — Ursula K. Le Guin

Fun Fact:

I’m the fourth-generation owner (and resident) of an early 1930’s homestead with a cabin built by my great-grandfather which I am restoring.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

For me, it’s not just about the event itself—it’s also everything that leads up to it. The Rebelle takes an incredible amount of dedication, preparation, and personal growth throughout the year. Since starting this journey, I’ve learned so much—not just about navigation or vehicles, but about perseverance, teamwork, and trusting myself in the face of challenge. This isn’t just something I’m doing for a week in October—it’s become part of who I am. The time is right because I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I’m most inspired by people who face life’s challenges head-on and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more grounded. There’s something powerful about resilience—about choosing growth even when it’s hard. Whether it’s in everyday life or out in the wilderness, that kind of strength motivates me to keep showing up and pushing forward.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

I’m drawn to anything that helps me learn how to do things myself—whether it’s fixing something, building it, or understanding how it works. I rotate through a lot of DIY content across podcasts, books, and YouTube channels. If it’s teaching a skill or sharing real-world experience, I’m in!

Greatest adventure to date?

One of my greatest adventures was a multi-week geology field course through the Colorado Plateau, traveling across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. We studied Earth’s history right in the landscapes where it was written—camping under the stars, exploring canyons and rock formations, and learning in a way that no classroom could ever match. It was a truly unforgettable way to connect with the land and its story.

Prior Years Competed:

2024

What are your competition objectives and why?

Ultimately, my goal is to improve on last year’s performance—but more than that, I want to push my own limits and see what I’m truly capable of. I’m focused on being more precise, more confident, and more prepared. This year, it’s about setting the bar higher for myself, staying present in the challenge, and walking away knowing I gave it everything I had.

What makes you tick, outside of work?

Spending time with my animals and husband or a small group of friends. Listening to music and dancing like nobody's watching. Camping. Off roading. Wrenching. Being out in nature, especially the desert but I do love water and mountains too. Fixing things. Craft time.

What is your background in motorsports, and how does that shape how you're approaching the Rebelle?

I’ve followed motorsports most of my life—everything from motocross to Formula 1, Ultra4, and SCORE. Competing in the Rebelle Rally has been my first real step into participating myself (well, unless you count the truck pulls at a small-town rodeo!). I also had the chance to pit for a friend’s small team at Laguna Seca a couple of times, which was pretty epic and gave me a deeper appreciation for the teamwork and preparation behind the scenes. While my motorsports background is more as a fan and supporter than as a competitor, that passion shapes the way I approach the Rebelle—with respect for the sport, excitement for the challenge, and a drive to keep learning every time I’m out there.

What kind of cool experiences do you have outside of the Rebelle?

I spent seven incredible years working in Joshua Tree National Park, and the experiences I had there shaped a huge part of who I am. I helped with bighorn sheep surveys from low-level helicopter flights, drove Jeeps and full-size trucks on just about every trail in and around the park, and camped in remote back country for week-long projects. I’ve watched meteor showers under the darkest skies, helped rehab a tortoise that had been struck by a vehicle, and witnessed the desert change through the seasons—bursting with wildflowers, blanketed in snow, and alive with wildlife. Those years gave me a deep love for wild places and the vehicles that help us reach them.

Which terrain is your favorite part of the course and why?

Desert = home. I love the wide open space, the stillness, and the raw, exposed beauty of it all. You can see the land out here—the topography is laid bare in a way that tells a story. Every wash, ridge, and rock formation is visible, and I feel completely in my element navigating through it.

What is the most challenging part of the Rally for you?

For me, the biggest challenge is managing the rollercoaster of emotions throughout the event. After pouring so much energy and passion into just getting to the start line, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement—and then face the reality that the hardest part is still ahead. Learning to “ride the middle” means finding balance in the chaos, staying grounded when adrenaline and exhaustion pull you in every direction. Last year, I hit the infamous “Day 3” wall, and it taught me just how important mental strength and patience are. This time, I’m preparing not just physically, but emotionally, to stay steady, focused, and resilient through every twist and turn.

How has the rally changed you and what made you want to come back?

I had been told by seasoned competitors that there’s no better training for the rally than the rally itself, and now I can absolutely agree. Competing revealed strengths I didn’t know I had, while also showing me where I could grow. In many ways, I feel like I’ve been preparing for it my whole life—by working through hardships, overlanding trips, geology field courses, and countless days in the desert—and the rally brought all of those experiences together in one place. Since last year, I haven’t just carried the lessons forward, I’ve been training hard all year, and I’m excited to get back on the course to see how much I’ve improved and what else I can work on. At the heart of it, I always want to be working toward a better version of myself, and the Rebelle gives me the perfect place to do that!

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

I might not even be here if it weren’t for my parents’ shared love of offroading. Years ago, my mom was out on the trails when she damaged her 1965 Chevy Suburban. My dad, who owned a welding shop nearby and was also into offroading, ended up doing the bodywork. That repair job led to years of shared adventures—and eventually, to me. I grew up riding motorcycles and quads, and I’ve been behind the wheel of full-size rigs exploring dirt roads for most of my life. It’s in my blood.

Vehicle

2022 Ford Bronco Badlands
We’re driving a 2022 Ford Bronco, affectionately known as “Betty the Bronco.” We chose her for her reliability and proven capability, most of her miles have been earned off-road, where she’s shown time and again that she can handle anything in her path. This year, we gave Betty a fresh wrap design that pays tribute to our desert home while also honoring our roots. As the Rebelle Rally says, “the vehicle in your driveway is more capable than you realize”, a truth Kristen discovered in her 1996 4Runner and Allison continues with her 5th generation 4Runner. The colors in Betty’s new look nod to those beginnings while the retro throwback style makes her stand out in her own way.