10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#115

Beyond the Pavement

Toni and I have worked together as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners for over 32 years and have recently retired. We have a great friendship, children the same age and enjoy new adventures. It seemed like a perfect fit to be teammates and say yes to the Rebelle Rally adventure.

Sponsored By:

Pirelli and Pennzoil

Lynn Kliem

Driver

I would say..... focused, patient, married women from Satellite Beach, Florida (raised on Long Island) with two amazing young adult children. I love music, tiny humans and challenges.

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

I've recently retired from an amazing and very rewarding career as Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. My hopes are the families I've cared for could feel my compassion, understanding and support for their precious newborns.

Residence:

Satellite Beach, Florida

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

University of Charleston, West Virginia University, Bachelor Nursing, University Medical Center Jacksonville, FL. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, University of St Francis, Jolliet, IL Masters Degree in Health Administration

Favorite Quote:

"You can't give your life more time, so give your time more life."

Fun Fact:

During my college days, I was a coxswain for Men's Crew team.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

A few words come to mind.... Gazelle Rally, Morocco, Epcot. (See Toni's Bio for details.) My teammate, Toni, has been an amazing, adventurous friend (for over 30 years) and when I asked her if she was interested in the Rebelle Rally she said "yes". If I had learned of the Rebelle Rally sooner would have signed up then.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My family and friends continue to inspire me on many levels. They have taught me to see things from a different prospective, stay open minded and challenge myself.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

The Great Gatsby, Out of Africa, Do What You Love, the Money will Follow.

Greatest adventure to date?

Exploring the Outback of Australia and New Zealand.

What are your competition objectives and why?

My main objective is to safely finish the race. My other objectives are to challenge myself to met the physical and mental demands of this rally, to be a good teammate, letting the unpleasant moments go, laugh hard and have fun! I believe this will be an amazing life changing experience.....can't wait!

What makes you tick, outside of work?

Some of my passions are boating, photography, growing orchids, wine tasting and NY Times Wordle.

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

I have always loved driving; sitting behind the wheel feels very comfortable to me. I must admit, I'm new to off-road driving but feel the driver's seat is the best place for me in the Jeep.

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

Cool experiences: Driving my Porsche, Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef Australia, Cattle Drive in Colorado.

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

One of my earliest memorable "car" moments is sitting on my grandfather's lap steering his 1960's car (going 5mph) on a gravel road. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for a six year old!

Toni Crites

Navigator

I’m motivated by learning new things and enjoy seeking out challenges, both physical and mental. My career as an NNP and flight nurse has taught me to focus on what’s most important during high pressure and sometimes chaotic situations.

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

Recently retired after a career in the medical field spanning 44 years. I started as an EMT on a volunteer fire/rescue squad after high school and went on to work as a NICU nurse, neonatal flight nurse and for the past 36 years a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Residence:

Melbourne, Florida

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

Associate of Science Nursing: Rhodes State College, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Science Nursing: Chamberlain University

Favorite Quote:

"“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength”. From The Hiding Place (book by Corrie Ten Boom)."

Fun Fact:

I was an oboe player in middle and high school so I’m not afraid to be in the spotlight (as long as I know what I’m doing). I have participated in agility competitions with my Australian Shepherd. I love the herding dogs’ intelligence, loyalty, desire to work and energy level. It inspires me and makes me smile!

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Lynn and I have been friends for over 30 years. We discovered the Rebelle after seeing the EPCOT presentation featuring the Gazelle Rally in Morocco. Lynn said something like “Wow, that looks fun! I wonder if there’s anything like this in the U. S.”? Google led us to the Rebelle Rally page… and here we are. Training for something neither of us have ever done: driving off-road and navigating with only maps and compass. And we’re both in our 60’s! Look out retirement, we’re coming, LOL!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

1) My parents who are in their mid 80’s and have been married for 65 years. They’ve shown me the value of long-term commitment, the importance of seeing things from others’ perspectives, treating people with respect, dignity, and worth, and being there to offer support when it’s needed. 2) My husband continually encourages me to embrace independence and to have the courage to be strong, showing me that it’s truly possible to choose my own path in life.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

1) Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (book by Douglas Adams). 2) The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey (book by Candice Millard). 3) BAMA football…when they’re playing well, LOL! Roll Tide!

Greatest adventure to date?

I’d have to say becoming a first-time mom at 40 has been the most rewarding adventure of my life. Now, with our son at 21, I hope we’ve raised him to be independent, confident, successful, responsible, and willing to take risks. I can’t wait to see all that he will accomplish.

What are your competition objectives and why?

I’m looking forward to the challenges of the rally and experiencing the adventure it will bring. My goals are to finish within the best of my abilities and to remember to have fun in the process!

What makes you tick, outside of work?

I love all sports and have played many but my personal hobbies currently include backyard beekeeping, snow skiing, kayaking, bike riding, camping and traveling with friends and family. I’m also a food and wine enthusiast and love watching football whenever I get the chance.

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

I’ve never been involved in racing or off-roading (until now), but got my motorcycle license at age 15 (before I even had a driver’s license).

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

I’ve been skydiving, SCUBA diving, and even cattle driving. I’ll try any kind of food (at least once anyway), and I’ll travel just about anywhere. I love experiencing new cultures and languages, and sometimes think maybe I should have been an anthropologist!

Do you have any memorable moments with cars?

My first car was a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle, 3 speed manual transmission, white with 1 green fender (LOL). It had a very stiff clutch but was great to learn on!

Vehicle

2021 Jeep Rubicon 4xe
I'll be driving a 2021 Jeep Rubicon 4Xe, Firecracker Red named Poppy. During one of our Colorado adventures we rented a 4Xe and were impressed with the performance and PHEV feature. After our trip, we were at a local Jeep dealership asking about 4Xe Rubicon and thought we had struck out (no 4Xe in the front lot) but after further inquiry and perseverance this vehicle was found tucked away in the back lot. It felt like this was meant to be, we hit the jackpot and exactly the Jeep we were looking for.