When our dad passed away in 2014, we inherited his incredible ‘69 Bronco, which we knew we’d never get rid of – that rig was ever-present in our childhoods, and Dad loved it so much. We thought we’d get it back up and running and use it for fun, making more family memories, but then Rochelle learned about the Rebelle and asked Melissa if she wanted to do it with her…in the Bronco. Melissa said yes before even knowing what that would mean, and we haven’t looked back since. We rallied four years in the Bronco, which was amazing and meant a lot to us, but this year we’re rollin’ in a ‘91 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series. Whatever vehicle we’re in, we’re so grateful for the experiences, the highs and lows, the laughs, the friendships, the growth, all of it – it’s ALL a defining moment, every damn time we’re out there.
Pirelli, Rugged Overland, Expedition Essentials, LFD Off Road
In addition to being a mom of four, I’m a small business owner, which fulfills the drive to build something for myself, and I’m also a substitute teacher, which helps fill my “do something for others” cup.
Medford, OR
Clark College
“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it worth living.” Bob Marley
While chillin' on my patio, I taught the starlings that frequent my yard how to make R2D2 sounds. Because, why not?
I’m addicted. No matter how many times we compete, the Rebelle brings all the feels of being familiar, yet has all the excitement of something new.
I’m inspired by those who show up for others, despite differences. Empathy goes a long way!
Ologies, Smartless, and Armchair Expert
Every adventure that my family takes is a memorable one; never a dull moment. We have some stories!
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024
The objective has been the same every year; to have an amazing experience and to outperform ourselves from previous years and improve on the Bronco’s performance and capabilities. There have been big chunks of the rally that we’ve missed out on due to mechanical or time issues, so this year, with the Land Cruiser, I really hope to see the course in its entirety, have more hustle, and get more CPs!
I enjoy being creative and hands-on; woodworking, remodeling, photography, oil painting, graphic design, and gardening. I just wish I made more time for those things!
I grew up riding dirt bikes and quads, and I’ve been off-roading ever since meeting my husband in my teen years. The experience has definitely been beneficial during the Rebelle, but the Rebelle has provided me with more experience, because Dumont and Glamis are nothing like the dunes we find on the wet Oregon Coast.
My cool experiences outside of the Rebelle are those that I get to go do with the lifelong friends that I’ve made at the Rebelle. CTMW ladies are my ride or die.
Sightseeing: Canyons are my favorite! They’re beautiful and so unique in their formations. Driving: The Twin Springs area has always been my favorite because it varies so much throughout the ranch and gives you a bit of it all with its rocky terrain, silty roads, dry lake beds, etc.
It's challenging being social, lol; I’m so very introverted. One of the main reasons I pushed myself to compete was to get outside of my comfort zone and do something new!
The rally has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and it constantly challenges me to overcome personal and physical obstacles on and off course. It’s changed my life by giving me experiences that I can relate to everyday life and say, you’ve done _____, and you can do this too. The rally has also had a huge impact in my life because of the people I’ve met along the way. The Rebelle staff is made up of some of the most inspiring, wonderful people who I count myself fortunate to know, and I’ve gained some of my best friends in the other Rebelles I’ve met. I come back because it’s an adventure-of-a-lifetime and feels like coming home.
I have so many memorable moments with cars because I love vehicle-based adventures! But as a child, it would probably be going hunting with my late Dad in the Bronco. I remember the extremely early rise and sitting in the Bronco while it warmed up and defrosted, my dad using a red shop rag to wipe the condensation off the inside of the glass (something he’d have to do during the drive as well). I can still smell the “old” of it all. Then we’d drive for an hour or so up into the forests of Mt. Hood. My sister and I also have a vivid memory of the Bronco’s steering going out on a muddy slope-sided trail, where my dad MacGyvered a fix so we could get home. I’ll miss driving our early Bronco this year, but I am looking forward to making new team memories in the 80 Series!
Mostly funemployed: Left the digital agency life to work on a novel (sometimes), sling herbs in an apothecary, and be the heart and harmony of our home.
Ojochal, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Linfield College, Communications
"One day, you will understand the compass in your chest is not broken but simply asking you to look within for the maps you drew before the world told you where to go."
My go-to karaoke song is “Forgot About Dre.” I also used to sing karaoke with a live band at the previous agency I worked for and chipped my front tooth on the mic once going way too hard on “Killing in the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine.
My sister and I have been addicted since our first competition in 2020 – it’s an awesome catalyst for personal growth. AND it’s fun as hell.
Women. We’re amazing.
Harry Potter, Outlander, and a third I can’t think of at the moment.
Moving the fam to Costa Rica back in 2023. It’s been a hell of an adventure!
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024
Our objective is to just do and feel better out there than we did the year before, and so far, we’ve done that. That’s all that matters, as far as I’m concerned.
All things witchy; herbology, tarot, energetics, spirituality. I’ve also gotten back into theatre.
My background is motorsports IS the Rebelle – I’ve been teamed up with my sis since 2020. I had a dirt bike growing up, but I’m not sure that really counts…all it took was one decent spill during a poker run as a kid and I was like, “Well, done with that.”
Moved the family to Costa Rica in 2023 and have been having cool experiences ever since!
I’m a sucker for a slot canyon. They feel like ancient, secret passageways.
Getting over having made a mistake or done poorly. I really hate messing up, and I’m not always great at moving through it gracefully. I’ve gotten better over the years, but I still spiral now and again when I screw up.
Crossing the finish line that first year in 2020 was mindblowing – I realized that I really can do anything I put my mind and heart into, and that the only real obstacle is my own limiting beliefs. Literally everything has changed since then – I say YES! a lot more, and don’t hold as much fear around trying new things or stepping outside my comfort zone. I also really felt what it was like to do something ONLY for me, how fulfilling and nourishing that is…how important that is, especially for women. We carry a lot for others, and it’s amazing to take a week to do something that’s just for me. I come back because it’s good for my soul in so many ways – my personal growth, my confidence, my joy. And we’ve made the best friends – it’s just such a beautiful (sometimes brutiful) experience all around.
This is the first year we won’t be competing in her, which is definitely bittersweet, but I have a ton of memories in Cranky, the ‘69 Bronco we inherited after our dad passed – first with Dad going on trail rides, target practicing, and cruising in parades, then when Shell and I started competing in the Rebelle. I’m going to miss rallying in her this year.
