July 2025 Newsletter
July 31st, 2025
It’s been ten years on the ground, and we mean serious ground. From ghost towns that whisper back to you, to dunes that can swallow a 4×4 whole, we’ve covered some unforgettable territory. This month, we’re kicking off our Top Ten series by spotlighting the rally locations that have defined the Rebelle over the last decade. These are the places that push teams, shape stories, and keep us coming back for more.
We’re also catching up with longtime staff legends Shelley Krehbiel and Rich Klein, checking in on 2022 competitor Katie Abraham to see where the rally has taken her, and sharing what happens when Rebelle U goes kid-sized (spoiler: it involves inflatable globes and zero screens).
And because we always keep it real in the field, we’ve got gear recs, summer vehicle prep, and a look at how OEMs like Rivian are using the Rebelle as their proving ground.
Scroll on. You don’t want to miss this one.
See you out there,
The Rebelle Team
Top Ten Iconic Locations from the Rebelle Rally
Ten years in, and we’ve covered some serious ground. The Rebelle Rally isn’t just about competition, it’s about pushing limits in places most people will never see. Places that mostly go undiscovered. We pride ourselves on these hidden gems. From ghost towns to sand dunes, these are the spots that have defined a decade of Rebelle. The terrain is real. The stories are earned. And these locations have delivered every single time.
As part of our Top Ten series marking a decade of the Rebelle, we’re looking back at the locations that shaped the rally. Check out our top ten rally locations now!
Staff Spotlight: Shelley Krehbiel & Rich Klein
The Rally’s Ultimate Support Team
For 10 years, married couple Shelley Krehbiel and Rich Klein have been an essential part of the Rebelle Rally. As trusted course workers, and with Shelley serving as our Staff Manager, they help keep the event running smoothly. They track vehicles, solve problems, and support teams from first light to well after dark. We are incredibly lucky to have them.
From early mornings to desert recoveries, they’ve seen it all and continue to show up year after year with skill and heart.
Read their full story and get a glimpse behind the scenes of the Rebelle Rally!
Where are They Now: Katie Abraham
Katie Abraham entered the Rebelle Rally in 2022 looking for a challenge. What she found was a spark that shifted everything: her career, her confidence, and her sense of direction.
Since that first rally, Katie has stepped into the off-road industry full time, co-driven in desert races, and started teaching recovery and driving skills to others. She’s building a life rooted in adventure, purpose, and saying yes to what scares her.
This month’s Where Are They Now catches up with Katie to see how the Rebelle helped her trust herself, find her voice, and create a life that feels fully her own.
Rebelle U Goes Kid Mode
A homeschooling student with a love for cars and mechanics inspired something brand new: Rebelle U for Kids.
Five-time Rebelle LeeWhay Pasek led the first session in Vermont, teaching homeschoolers how to read maps, use compasses, and calculate distances. No screens. Just hands-on fun.
“Their attention spans were amazing,” said LeeWhay. “It was fun to see kids and parents diving in together.”
With custom kits, inflatable globes, and a ton of curiosity, the first Rebelle U for Kids session was a hit. And maybe just the beginning.
Rebelle Selects: The OG Compass That Still Leads the Way
When we talk about must-have gear for the Rebelle Rally, this compass is always the first thing that comes up. The Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass has been on our gear list from the very beginning, and we still swear by it.
In an event where GPS is off and every decision matters, this is the one we trust. It’s rugged enough for the terrain we face and reliable when we need it most. Quick tip: always go for a compass with a sighting mirror. It helps with accurate bearings and can double as a signaling mirror if things go sideways.
Why we still carry the Suunto MC-2 G:
- Global needle works anywhere
- Mirror sighting gives precise bearings
- Built-in declination adjustment and inclinometer
- Luminous markings and a solid baseplate for clear map work
We’ve used it across countless miles, trained with it, and watched teams rely on it in the toughest moments. If you ever find yourself turned around out there, this might just be the thing that points you back to the finish line.
In The Press & News: GearJunkie
We attended The Big Thing event held in Montana this month, trust us, it lived up to its name.
We brought Rebelle U Presented by Pennzoil to XOverland Ranch for their first-ever 4-day event, and the response exceeded expectations.
Our classes filled so quickly that we had to add another session just to keep up. It was great seeing attendees dive into navigation, GPS apps, off-road driving, and what it takes to compete in the Rebelle. Being onsite as both a vendor and training partner was a highlight, the atmosphere was incredible, and enthusiasm contagious.
A huge thanks to everyone who attended and stopped by to say hi. It was especially great seeing so many familiar faces from our Rebelle community, current Rebelles, future Rebelles, and supporters!
In The Press & News: MotorTrend & WTOL 11
The Rebelle Rally continues to serve as a proving ground for manufacturers, and Rivian is one of many OEMs that have turned to the event for serious real-world testing.
A new MotorTrend feature spotlights Rivian’s RAD Tuner software, developed by the Adventure Department, the same team behind the brand’s Rebelle Rally and Pikes Peak efforts. One of the standout presets, Desert Rally mode, was engineered during the 2023 Rebelle Rally and is now available in the 2026 R1T and R1S Quad Motor.
Fun fact: Rivian made history at the 2023 Rebelle Rally as the first EV to take the win. Lessons from that course directly informed updates to Soft Sand Mode, including refinements to throttle response and ride height based on deep sand feedback.
Rivian broke new ground in 2020 as the first electric vehicle in the Rebelle Rally. Rivian first entered the Rebelle in 2020 with a pre-production R1T. “Ever since we first entered the rally with a pre-production R1T in 2020, Rebelle has been an important learning opportunity for Rivian. We get crucial feedback from our competitors and support teams that helps improve the driving experience for all Rivian owners.” –Rivian Stories
And lastly, we love seeing teams get proactive with their own media. Case in point: three-time Rebelle Keri Porter, whom we featured last month in our “Where Are They Now” series, is gearing up for her fourth Rebelle Rally this October.
Catch Keri’s recent interview with WTOL 11, and follow Team #149 through live tracking, daily updates, and our live show presented by Toyota…coming your way in less than three months!
Toyota Returns for 2025
Toyota is back as Silver Partner and presenting sponsor of Rebelle Rally LIVE, bringing all of the action straight to your living room, office, and everywhere in between. Trust us, this is the next best thing to being there. The manufacturer is also fielding six teams including past 4×4 champs Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley. Added bonus? Rebelle alum and ESPN journalist Alyssa Roenigk joins as live show host, wearing her sports reporting hat straight from the Rebelle field.
Pennzoil Challenge Debuts for 2025 Rebelle Rally
This year we’re excited to launch the inaugural Pennzoil Challenge! Privateer teams can receive product support, custom gear, and special rankings, with an unforgettable VIP experience awaiting for the winning team, including suite access, pit-box seating, and a driver meet-and-greet at the 2026 Pennzoil 400 NASCAR event in Las Vegas. Learn more here, and teams, don’t miss your chance to participate!
Thank you Toyota and Pennzoil for your continued support of the Rebelle Rally!
Summer heat takes a toll on vehicles, especially when you’re pushing limits in remote places. This month, give your vehicle the attention it deserves.
Check your coolant level and make sure it’s fresh and rated for high temps. Look over belts and hoses for any signs of wear or softness. High heat can turn a small crack into a major failure. Change your oil if needed. Full synthetic oil like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum® protects better under stress and heat.
Also think inside the vehicle. Keep hydration close, use a sunshade, and check your A/C if you haven’t already. Prepping now means fewer surprises later.
Confidence starts with preparation. #LongMayWeDrive
Parting Shot
The Rebelle isn’t about being seen. It’s about seeing what you’re made of.
Photo Credit: Nicole Dreon
