May 2025 Newsletter
May 28th, 2025
We kicked off our storytelling Top Ten series last month with advice from Head Rally Judge Chrissie Beavis—words we hope every future Rebelle has saved (and maybe Sharpied on their map board).
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on the moments that have defined the rally—whether chaotic, unexpected, or downright legendary. The memorable moments that are uniquely Rebelle.
You’ll also catch up with longtime competitor Keri Porter as she trades bus routes for off-road routes, and meet Pirelli’s newest, bold all-terrain tire – the Scorpion™ XTM.
With five months to go, we’re deep in it—and exactly where we want to be.
—The Rebelle Team
From the Desert to the Expo Floor
Back in 2020, we teamed up with Renewable Innovations to launch the Electrified Program—our way of supporting EVs out in the middle of nowhere. It was a big experiment, and we’ve learned a lot since.
This April, Emily Miller spoke at ACT Expo in Anaheim, invited by Renewable Innovations to join their Advanced Sustainability Theater. She shared some of the real stories behind the program—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what it actually takes to run electric vehicles in the kind of terrain we rally in.
Grateful to have the chance to share our experience with a room full of people working on the future of clean transportation. And as always, huge thanks to Renewable Innovations for helping us take that first leap back in 2020.
Top Ten Most Unforgettable Moments on the Rebelle Rally
Escaping wildfires on Day 1 of the very first Rebelle Rally. A food truck stuck for hours. A mid-course engine swap. Tents launched into orbit.
We pulled together ten rally moments that pushed limits, rewrote the script, and still have the team shaking their heads (and sometimes laughing).
Staff Spotlight: Meet Stephanie Prater – Basecamp's Creative Force
When it comes to transforming raw desert into an inviting, one-of-a-kind gathering space, Stephanie Prater is the mastermind. Part artist, part event producer, and fully unstoppable, she’s been shaping the soul of every Rebelle basecamp since year one.
With a background in design and a love for creating beauty in unexpected places, Stephanie doesn’t just decorate—she sets the scene for connection, reflection, and a little bit of wonder under the stars. From battling high desert winds to crafting decor by hand, she thrives on the challenge.
As we celebrate 10 years, Stephanie is doubling down on surprise and style—so if you’re headed to Basecamp 3, prepare for something bold.
In The Press: Tires Review
The only thing we love more than a capable tire? Putting it to the test.
Everyone—from Rebelle staff to competitors and the extended Rebelle crew—has been waiting for the release of the super rugged Pirelli Scorpion™ XTM AT. And now it’s here. We have been testing it since July ‘24 and have been extremely impressed. “Precise, stable and durable,” is what Miller and Lewis say.
Reviews are already rolling in—from Car & Driver to Expedition Portal to TireReview.com, who took the new XTM AT to Death Valley and tested it on real terrain: sand dunes, rocky trails, and 100°F heat across terrain we know firsthand. Their takeaway? Solid traction, reliable control, and a surprisingly quiet ride on pavement. A 150+ year old company known for performance, it’s no surprise this is an exceptional tire.
Watch TireReview.com‘s full video for epic scenery, challenging terrain, and—more importantly—a tire that actually shows up to do the work.
We’ll be watching for it on course this year—bring on the dirt!
Sign up for Our August Rebelle U
There’s training—and then there’s this.
August 21–24 | Ridgecrest, CA
4-Day Driving & Navigation Intensive
Built by the team behind the Rebelle Rally, this course goes deeper than anything else out there. Real terrain. Real skills. Real coaching. You’ll leave with more than knowledge—you’ll leave ready.
If you’re serious about off-road adventure or rally prep, this is the benchmark.
$2,600 per vehicle (up to 2 people)
LIMITED SPOTS FOR OUR MOST POPULAR TRAINING
Where are They Now: Keri Porter
Keri Porter first hit the Rebelle Rally course in 2018, and she hasn’t stopped showing up since. What started as a leap into the unknown turned into something bigger: a drive to teach, lead, and help others find their way—both off-road and in life.
After retiring from her job as a school bus driver, Keri and her husband launched Discover 4×4 Adventures, trading routine for the open road. Today, they run trail events that help people get more confident behind the wheel and more capable with their vehicles.
This month’s Where Are They Now checks in with longtime Rebelle Keri Porter—see how the rally helped her own her story and carve out a whole new direction.
Spring might be warming things up, but summer brings its own challenges—especially for your battery. Heat speeds up the loss of battery life, and most replace the battery after it leaves them stranded. With the remote places the Rebelle community travels, be proactive and prevent problems before they happen!
Pop the hood and take a quick look:
- Corrosion on the terminals? Clean it up.
- Over 3 years old? Get it tested before temps spike.
- Keep a multimeter in your toolkit. Make sure it reads 12.6 volts when your car is off. Or, use the headlight test if you don’t have equipment.
- Check out AAA for great tips on taking care of your battery.
A simple check can save you a call to roadside assistance later. Keep it charged, keep it clean, and keep rolling. #LongMayWeDrive
Rebelle Selects: “Blink” By Malcolm Gladwell
Because sometimes, your gut knows before you do.
If you’ve ever sat at a black diamond checkpoint questioning everything—or felt something was off even when the math checked out—this one’s for you.
Blink isn’t new, but it still hits. Malcolm Gladwell unpacks how snap decisions work, why your instincts can be incredibly sharp, and when they might steer you wrong. It’s the kind of read that makes you think twice about overthinking.
On the Rebelle, those split seconds matter. You don’t always have time to second-guess, and trusting yourself is part of the job. That’s why we’ll always recommend Blink—for the rally, for life, and for those “I just know this isn’t right” moments.
Give it a read (or a re-read)!
Parting Shot
Rebel = verb – to defy convention.
Belle = noun – a beautiful woman.
Rebelle = a beautiful woman who defies convention.
Photo Credit: Nicole Dreon
