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October 8 – 17, 2020

Gearing up for the 4th Rebelle Rally

August 2019 Newsletter

ROCKY MOUNTAIN OVERLAND RALLY

We just wrapped up the first Rocky Mountain Overland Rally in Gunnsion, Colorado.  Rebelle founder Emily Miller was on hand to teach Rebelle U courses including drive training, compass and map navigation and our new and popular GPS and GPS apps class. From novices to experienced, there was something for every level and that’s what always makes these trainings so effective. In total, we had 167 people attend! A huge thank you to all that came out including Rebelle Creative Director Katy Kunkel, Rebelles, future Rebelles and our sponsors Chocoloveand Suunto for providing much-needed classroom supplies. Thanks to TOTAL CHAOS Fabrication and to Ray Hyland and his crew for an amazing first-time event. Put it on your calendar for 2020. See you next year, Gunnison!

REBELLE AND JOURNALIST LYN WOODWARD WINS BIG

On the heels of being a finalist for the 2018 Press Guild Excellence in Automotive Journalism Awards, Lyn just won an Automotive Heritage Award for Best Heritage Travel/Adventure Story for her Rebelle Rally article! A huge congrats to Lyn for another accolade well-deserved on her incredibly raw and poignant first-person account on the Rebelle in The Drive.  Not only was Lyn a 2017 Rebelle, she just entered the 2019 competition and we can’t wait to see her back in the dirt.

THE ECO & VALUE OF WELL-BUILT PRODUCTS

AIRAID – Wash, Rinse, Repeat

Think about every time you go to get your oil changed, often the tech recommends or replaces your air filter.  But why?  Does your vehicle need it?  Is it an upsell? That’s why we use AIRAIDwashable, reusable filters.  Made out of premium materials, check it every 30,000-50,000 miles, then wash it and re-install.  Wash, Rinse Repeat.

Over 100,000 filters end up in landfills annually.  By supporting Rebelle partner AIRAID, you can be an active part of preventing unnecessary waste.  And…they’re made in the USA, not shipped across the globe further adding to the product footprint.  Buy online or use the dealer locater @ https://www.airaid.com/air-filters.

CORKCICLE IS BACK
& saving Rebelles countless throwaway bottles

It’s always exciting to welcome a sponsor, but when that sponsor is a three-year supporter, it’s extra special for us. We’re thrilled to announce Corkcicle, our go-to for everything to-go, is back for year three! Corkcicle canteens and tumblers are Rebelle-tested, suited perfectly to our reuse principals, and have been with us through freezing cold, extreme heat, and everything in between. Corkcicle’s unique approach of pushing boundaries in its field is always a crowd pleaser on the Rebelle.

“Corkcicle is honored to support Rebelle Rally and the organization’s commitment to supporting women in competition,” said Corkcicle Senior Marketing Manager Kimberly Devitt. “Just as Rebelle Rally has challenged the status quo by being the first ever first women’s off-road navigation rally raid in the U.S., Corkcicle’s fashion-forward products have revolutionized the drinkware category with innovative design and a mission to complement personal style with social responsibility.” Corkcicle will once again be providing their popular Rebelle-branded canteens to competitors…just another reason to register for this October!

DMOS CRUSHES IT ON KICKSTARTER

To say we’re stoked on Rebelle sponsor DMOS is an understatement. And it comes as no surprise their recent Kickstarter launched them next level with their ultimate tool to-date – the Delta shovel. The purpose-built Delta, an off-road tool with the highest of quality, just broke $100K less than a week after the Kickstarter launch. We always say we don’t leave home without our DMOS shovel, and the Delta will be no exception.  Buying virtually indestructible products is not just a safety consideration, it makes long-term sense on so many levels.

BONUS? It comes in Rebelle Blue, and was launched by badass entreprenuer and 2018/2019 Rebelle Susan Pieper. Be part of it all here.

REBELLE U SEPTEMBER DUNES TRAINING SOLD OUT!
Get on the waiting list now.

Our popular dunes training, held in the deserts of Southern California, is officially at max capacity.  If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact us immediately! This is the most comprehensive dunes training you will ever receive for the Rebelle Rally.  Stay tuned for our Rebelle U 18-month calendar going live on August 15th.

Gearing up for the 4th Rebelle Rally2019-08-06T12:49:17-07:00

Team Tuesday 2019: Debbie & Maria

The mother-daughter bond is like no other, and today’s Team Tuesday is taking it next level by competing in the Rebelle – together. With 2018 Rebelle Maria Guitar participating alongside her mother Debbie Bruen as Team #114 Sand Cats Rally Team, they’re not afraid of a little digital detox. And their chosen third teammate? Maria’s 98’ Toyota 4Runner. Please welcome Debbie and Maria!

Debbie is originally from the Bronx and now resides in Raleigh, NC. where she owns Home Organization by Debbie and is a design consultant. Debbie has not competed in the Rebelle, but that doesn’t mean she’s not familiar with it. In true mom fashion, Debbie was glued to her computer last year watching Maria’s every move on the rally tracker. And now she will be the one out in the middle of nowhere finding her way – alongside the only person she’d do it with.

It all began when Debbie flew out to join Maria at Rebellation last year. Caught up in the competitors’ excitement, when Maria asked Debbie to be her 2019 teammate Debbie quickly responded, “Sure!” after a few gin and tonics. The next morning, she realized what she had done (relatable). So here she is now, learning how to read maps, and there is no one else she’d would trust to be her partner than Maria.

She’s also excited to explore parts of the west that are brand new to her, and get back to her desert roots.

“I lived in the desert region of the Turkana District in Northwest Kenya for over 12 years, where I learned to love the desert. My driving gear was just a loose dress (the culture) and flip-flops. And we avoided driving on the sand dunes if possible. We had a Toyota Hilux and always kept a machete under the front seat. I once buried the truck up to the axles in mud, which is when we pulled out the machete, hacked away at palm fronds, and positioned them below the tires to get out of the mud. We never heard of MAXTRAX – how they would’ve made life so much easier!”

Although she’s a little nervous to test her skills in the rally, Debbie has complete confidence in her multi-talented daughter.  And she’s not leaving home without her bible and and LOTS of Ziploc bags!

Maria is originally from Kenya and now calls Ostrander, Ohio home. She’s an Engine Test Engineer at Honda and cannot wait to get back in the Rebelle after competing in 2018. 

“The Rebelle embodies many things that I love in life – adventure, maps, and problem solving that challenges you to become better than you were yesterday. I love being off grid, knowing where I am, not just because a GPS tells me but because of the ability to utilize a compass and map.”

This is the first time Maria is competing in her 4Runner. She’s a little nervous with it being 21 years old, but is putting it through the paces now and making certain appropriate modifications are complete prior to the rally. She has confidence her “super awesome” 4Runner will be good to go!

Maria is also looking forward reuniting with the community of Rebelles.

“Having the wonderful comradery of strong, brave women who come together for this event is amazing, the feeling is like nothing else! And coming back for round two is exciting. I had the time of my life last year; it is such a wonderful and empowering experience, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my mom!”

She’s also looking forward to having some serious vehicle time with her mom as they always have a blast together. And Maria’s must have item? A photo of her husband and cat!

Maria welcome back to the Rebelle and Debbie – buckle up for an adventure like nothing else! 

 

Team Tuesday 2019: Debbie & Maria2019-09-18T12:35:43-07:00

REBELLE U NEWS – 2019 Sand Dune Training Now Open for Registration

Meet the women of our dunes trainings:

From Canadians to Coloradans to regional Californians, they all spent three intense days in the Southern California desert with founder Emily Sturges Miller and other top-notch instructors learning and increasing dunes driving skills at Rebelle U. The good news for you? Another one is just around the corner.

Join us September 13-15 in the Imperial Dunes of California for a curriculum like no other to prepare for the Rebelle Rally…and other adventures you may have up your sleeve.
Register now to secure your spot: bit.ly/2019dunes

REBELLE U NEWS – 2019 Sand Dune Training Now Open for Registration2019-07-08T12:14:15-07:00

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Enters the New Cullinan SUV in the 2019 Rebelle Rally

NEWS RELEASE

July 1, 2019 (Reno, NV) – Today, Rolls-Royce announced their participation in the 2019 Rebelle Rally. The company will showcase the new Cullinan SUV with experienced competitors and 2018 Rebelle Rally co-champions Emme Hall and Rebecca Donaghe at the helm.

This exciting entry will compete in the CUV Class – comprised of street legal vehicles with unibody construction and two-wheel or all-wheel drive with no transfer case. The Rebelle Rally is open to stock manufacturer vehicles, not tube chassis race cars. Past entries include stock Subarus, Honda Ridgelines,  the Honda Pilot, Jaguar F-PACE, and Porsche Cayennes. Once again the class will not disappoint this year, with a wide range of capable vehicles.

“We applaud Rolls-Royce for believing in the Rebelle Rally as a place to showcase the new Cullinan. We are truly excited about the wide variety of vehicles and teams that participate and prove their competence,” noted rally founder and director Emily Miller.

Original Rebelle and automotive journalist Jaclyn Trop wrote about the Rolls-Royce Cullinan in this month’s issue of Fortune Magazine. One well-said quote from the brand’s CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, “It’s the first Rolls-Royce that looks better dirty.”

For the full announcement from Rolls-Royce, click here.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Enters the New Cullinan SUV in the 2019 Rebelle Rally2019-07-01T14:28:11-07:00

June Newsletter – Course Surprises, AIRAID Offer, & 2019 Event Info!

In case you missed it, our June newsletter is full of exciting information for every Rebelle fan. Read on to find all about course surprises, how AIRAID leveled up their support, and details on our upcoming competition less than four months away!

2019 REBELLE COURSE HAS NEW SURPRISES

A lot is in store for teams this October thanks to Course Director Jimmy Lewis, who has outdone himself on his fourth year as Course Director. Expect the unexpected as Jimmy and Emily find even more ways to challenge teams while showing breathtaking parts of the U.S. that mostly go unseen. We’re super excited to reveal to this year’s competitors the adventures in store.

TECH RETURNS TO OLYMPIC VALLEY
The excitement will begin before the course; however, as we have our Tech Inspection once again in gorgeous Olympic Valley at Lake Tahoe. Set against the mountains, family, friends, and sponsors are welcome to send teams off with their support by joining us at the Squaw Valley Conference Center on Thursday, October 10th, and our Welcome Party that evening. This is the last chance to see the Rebelles as they will be out of all communications once they hand in their cell phones until San Diego!

REBELLATION & AWARDS AT SAN DIEGO’S PREMIER ON-WATER VENUES
And of course, we can’t call it the Rebelle Rally without finishing the competition in grand style. We will host our second annual daytime awards podium at Broadway Pier in San Diego at 12pm on Saturday, October 19th. Sponsors, friends, and family are welcome to join this public event by the water.

That evening, we’ll be trading in our wheels for heels at our always popular Rebellation gala at Coasterra, where we tell everyone to wear what makes them feel like a million bucks. This ticketed event – open to friends, family, and partners – is a way to celebrate competitors in their accomplishments along with dinner, dancing, and mingling under the stars and by the sea. Tickets go on sale August 1st.

AIRAID GIVEAWAY FOR NEW REGISTERING TEAMS!

We’re kicking off the first week of summer with some exciting news from the AIRAID team. AIRAID came onboard as a sponsor of the Rebelle Rally in May, and has just leveled up their support of competitors with an impactul offer:  the next five teams that sign up for the Rebelle Rally will receive a $300 AIRAID gift card.

The gift card can be used to help cover the cost of a team’s AIRAID air intake. It can also be used as an auction or raffle item for a Rebelle team’s fundraising efforts. As competitors know, a little goes a long way and we are thrilled that AIRAID has so generously donated to our 2019 teams. Teams signing up for the installment plan will qualify. Limit one per team. (Not redeemable for cash.)

A huge thank you to AIRAID for this direct support of our incredible teams.  And check out their new website at www.airaid.com.  Their great crew has recreated AIRAID to connect people’s love of driving and is literally breathing new life into adventure on wheels.

THE LIFE OF A LEGEND – REMEMBERING ROD HALL
By Emily Miller

This past Friday, we lost our great friend with the passing of Rod Hall. Hall was a legend in the off-road racing world, with a race and win resume that is beyond compare. But he also leaves behind an enduring legacy and impact that will be felt for generations. Many may not know, but without Rod, there would be no Rebelle Rally.

I met Rod Hall at the National Automobile Museum about 17 years ago. I started getting call after call from Hall to team up on a couple projects that he was working on. I didn’t know him, didn’t know his racing history. I just knew that he was funny, tenacious, and the projects sounded like something where I could lend a hand. It would change the course of my path. He taught me to drive off-road, and gave me the amazing opportunity to race for him. He even rode with me in the right seat in the Baja 1000 and the first thing out of his mouth was “I don’t think I’ve ever sat in this seat.” Talk about pressure! We partnered in producing ride and drive events, drive trainings, the Michelin/BFGoodrich Light Truck Tire Seminars, and worked to revive the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. We spent countless hours, days and months scouting trails, laughing, and talking about life, ideas, and dreams…and he encouraged me to start the Rebelle.

Rod wanted to see more women in racing. We saw how well women did in our drive training programs, so we produced a women’s drive training event over a decade ago and knew we were on to something that could change the off-road experience for women. He was the inspiration to keep the Rebelle for stock, OEM vehicles. When it came time to lay out the first Rebelle course, Rod was our course director. He and I, along with Tom Heyl and Tech Director Chris Woo, spent days and days pouring over the upper part of the Nevada route, knowing it would set the tone of what would become the longest competitive off-road rally in the lower 48. As it became clear that his health was deteriorating, we would just go drive. Because nothing replaces windshield time with Rod Hall.

I am so thankful for the days spent in Rod’s kitchen with him and his wonderful wife Donna encouraging me through the launch of the rally. I’m thankful for our friendship. I’m thankful that he always believed in me. I’m thankful for his encouragement to drive beyond our borders – to see the world from the backroads and off the beaten path. I’m even thankful for all the 5 am text messages because Rod caffeinated early and was ready to go to work!

We will all miss Rod dearly. His stories. His one-liners. His delivery. Our sincerest condolences to the Hall Family and especially Donna, and his beloved granddaughter Shelby. The Rebelle community also thanks Original Rebelle Amy Lerner for her dedication to bring Rod’s story to the screen in One More Win. In his honor, donations may be made in his name to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.

June Newsletter – Course Surprises, AIRAID Offer, & 2019 Event Info!2019-06-27T10:40:19-07:00

Team Tuesday 2019: Chris & Anna


Team Tuesday 2019: Chris & Anna

 

When your common denominator is a vehicle, you drive an FJ in the Rebelle. So is the case with today’s Team Tuesday, Chris Cole and Anna Loy! With a love of off-roading and adventure enthusiasm, they’re gearing up for their next skill test taking place this October.

Chris is originally from Estes Park, Colorado and now resides in Broomfield, Colorado. She’s an accountant and bookkeeper at Toytec Lifts in Denver. Chris and Anna met on the Facebook Colorado FJ Cruisers page as they both have Toyota FJs. Meeting in person last year at the NW Overland Rally, in July Anna asked Chris to be her navigator in the Rebelle. 

Chris already has a few memorable trips that stick out. One is an unforgettable trip in her 20s to Alaska where she experienced the land, people, and lifestyle. The experience was amazing. Getting ready her ultimate road trip in just four months, she’s not leaving home without coffee (we got you Chris), and her toothbrush. Although she’ll miss speaking with her daughter for ten days, she’s also competing in the Rebelle for her.

“I want to show my 13 year old daughter that her mom is a strong woman, and that I am ready for this new adventure that I am scared to death to try.”

Anna is from Diamond Bar, California, and now calls Las Vegas her residence. She keeps busy as a registered nurse, and when she’s not working you’ll find her off-roading, traveling, reading, and concert-going. 

This FJ enthusiast fell in love with off-roading a few years ago, and hasn’t looked back since. She discovered meeting a ton of great friends is one of the many perks of off-roading, along with exploring the outdoors like never before. Anna is now looking to push herself even more as an off-roader – hence her competing in the rally this year. 

“The Rebelle Rally is to me that other level of testing my off-roading skills and learning how to navigate out in the desert.  Going off-roading while trying to get from point A to point B is a challenge. I’m going for it full steam ahead!”

A self-proclaimed Toyota person, Anna describes her FJ as a “highly capable vehicle for most any terrain.” The vehicle  impresses her time and time again with what it can do off-road. 

We’re stoked to have Team #105 compete in their favorite vehicle this fall. And their passion for adventure and off-roading will definitely be fueled on the Rebelle!

Team Tuesday 2019: Chris & Anna2019-09-18T12:35:57-07:00

Team Tuesday 2019: Thayer & Penny

Don’t call it a comeback: Team Tuesday has returned with another fierce duo headed to the Rebelle this October!

Thayer Low and Penny Dale are automotive-minded women, and met over Instagram via one common love – Land Rovers. Having competed last year together in Thayer’s LR4, they’re thrilled to get back into competition mode together in the dirt for the 2019 Rebelle Rally.

Thayer was born in Hawaiian Gardens, California and moved around quite a bit with her family growing up. She now calls Arvada, Colorado home. Thayer is a dedicated mom to two girls (a full time job!), loves to off-road in her spare time, and head off adventuring with her family.

She’s excited to use her skills from last year in this year’s competition – coming back better prepared and armed with her 2018 experience. Plus with her Land Rover, Thayer feels she’s in good hands. “Land Rovers are extremely capable off-road cars that often don’t get enough credit. ‘Monty’ (our third teammate) has a great ride, covers all kinds of terrain, holds everything imaginable, and hauls toddlers on top of that!”

Thayer feels their biggest challenge last year was the dunes – navigating and driving in them. So returning to tackle them is definitely on her to-do list!

Lastly, her favorite thing about the Rebelle? “No technology! And the lifelong friends you make.”

Penny’s hometown is Saltspring Island, BC Canada, and she currently resides in Vancouver where she is a registered Interior Designer. And Penny is just as big of a Land Rover fan as Thayer! Her passion for the vehicle stems from her experience driving them.  Like Thayer, she owns an LR4 and calls Land Rovers “incredibly capable and intuitive without aftermarket mods and equally as comfortable.” Penny also has a passion for off-road adventures (we don’t blame her), and you can also find her doing anything outdoors…at anytime!

Penny had an incredible time last year with her teammate, and mentioned she learned so much about both the competition, and herself. “It’s an incredible challenge and environment to test yourself and grow. To do so with so many inspiring women is very special.”

The hardest part about last year’s rally? “Understanding we can’t know everything and learning to give yourself grace when you goof up.” And the best part according to Penny? “The camaraderie amidst the competition.” 

See you in the dirt, Team #164 Anam Cara!

Team Tuesday 2019: Thayer & Penny2019-09-27T09:25:42-07:00

Rebelle Rally Announces 2019 Partnership with AIRAID

NEWS RELEASE

May 1, 2019 (Reno, NV) – Today, the Rebelle Rally announced aftermarket industry leader AIRAID as a 2019 premier sponsor.  The event is set to take place October 10-19, 2019. The competition is the longest competitive off-road rally in the lower 48, and the first navigational off-road rally for women in the U.S.

AIRAID, a name synonymous with power and performance in automotive for over twenty years, includes a lineup of well-crafted, dependable products for anyone’s “third teammate” – their vehicle. While the company may have a new look, their products retain their known reliability and steadfast improvement to the oxygen our vehicles literally breathe. The mission of AIRAID and their commitment to possibilities in off-road adventure, sport and beyond, align with the rally’s core concept of pushing limits.

“We believe in everything the Rebelle stands for. It is a top-notch competition that provides a platform for our products to be put to the ultimate test. It’s the perfect combination of performance and adventure showcasing the AIRAID advantage,” said Steven duBois, AIRAID’s Brand Manager. “Like the Rebelle community, we are passionate about exploration. We live to ungoogle our minds and find those paths that often make us feel uncomfortable in unchartered waters, this is when we feel alive the most. It’s called living.”

The 2019 Rebelle Rally will start with technical inspection at Lake Tahoe, traverse 8 days of competition across Nevada and California concluding in the sand dunes of Glamis with closing ceremonies in San Diego. Up to 50 teams are expected to compete and the company also plans to field a team in their custom-built AIRAID Jeep Rubicon.

“Rebelles rely on companies that consistently build durable, dependable equipment combined with proven performance. We align with partners that practice what they preach, live adventure, and believe in women pushing and breaking barriers. We are beyond excited about our relationship with AIRAID,” explained Rebelle founder Emily Miller.

To learn more about AIRAID, log on to airaid.com.

Rebelle Rally Announces 2019 Partnership with AIRAID2019-05-14T20:00:37-07:00

Total Chaos Fabrication – Official Suspension of the 2019 Rebelle Rally

TOTAL CHAOS Fabrication will return as the Official Suspension of the 2019 Rebelle Rally.  Without TC, the Rebelle Rally would be a bumpy ride in more ways than one. We trust our vehicles and bodies to their insanely well-crafted equipment and their incredibly capable crew as our selected pool of media drivers. A huge thank you the entire crew for supporting us since Day One, and for taking our vehicles AND rally next level.

 

 

Total Chaos Fabrication – Official Suspension of the 2019 Rebelle Rally2019-05-14T19:40:00-07:00