By Rebeca Olavarrieta
The Rebelle Rally is not just an off-road navigation challenge; it’s a testament to the spirit, determination, and resilience of women who dare to push beyond their limits. The competition spans over a thousand miles across some of the most challenging terrains in the American West, and is a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork. Through the eyes of competitors—Cora Jokinen, Kathryn Reinhardt, and Sedona Blinson—the SBN explores the motivations, challenges, and triumphs that define this unique event.
For each competitor, the motivation to join the Rebelle Rally stemmed from different yet equally compelling reasons. Jokinen, who was captivated by the intense media buildup to the event, shared “I knew I wanted to participate, and I didn’t know what to expect—that was what was so exciting.”
For Reinhardt, the allure was in the rally's length and the diverse terrains. “The Rebelle Rally is an adventure that you can’t just show up and try. You have to prepare,” she shared.
Blinson, a mother of two, saw the Rebelle Rally as a much-needed adventure and an opportunity to reconnect with herself beyond the roles of motherhood. “The Rebelle was an adventure that allowed me to practice and prepare with my family, but compete by myself,” she reflected.
Preparation for the Rebelle Rally is no small feat. It demands physical and mental endurance, as well as a deep understanding of off-road driving and traditional navigation. Jokinen’s love for maps and her architectural background gave her an edge in plotting routes, while Reinhardt emphasized the importance of thorough preparation—knowing how to pack, what to pack, and how to navigate treacherous situations, such as getting unstuck in the middle of nowhere. Blinson’s preparation evolved from basic map and compass skills to mastering various navigation techniques, each year building upon the last.
Every Rebelle competitor faces challenges that test their limits. For Jokinen, it was the final day of the first rally when, knowing they wouldn’t make the podium, her team chose to help others stuck in the Glamis sand dunes—a selfless act that was as rewarding as it was memorable. “We helped six teams get unstuck, and it was really rewarding,” she said.
Reinhardt’s most harrowing experience came on the first day of her rally when her team lost a tire and their jack broke. Stranded and unsure if they could continue, they had to rally their spirits, relying on the camaraderie and support of other teams to get back on track. “It was frustrating, scary, and it tore us down emotionally, not knowing if we could even continue,” she admitted.
Blinson recalls the emotional toll of her rookie year as one of the most difficult challenges she’s ever faced. The sheer complexity of the competition—combining navigation, driving, and emotional endurance—pushed her to her limits. However, the experience only strengthened her resolve, making her second year a triumph. “Overcoming the emotional challenge of our rookie year was the real challenge, and not just during the rally, but after,” she explained. Crossing the finish line with friends, champagne in hand, marked a moment of pure joy and camaraderie, encapsulating the essence of what it means to be a Rebelle.
The Rebelle Rally is more than just a competition; it’s a community of like-minded women brought together by their shared love of adventure and the outdoors. Jokinen highlighted the fascinating, adventurous women from around the world who come together for this challenging event. “The Rebelle brings the most fascinating, adventurous women from around the world to one place and a very challenging competition,” she said.
Reinhardt emphasizes the skills and training provided by the rally, which not only prepares competitors for the event but also fosters connections among women from across the country. For Blinson, the Rebelle is a “choose-your-own-adventure” where women of all skill levels can come together, compete, and support each other as they cross the finish line.
A key aspect of the Rebelle Rally is its commitment to environmental sustainability. Participants are taught to tread lightly, minimizing their impact on the diverse terrains they traverse. Jokinen’s team always carries a cleanup bag, picking up any trash they find along the trail, a practice that contributed to their winning the Team Spirit award. Reinhardt praises the rally’s eco-friendly practices, from limiting what participants can use to promoting electrification efforts. “The Rebelle Rally is eco-friendly, environmentally conscious, and has expanded into electrification efforts,” she noted.
Blinson added that the rally’s format, which focuses on precision rather than speed, further contributes to its environmental sustainability, allowing competitors to explore the deserts with minimal impact.
The Rebelle Rally is a unique and transformative experience for every woman who dares to take on the challenge. Through the stories of Jokinen, Reinhardt, and Blinson, we see the essence of what it means to be a Rebelle—strength, resilience, community, and a deep respect for the environment. Their journeys, filled with highs and lows, victories, and challenges, are a testament to the power of perseverance and the unbreakable bonds forged on the rugged trails of the Rebelle Rally.