What’s it like to compete in the longest US off-road rally with no GPS?

Summary

I’ve been involved with the Rebelle Rally since its inception in 2016, either as a competitor or live show host, and over the past 10 years, I’ve seen it evolve from a scrappy rally with big dreams to the world-class event that it is today. In a nutshell, the Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States, covering over 2,000 kilometers, and it just happens to be for women. Over eight days, teams of two must plot coordinates on a map, figure out their route, and find multiple checkpoints—both marked and unmarked—with no GPS, cell phones, or chase crews. It is not a race for speed but rather a rally for navigational accuracy over some of the toughest terrain California and Nevada have to offer. There are two classes: 4×4 with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco and X-Cross for cars like the Honda Passport and BMW X5. Heavy modifications aren’t needed, and many teams compete for the coveted Bone Stock award. For this 10th anniversary, I got back behind the wheel of a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as a driver, with Kendra Miller as my navigator, to defend my multiple podium finishes and stage wins and get reacquainted with the technology, or lack thereof, that makes this multi-day competition so special. Emme Hall (R), driver, and Kendra Miller (L), navigator, before the start of the 2025 Rebelle Rally. Ernesto Araiza Emme Hall (R), driver, and Kendra Miller (L), navigator, before the start of the 2025 Rebelle Rally. Ernesto Araiza Technology powers the Rebelle Rally, except for when it comes to the competitors' navigation. Nicole Dreon Technology powers the Rebelle Rally, except for when it comes to the competitors' navigation. Nicole Dreon Does this rally run actually on tater tots? Nicole Dreon Does this rally run actually on tater tots? Nicole Dreon Technology powers the Rebelle Rally, except for when it comes to the competitors' navigation. Nicole Dreon Does this rally run actually on tater tots? Nicole Dreon High-tech ...