When I first heard of the Rebelle Rally, I was instantly intrigued. After learning how it celebrated women and showcased their badassery, I immediately added it to my bucket list. So when Mitsubishi Motors and Record the Journey, invited me to cover this year’s event- I was ecstatic!
This year’s rally started in Nevada and ended in Glamis Sand Dunes, CA. The dedicated and courageous competitors covered 2,000 kilometers of terrain using only a compass, maps, roadbooks.
What is Rebelle Rally? The Rebelle Rally is the first women’s all out-door, off-road navigation rally raid in the United States. Blending the love of driving with the ultimate challenge of precise navigation, the Rebelle tests the competitors skills over 8 days of competition.
Check out a behind the scenes look at Rebelle Rally 2020…
While there, me and three other journalists were invited to sit in on the competitor briefings, participate in off-road challenges and take a navigation course. It was such an amazing experience. We got to “glamp” in the desert, too. And by glamping, I mean we stayed in these beautiful yurts on the desert. But it wasn’t all glam, there was sweat, sun and a whole lot of adventure. I came back a different person from Rebelle Rally.
5 things I learned from glamping with a fierce group of women
1. Get comfortable with Stepping Outside Your Box
Going into the entire situation knowing that you will have to step outside your comfort zone is key. True, you don’t have all of the luxuries you have at home, but glamping can be so much fun.
2. Essentials Only
Your goal is to bring only necessary essentials. A few weeks before I arrived in CA, Mitsubishi sent over a packing list that saved my life. In addition to that, they also provided media with food, shelter and a few other essentials such as, a water bottle, goggles and a flashlight. These things may seem small, but when taking it back to basics, they make all the difference in the world. Especially, when walking through a pitch black camp or off-roading in sand-filled dunes.
Check out the packing list below…
Packing List:
- light jacket and slightly warmer jacket
- light gloves and scarf
- your go-to mask/bandana/PPE
- long and short sleeved t-shirts
- comfortable pants
- boots (for sand), running shoes, flip-flops (for showers)
- baseball hat
- hygiene products/baby wipes/accessible toiletries
- toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss
- vitamins/electrolytes/necessary Rx medications
- goggles
- sunscreen
- water bottle
- Cooler (Stop at local store and grab ice/cold drinks anytime before arriving at your location)
NOTE: Your packing list will vary depending on where you are headed. Also, because I was there to cover an event. most of our essentials like toiletries, food etc. were provided.
3. Unplug/Live in the moment
While glamping, try unplugging as much as possible and living in the moment.
Although, I was there to do a job, I still found time to unplug and appreciate nature’s beauty, by taking in the magnificent scenery. Also, give thanks for having the opportunity to sleep under the stars and chat it up with friends. A lot of times we are stuck inside on the computer or moving to fast to enjoy anything when we are outside the home.
NOTE: If Wifi is spotty in your location, and you just have to watch your favorite shows, you can always download them before you leave. 🙂
4. Comfort is Key
After hanging out in 114 degree weather and driving through sand dunes, a delicious meal and a comfortable bed bed to sleep in does wonders for the soul. One thing I learned during this entire experience, is that the true key to glamping is having a comfortable bed, with a warm comforter to sleep in after the end of a long day. I would even suggest adding a few throw rugs to cozy up the space, and a speaker to listen to your favorite music.
Note: If you don’t have a Wifi connection, purchase a battery operated radio. I found one on Amazon for $19.99.
5. Take Time To Connect
Since you are taking the time to unplug, enjoy nature and live in the moment, also make it a point to connect with old/new friends. While on this trip I met some amazing and talented women. Women that I new call FRIENDS.
Would you be interested in participating in Rebelle Rally?
*Disclosure: Travel and all other accommodations were provided to me by Mitsubishi Motors. However, all opinions are my own.*
