Back in Action: Big Bear Sim Weekend

Reunited and Ready

After weeks of jam-packed schedules and not enough face time, Jessi and I, Jessica, finally carved out a full weekend to get our heads back in the rally game. The moment we hit the road Friday toward Big Bear, the excitement kicked in. It was the first time in a while we’d had the chance to be out together, focused, and fully immersed in prep mode.

That always gives me a jolt of confidence, just being back in action with Jessi. It felt like a homecoming to the rhythm we know so well: early mornings, maps on dashboards, and the satisfying hum of tires on dirt roads.

Packing Light, Planning Big

We rolled up in Jessi’s Jeep, which she had expertly packed (as usual), and I stuck to my light-and-lean style of packing. It’s always a bit of a dance figuring out what you really need versus what just takes up space, and this weekend reaffirmed that minimal but mindful works best.

Once camp was set, we got down to business. Jessi had spent time ahead of the weekend putting together a set of 20 coordinates and printing out a custom map for me. This wasn’t just a casual practice; we were running a full-on simulation designed to push both of us.

Lessons from a Cold Morning

I woke up at 5am Saturday to start plotting, and right away was reminded: my hands get cold fast, even when it’s not that cold. I made a mental note (and now an actual gear list addition): heated gloves are a must before the rally.

Cold hands = slow nav. It sounds minor, but when you're racing the sun and trying to get everything plotted accurately before wheels roll, every minute counts. It's a good reminder that sometimes it’s the little things that can make or break a smooth start.

Checkpoint Chase Begins

We had planned to leave camp at 7am, and right on the dot, we rolled out. The day was packed with checkpoints: greens, blues, and blacks (and if you’re new to the Rebelle lingo, check out our blog "What Is the Rebelle Rally?" for a breakdown).

Some of the coordinates Jessi gave me were slightly off, which we expected—she had originally set them while rolling during the Jeep Jamboree. We knew this weekend would be our time to refine them into the perfect points.

That made it perfect for dialing in my blue and black checkpoint practice. I marked every one in Gaia, fine-tuning our process as we went and getting faster and more confident with each one. It wasn’t just about hitting the marks, it was about how we worked through the ones that challenged us.

Big Bear: Nature’s Rally Course

Big Bear offered the perfect terrain for a true Rebelle-style shakedown. The area surrounding the lake is a beautiful tangle of valleys, peaks, and tree-covered ridgelines. The changing elevation and dense forest made it easy to lose bearings if we weren’t dialed in, which made it an ideal place to test and stretch our skills.

While my navigation was definitely tested under pressure, Jessi—with her off-road skills—got to have a little fun with some minor rock climbing and technical lines that made the most of the terrain. A key takeaway? If a checkpoint doesn’t immediately make sense, slow down and read the map more deeply. There’s almost always a clue hiding in the topo lines or terrain. That mindset shift was huge and one I know will come in handy on the rally.

Prepping for July's Big Weekend

This wasn’t just a training run for us. It was also a dry run for the July training weekend we’re organizing for other Rebelles. We packed it with every twist we could think of: on-time enduros, on-route enduros, heading-derived points, step pacing, topo reading—and more we’re keeping as a surprise for when they show up!

We even built in moments where you had to second-guess your instincts, because that’s part of the real rally too. The goal? To create a weekend where other competitors can come in, practice, troubleshoot, and leave feeling sharper than when they arrived.

Gear Gaps and Growing Confidence

Aside from the glove revelation, this weekend helped me spot a few other gear and system tweaks I want to make before the rally. For example, organizing my tools into a more intuitive, grab-and-go system like I did this weekend, double-checking the communication protocols Jessi and I rely on when things ramp up, testing out new rulers that might offer better precision in the field, and reevaluating how I pack my clothing bag so I’m not digging for essentials at the wrong time.

That’s the beauty of a simulation, you get to find your weaknesses in a controlled, supportive environment. And every checkpoint we chased reminded me why I love this rally and why I trust Jessi at my side. We’re not just getting ready, we’re getting sharp.

Coming Soon: July Training Weekend!

For those who are attending this practice weekend, get ready. Whether you're brand new to the Rebelle or returning for another round, it's going to be packed with learning, challenge, and fun.

Expect a full day of checkpoints, nav challenges, enduros, and plenty of support and camaraderie. We’re designing this weekend to mimic a day on the rally, from plotting in the dark to tracking that final black checkpoint as the sun sets.

Want In?

If you're a fellow Rebelle and you're interested in joining the July practice weekend, we'd love to have you! Reach out to us on Instagram to get the details and reserve your spot. We’ll share what we’ve learned, help troubleshoot your setup, and make sure everyone walks away more confident. Let’s practice together and make this rally season the best one yet. See you in the dirt!

👉 @pinkstarjess 👉 @arctrooper.jl

DM us with your questions or to claim a spot—we can't wait to train with you!

Watch the Instagram Reel of our Weekend >>HERE<<