In the Media: The Trailhead Network - Finding Our True North

What’s the hardest part of the Rebelle Rally?

We get asked that a lot—and no, it’s not the map plotting, the desert heat, or the early mornings. The real challenge is navigating the emotional terrain with your teammate. And that’s something we (Jess & Jessi of Team Jess² reRouting) have been determined to master.

Recently, we joined The Trailhead Podcast to talk all things Rebelle—how we met, why we teamed up, what drives us, and what we’ve learned along the way. It was an honest, laughter-filled, and at times vulnerable conversation about the real grit behind the rally.

Here’s a peek behind the mic—and into our rally-ready hearts:

True North Isn't Just a Compass Heading

The Rebelle Rally is more than maps and checkpoints—it’s a mental marathon. Jess (navigator) shared how the compass became a powerful metaphor for staying grounded:

“If I feel lost, emotionally or mentally, I think—where’s north? Finding that true north helps me reset.”

We're building mental reset routines into our strategy this year, including affirmations and mindset check-ins. Because rally success isn’t just about external direction—it’s about internal clarity too.

It's All About Team Dynamics

We both competed in the 2023 Rebelle with different partners. Jessi’s calm leadership and mechanical know-how caught Jess’s eye. Jess’s passion for navigation and clear communication drew Jessi in.

After the rally, we met for coffee and quickly realized we had aligned goals and complementary strengths. Living just five miles apart in North San Diego County, we had the rare opportunity to train together—regularly. That’s a game-changer most teams don’t get.

Training: It’s Not Just Driving

We’ve been running full mock rallies once a month—complete with Johnson Valley sand, route strategy, and stress-testing our communication. Jessi’s Jeep (a beast built for crawling) has tackled two previous Rebelles. Jess's overlanding-hardened 4Runner taught her early on how to read the land—and the lines not marked on any map.

What we’ve learned is this: Preparation isn’t just logistical. It’s relational.

Communication Is the Real Compass

Let’s be honest—mistakes happen. Every Rebelle makes them. What matters is how you move forward together.

We’ve had deep conversations about how we want to handle stress, conflict, and frustration. We even debriefed with Jess’s former teammate to learn from past dynamics. That honesty has laid the foundation for trust, empathy, and adaptability.

Our Rally Goals

Sure, we want to place in the top 10. But more than that, we want to:

• Compete at our personal best.

• Support each other through the highs and lows.

• Show up daily with clarity, grit, and grace.

Want to Support the Journey?

We’re hosting events, selling merch, and running a crowdfunding campaign with six levels of support. Whether it’s $25 or $1,000, every bit helps us get closer to the start line.

Even if you can’t give, we’d love for you to follow our journey on Instagram (Jess & Jessi) or sign up for The Rally Report emails.

Mark Your Calendars

📍 Rebelle Rally 2025
📆 October 8–18
📺 Live updates will be posted daily—sign up for our emails to get the links when they go live!

We’re grateful for every person who joins us on this wild ride. Because the road to the Rebelle isn’t just about checkpoints. It’s about connection, growth, and finding your true north—even when the map runs out.

With gratitude and grit, until next time,
Jessi & Jess | Jess² reRouting