T-Minus 30: The Countdown is On

There’s something about seeing that date tick down to just one month. Today is Monday, September 8th, and with exactly 30 days until the Rebelle Rally, it suddenly doesn’t feel far away anymore. It feels real. It feels like it’s go time. The butterflies are fluttering, the adrenaline is rising, and the fire under us is officially lit.

We’ve always known this window was coming. We’ve planned, prepped, and trained. But now, we shift from the broad strokes to the final details. This month is all about focus. It’s about tightening everything up, dialing in our roles, and checking off the last items that can only be tackled this close to rally day.

Locking in the Rally Game Plan

For the past few months, we’ve been receiving updated versions of the rulebook, handbooks, and supplemental packets. Each one came with the caveat: "More changes may come." But now, at T-30, we’re finally in the clear. It’s time to print everything, study hard, and make sure we’re completely aligned as a team. No more speculating, now it’s about preparing with certainty.

This is also when we dial in:

• Final packing lists

• Rally attire and gear

• Camping essentials

• Mapping tools

• Snacks and fuel

• Team goals and intentions

All the little things that put the cherry on top once we’re in the desert.

Putting the Practice into Play

After our final practice weekend in St. George (check out our blog Unexpected Lessons in Utah if you missed it), we knew exactly how to use these last 30 days: laser focus on our individual roles.

Jessi, our driver, is locking in her compass skills with the Burton, aka the "fancy compass." Since she’ll be the one grabbing most of the headings during the rally, this final month is about sharpening her accuracy and confidence.

Jessica, our navigator, is working on both speed and precision. Plotting is one thing, but plotting quickly and correctly in tough conditions is a whole other game. Think: converting a heading and distance into coordinates... in a bouncing vehicle... in the dark... with wind blowing the map sideways. She's also wearing her helmet during plotting practice now. Why? In 2023, she dealt with major neck and back soreness from leaning over maps with the helmet on. This year, she’s training with it on every day, along with a neck and shoulder routine, to be fully prepared.

Mental Resets and Rally Mindset

Another big piece of prep this year? Mental toughness. Jessica remembers how hard the mental aspect was in 2023, especially when things got tough. This year, she’s coming in with a plan:

• A set of flashcards with affirmations, scripture, and reminders of her value

• A daily reset routine to help her refocus when the day gets overwhelming

• Intentional quiet time to reflect, reframe, and recommit to the goal

Sometimes, rally prep isn’t just about what you pack, it’s about what you carry in your head and heart.

The Final Checklist

With four more weekly emails to go before we leave, we’re also prepping a final round of blog posts including:

• Our Rebelle Send-Off Party

• Jeep Pre-Tech Inspection

• How to Watch Us Live During the Rally

During the rally (October 8-18), our media team will be sending daily recap emails so you can follow along with how we’re doing in real-time. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Here’s what else is on our to-do list:

• Finalize helmets setup

• Draft live rally emails

• Do a full mock pack-out of the Jeep

• Final push for merch (grab it while you can!)

Speaking of which, our merch is on sale now:

• Hats and Tees: $20

• Patches: $5

• Ultimate Rally Support Pack: $50 (includes all the above + weekly video updates)

Final day to order is Friday, September 26th to make sure it ships in time.

Mammoth, Here We Come

When the time comes, Jessi will load the Jeep onto her trucks tow bed and hit the road to our start line in Mammoth. From there, it's all systems go.

We’re excited. We’re nervous. We’re ready. Every decision from here forward is intentional, focused, and made with the finish line in mind.

Thank you for following along on this journey. We feel your support, and we carry it with us every mile of the way.

Bold hearts. Gritty minds. United strength.

Let’s do this!

— Team Jess² reRouting