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MOORE MOMENTUM 2024
from MOORE MOMENTUM 2024
The Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the nation. It just so happens to be for women. The MOORE Expo family is blessed to have so many prominent women involved in motorsports, and the ladies profiled in this article are especially close to the heart of this community.

Danielle Noonan and Cara McClellan are Team Grit & Grace. They met at an off-road park and bonded over their love for overlanding and off-road adventures They will be competing in Cara’s 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
Fun fact about Cara "I love medium format photography and my Frenchie, Goose. My husband is pretty ok too, haha."
Fun fact about Danielle "Lots of people think I’m rough around the edges I am in a lot of ways. I love roughing it hard in the woods, driving trucks, getting really dirty and ride motorcycles too hard (and fall a lot) But at home I bake sourdough bread, crochet all the things, raise chickens, cook home cooked meals for my family everyday and love being a wife and mom. So I guess my fun fact is, there’s a side most people don’t know about me."

Lisa Addington and Katie Abraham are Team Wild Mavens and will be returning competitors in 2024. This year they will switch from Katie’s 4Runner to Lisa’s 2018 Jeep JLU Sport Unlimited. (Update, Lisa and Katie will be competing again in 2025.)
Fun fact about Lisa "I became a grandma for the first time while I was at the Rebelle in 2022, not many kids can say their grandma was doing a 10 day navigation rally in the southwest when they were born I am also the first woman President of my off-road club, Midwest Krawlers, that has over 500 paid members, and for the first time, more women than men on the board."
Fun fact about Katie I grew up riding and showing American Saddlebred horses and majored in Equine Science and Equestrian Administration my freshman year of college. I hope to "retire" early and have a small lesson program for kids/teens/students.

What motivated you to participate in the Rebelle Rally, and what do you hope to gain from this unique experience?
Danielle- “About 4 years ago, after first reading about Rebelle Rally, I was motivated by thinking how cool it would be to participate in this rally That still motivates me But what really motivates me now, is the challenge this rally is and will continue to be It’s not just a navigation and driving competition but an endurance competition. I’m a rookie and have already been challenged in so many ways mentally and emotionally The massive learning curve of all things land navigation is daunting many days. I have to push myself even when I want to just throw in the towel some days But let me tell you how much FUN this entire experience has been! I have learned so much and truly get excited thinking about being able to grab a compass, map and be able to find my way without the use of technology I’m also crazy excited to be competing with some of the best women rally drivers and navigators out there!”
Cara- “I had heard of the Rebelle Rally previously but hadn’t thought of entering until I met Danielle She said, “We should do this!”, and I said “OK!!” Haha. And that was that! I hope to gain confidence in myself and my capabilities as a driver I want to discover that I can accomplish the hard things.”
Lisa- “At first it was being asked by my friend Katie Abraham to be her partner, then it evolved into being a part of an experience that gives you so many valuable lessons when you least expect it, and sometimes in the most stressful situations. It has taught me that no matter what I am challenged with I can do it. “
Katie- “The challenge and experience is what originally drew me in. Being outdoors and explor-ing new places, especially in a 4x4, is an experi-ence like nothing else. Driving and navigating takes skill, and truly the only way to build those skills is seat time. I love experiences and challenges that grow and shape you, and in this industry you also get the perks of amazing people and friends who love it just as much. I hope to continue to gain friendships and new adventures. There are a lot of different ways I want to achieve those two goals, but at the core it's all about adventures with the people you love.”

Can you tell us about some of the memorable experiences or lessons learned from your past off-road adventures that have prepared you for the Rebelle Rally?
Danielle- “In all, I have had years of off-road adventures and experiences to learn from, at times being full time on the road for a few months at a time. I think having learned to adapt to my sometimes inhospitable surroundings and unfortunate events is going to really help me during the RR. I frequently have to tell myself “this is temporary” when things get really tough. I know RR is going to be really tough but it will be temporary. “
Katie- “Teaching off-road driving technique, recovery, and safety, has been huge for prepping I'm constantly learning and advancing my own skills, so I can help others fall in love with this sport like I have I always learn something new because someone will ask a question a new way or asks something I've not encountered and then the instructors discuss. “
Cara- “I know I was terrified to tackle Pritchett Canyon...but I wanted to conquer it it’s the reason I built my jeep to be what it is today So I showed up, and I pushed myself. It was hard, but I did it. Obstacle after obstacle I’ll never forget that day If you push yourself outside of your comfort zone, you’ll find that strength is yours for the taking. A lot of times we stop and quit right before we experience that breakthrough moment. I wasn’t going to quit then and won’t quit pursuing this goal of conquering the Rally I’m just stubborn like that ”
Lisa- “What prepared me the most as a driver this last year was focusing on using 4H & 4L at the appropriate times for the different terrain. I took my Jeep to Colorado and put it to the test on Holy Cross trail so I could understand and learn how to put all of that to work to my advantage. Holy Cross is 8 2 miles long and can take a full day to do, it was an amazing day full of challenges and beautiful views. “

How do events like the Rebelle Rally contribute to the empowerment and visibility of women in the overlanding and off-road community and how do you approach the challenges of participating as a woman and overcome obstacles or biases?
Lisa- “One of the lessons I learned from off-roading is women are usually better than men at getting through a difficult spot, women have more patience and the skill to take a step back and evaluate their situation As far as overcoming situations in a male-dominated sport, I hold my head high, don’t bullshit, and do my best. It has always been easier for me to hang out with the guys and do “guy stuff”, so that has helped me a lot. “
Cara- “It’s really huge what Emily Miller and team have accomplished in regards to visibility for women in a (mostly) male dominated industry Many ladies that compete are moms, wives, business women, healthcare professionals, etc. We all have multiple roles in life, but at the core, we all want to be seen for something deeper than a label based on title. We just have to keep showing up and proving them wrong We have to keep standing up for other women. Clap for each other. Our competition needs to be within ourselves “

Danielle- “There have been women in years past that I think did much of the initial hard work to increase visibility of women in these communities. I think all these women are due many thanks today. I am fortunate that I have had minimal obstacles and biases. I think there needs to be more of women cheering other women on Stop comparing yourselves to each other Stop trying to one up each other. Start being your best and advocating for each other Start encouraging one another to go tackle the hard and scary things. Not every woman has the support behind them you may have so YOU be that encouraging voice they need to hear ”
Katie- “The Rebelle Rally is very special, I think it truly breaking down barriers to help women expan themselves both professionally and personal These events, and all events that are supporting t push to increase women's presence in the indust are giving women a chance to step in front of t decision makers that make dreams come true wi one signature on a contract It's that direct line that opens doors. I typically don't think too much about the obstacles of being a woman I just focus on my dreams and goals and put in the time and effort to get there. I do think it's important to bring awareness around the fact that only 3% of the industry is women, but I think the way to change that is to make noise by being bold, daring, and dedicated ”

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in getting involved in off-road navigation and rallying and the Rebelle Rally?
Cara- “Just do it!!. You’ll screw up. You’ll make mistakes You’ll learn more about yourself, your capabilities and even your weaknesses But don’t let any of that stop you. We aren’t made to just exist. We are made to live So do it There’s always something that can stop you not having a good idea of maps, not having a certain vehicle, not having enough money Don’t let your excuses be the reason. You won’t see how far you can go if you just stay where you are Push yourself “
Lisa- “Two words: self confidence. Then, learn as much as you can I had never used a compass, a scale ruler for finding latitude & longitude points on a map, or used degrees on a map to find a location. Attention to detail will take you far. ”
Danielle- “Sit down and make a list of why you want to do it Make a list of what is holding you back from doing it and come up with ways you can make this list smaller The best way to make this list smaller would be to reach out to others who have already done it or will be doing it. Join the Unofficial Rebelle Rally FB planning group ASK QUESTIONS! Don’t think it will be easy because it certainly is not. Definitely plan on making lifelong friendships through the process. ”
Katie- “Your skill level, experience, connections, vehicle capability, wilderness abilities, etc, as you are today don't matter. What matters is what you love, your dreams, and the drive you have to make them reality. Don't take the "no's" to heart. You're going to hear no, it's too hard, it's not realistic, Typically, it's because someone is giving advice or an account of their experiences. So don't let these put you down or discourage you. You aren't them, it's not the same time or situation. So listen, absorb the info, and use it to learn and grow yourself. If a door closes in your face, go find an open one.”

How does the MOORE Expo influence or inspire you on your journey to the Rebelle Rally?
Cara- “I friggin LOVE the MOORE Expo. Matt and I were all-in back when Chris first came to us with his crazy idea. And look how far it’s come. At MOORE there are so many opportunities, and it can totally be what you want it to be You want to grab a new skillet for a casual off-road weekend. Done Want to travel the globe full time and figure out what you need in your vehicle Got it Or maybe you want to start an entrepreneurial company and need to network You can do that here too! You learn valuable education, discover new products, and even hear from those you may not never know their story at the MOORE Expo And so much more! It’s what you make of it. It’s an incredible community, and I’m super thankful to be a small part of it The sky is the limit, and I’m here for it! “
Lisa- “The off-road/over-landing community is a family, and being a part of that is priceless. Chris and his team have made the MOORE Expo each year like going to a family reunion, it gives you a chance to catch up, talk about your adventures, and compare stories of things you’ve learned, only we don’t have to make the potato salad and hope it gets eaten. Thank you Chris for everything you’ve done to make this feel like home. ”
Katie- “I couldn't be here without Chris, The MOORE Expo, and so many other people involved .”
Danielle- “Attending the MOORE Expo as an official Rebelle Rally competitor with my teammate, Cara, is going to be one of my favorite events of the year! Our team has had an outpouring of love and support from so many people, including Chris, and I am ever thankful for that.”

Please follow and consider supporting these ladies on their journey to follow their dreams and inspire women’s involvement in motorsports.