With No Phones, No GPS, Armed With Only A Compass and Map In the Desert, My Subaru Outback Took Us Straight To The Finish Line

This story is for Subaru Outback, Forester, or Crosstrek fans who use their AWD vehicle for more than a city commuter. Buckle up and enjoy the ride through the California and Nevada deserts with Carey and Andrea for 8 days and over 1,500 miles of terrain.

This is for those who want to get further off the beaten path. 

How far will a 2014 Subaru Outback take you in the California and Nevada desert with no phones or GPS and armed with only a compass and maps? 

Carey and Andrea have done this in the Rebelle Rally, a unique off-road navigation challenge that spans a 1,500-mile journey through stunning terrain, including Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, and the Dumont Dunes. 

"The rally is known for long, challenging days and stages, where competitors can be on course from 10-14+ hours. Quality lighting improves performance and is paramount for safety," noted Rally Director Emily Miller. 

Team MtnSubi partners Carey Lando and Andrea Shaffer partnered with Subaru of America for the 9th annual Rebelle Rally, a navigation challenge without phones or GPS—an authentic adventure. Both have had incredible finishes and earned the Team Spirit award previously. Can they do it again? 

The Rebelle Rally started October 10, 2024, at Mammoth Mountain Resort at Mammoth Lakes, California, and finished October 19, 2024, in the Southern California desert. 

Carey and Andrea compete in X-Cross, two-wheel, or All-Wheel Drive with no two-speed transfer case or low-range gears. They compete against vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4, Ford Bronco Sport, Porsche Cayenne, etc.

Carey says, "Where will your Subaru take you? For Rebelle Rally team #204, that's an easy answer, and it's straight to the finish line! Watch this team take on the Nevada and California desert in their 2014 Subaru Outback!" 

Here is the story told by Carey and Andrea.

No phones, no GPS. Armed with only compasses and maps, team MtnSubi took to the course for the first few days of the Rebelle Rally. The starting terrain featured dry Nevada lake beds, big valleys, and plenty of technical driving, which led to day 3, rejoining pavement side by side with local wildlife preserves through Las Vegas and into Death Valley National Park and the Dumont Dunes.

Before the end of the day, the Rebelle race director issues a Distance and Heading challenge to find two more checkpoints. Finally, all teams saw their scores where MtnSubi scored the top in the X-Cross class. 

Rebelle Rally Team MtnSubi (#204) passed tech inspection and is going to Base Camp 1 (BC1). We are proud to compete for Subaru of America this year in Carey's personal 2014 Outback.

With the start of the rally underway, team #204 is chomping at the bit to get out and on the course today, though we will have to wait for most of the other competitors to head out first; gotta love a random draw leading to the second to last start time.

No worries, though, as this gets the excitement rolling, with the anticipation reaching all-time highs; follow along where team #204 fights for their place amongst 65 other competitors, themselves, and the desert!!

Day 1. 

With day one of the scored competition underway, team #204 is making the most of the day, currently holding first place in X cross class with 32% of their points collected by 10 am.

With a first-place finish for day one, team #204 is out making major moves once again, staying on target and pushing forward to the finish line! 

Day 2. 

On day two, our favorite Subaru USA Rebelle rally duo again held first place in today's competition, with 31% of their daily points collected and a solid but tight lead over the other X-cross competitors. 

Day 3-4

"We had a great couple of days. We have missed either none or only one point on the enduros daily for this rally and hit one of every single checkpoint along the way, including most of the Xs."  

Day 5. 

Subaru of America says, "With day five of the competition underway, our favorite Subaru team is taking on the desert with all they have. After a long day in the dunes putting more pressure on their first-place lead in  X-cross, team members Carey Lando and Andrea Shaffer are off to try and broaden their lead once again!" 

With a few words from navigator Andrea, we're able to get a better glimpse of their challenges and adventures these past few days!

“Today was very long. It felt like a whole day just in the first half of the day because it was a 294-kilometer transit, and then on top of that was another 200-plus kilometers of checkpoints. I'll keep looking at the roads and ensuring that I don't miss a turn because missing a turn is not fun.”

Day 6. 

Subaru USA says, "Two top teams just chatting away! With day 6 underway, team #204 is making its way to the imperial sand dunes for an exciting day of competition. With ever-changing terrain, long distances, and the bittersweet end coming soon, Carey and Andrea will surely do their best on the course today!" 

Day 7-8.

The final day of the competition has arrived! After 6 long days through the desert, team #204 is on route to the finish line with a 1st place finish in mind! 

With two days in the Imperial Dunes, teams #204 and #200 have formed a partnership as they traverse the dunes together. This can help in the event of mechanical failure, if a vehicle gets stuck, or just for the added fun, these ladies are having a blast in the sand, no doubt! 

This camaraderie not only helps in the event of mechanical failure or if a vehicle gets stuck but also fosters a sense of unity and shared adventure among the competitors.

The final day of the Rebelle Rally was a 338-kilometer route through Slab City, Box Canyon, and Joshua Tree National Park, ending in Johnson Valley—the challenging route brought on the competition. After seven days of only maps, compass navigation, and rugged terrain, team MtnSubi secured the top spot for their X-Cross class. 

Rebeel Rally says, "Making history this year, Subaru takes its first-ever win at the Rebelle Rally in the X-Cross™ class with Team #204 Carey Lando and Andrea Shaffer driving a 2014 Subaru Outback. This is the first time the duo has teamed up, though both bring twelve years of combined Rebelle experience in this year’s competition." 

Subaru USA says, "Congratulations to Carey and Andrea, their team camaraderie, strategy, skill, and hours of hard work each day for landing them in the top spot at the finish after enduring a grueling course." 

For information on the 2025 Rebelle Rally check it out here. To follow MtnSubi go here. 

Do you have an off-road Subaru story you'd like to share? Click the red Add new comment link below. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru USA and MtnSubi