9TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 10 – 19, 2024

#189

Fortune & Glory

After a 39th place finish in her 2023 Rookie Rebelle run, Amanda Walden, the Driver of Team 189: Fortune & Glory, signed up to compete again in 2024. In late May of 2024, Amanda found herself without a navigator. The Rebelle Community connected Amanda with Julia Bigwood, navigator and 2-time Rebelle Veteran, dying to compete again. The new duo connected to train together for the first time in Texas, in July, and are continuing to train together in preparation for 2024.

Sponsored By:

Warhorse Off-Road, Orafol Wraps, KMPF Wraps, Mickey Thompson Tires, RPG Off-Road, Rolling Rescue Tire & Wheel, Meraki Hammocks, Motley Industries, Liquid Draw, Bronco Outfitters Clothing, Mishimoto, Terry Brewster, Jatonne Burgess

Julia Bigwood

Navigator

Julia is a PHd student at UCLA studying climate science. If she is not researching or rallying you may find her on a run.

Occupation:

Student

Residence:

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Favorite Quote:

Well behaved women rarely make history - Laurel Thatcher Ulriich

Fun Fact:

I have studied and played the trumpet for 15 years.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

Why not?! I will never say no to an adventure!

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My family and friends push me to be the best version of myself.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Favorite Book – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reed
Favorite Show(s) – The Office, Psyche

Greatest adventure to date?

Competing in the Rebelle has been my greatest adventure to date, but I am looking forward to more opportunities in the future.

Prior Years Competed:

2020 and 2022

Awards Achieved:

Amanda Walden

Driver

Amanda is a competitor at heart and thrives in fast-paced, high accountability environments. She is an animal lover, devout Texas Longhorn fan and is happiest outdoors and offroad.

Occupation:

Sales Executive

Residence:

Giddings, TX, USA

Favorite Quote:

Don't be a lady, be a legend. - Stevie Nicks

Fun Fact:

I am a former collegiate softball and trumpet player and in my 30's played 2 seasons of full contact football as an outside and inside linebacker for the Carolina Phoenix in the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) and Independent Women's Football League (IWFL).

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

We did not podium... There's unfinished business.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

I am most inspired watching others blaze trails into the unknown, over-coming fears and cultivating resiliency in the face of defeat.

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

Podcasts: Anything True Crime, Ted Talks Daily
Books: Love Steven King & George R.R. Martin, David Sedaris
Shows: Forged in Fire, All things Bravo, Texas Longhorn College Football

Greatest adventure to date?

Driving my 2024 Ranger Raptor up Hell's Gate this summer on Hell's Revenge Trail in Moab, Utah with my husband, Steve, cheering me on and good friends guiding me through to help me conquer my fear of fins and steep ledges.

Prior Years Competed:

2023

Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

2021 Ford Bronco