Rachle Engle
Delaware, OH
Selected for Business Training
"Rachle is avid shooter, works on her own vehicles, and she is a chef. Rachle has navigated all 48 continuous states while only using a map. She is part of many online groups, offroad clubs and has participated in multiple events across the country. Life experiences have given her the attitude that there is only a limited amount of time, and that time should be used wisely."
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Tell us about yourself.
I wheel, I build and maintain my own vehicles, and I am a chef. I thoroughly enjoy primitive camping, fishing and getting off the beaten path.
How long have you been offroading?
I have been offroading as a co-driver, since I was a toddler. I officially took over the driver seat when I bought my TJ in 2003.
How did you get into offroading?
I first got into offroading because of my mother. As a child my parents and I traveled the country in the motorhome, towing a tracker. My mom and I took that little tracker everywhere. I still remember the look on the men’s faces when a woman and her daughter passed them on the trail! My childhood experiences have pushed me to pursue the Jeep life I enjoy today.
Tell us about your vehicle:
Currently, I am rebuilding my 2004 TJ (Jeep Wrangler), the kids at my local off-road park named her, The Minion. The rebuild is transforming her, my Recon Minion will be better equipped for Overlanding; from her new regeared, air locked Bronco axles, to her completely custom suspension. The Recon Minion has a TNT belly pan set up to run a triangulated four linked rear, I'm modifying the front to a three link with custom long arms and ORI struts. To further the wheeling experience, I'm finishing the build with raceline beadlocks and pitbull tires.
What has been your favorite offroad experience?
My favorite offroad experience, so far was EJS 2016. I won the WARN Experience. I got a phone call from Charlene at 11:00 pm on a Thursday night in Ohio. Then, me and my Minion were on a trail with the WARN team, including my idol Jesse Combs, at 8:00 am the following Monday morning in Moab, Utah.
What was your most exciting offroad achievement?
My most exciting off-road achievement was being selected and completing the MOAB Offroad Week of Wheeling. I was the only female driver.
What excites you about offroading? What do you think is the most challenging aspect of offroading?
The most challenging aspect of off-roading is also the most exciting, being able to overcome whatever the adventure throws at me or the other rigs on the trail with me. The goal is making sure that everyone has a great experience, but also gets home safe.
Which aspect of offroading do you think is the most fun?
The most fun aspect of off-roading is the challenges, the fun that comes with learning and growing from each experience. I love being able to share my experiences and knowledge with friends.
What does prepping for an adventure look like in your world?
Prepping for an off-road adventure begins with packing, not just clothes but tools and spare parts. Knowing what you need for each adventure and having the foresight to prepare for the unknown.
What is on your offroading bucket list?
My off-roading bucket-list includes the Rubicon Trail and wheeling an event in every state. I've completed events in 15 states so far!
Tell us about your typical offroading companions:
I wouldn't say I have typical off-road companions. I'm excited to wheel with anyone and everyone! It’s all about the experience, learning and teaching.
What is a piece of advice you have been given that you instill in your offroading adventures?
Embrace the suck" quote by Chris Ryan during Week of Wheeling 2016. Things happen, no matter how prepared you think you are, life and wheeling throws you curve balls. Your attitude and ability to adapt, that’s what makes great stories and memories.
Do you have anything else you would like to add?
I would like to add a huge thank you to everyone that inspires and encourages me. First, my parents who encouraged me from a young age to dream big, thank you for continuing to inspire me and support my crazy dreams. Next, thank you to all the awesome women who make this challenge possible. Also, I’d like to thank Raceline wheels, Pitbull tires, MotiveGear, Offroad Vixens, Iron Forge Customs, x-diff, and Bob and Mary of TNT customs. Last, but never least, my co-driver and my rock, A.J. Holland.
Click here to see all the 2017 Ladies Offroad Challenge Entries.
