COVID19 Compliant - Evening Newbie Desert Drive - Pink Rock - Sharjah - 28 Aug 2020

[Wrangeld]

19 hours ago, Probir Mukherjee said:

Great drive Gavarav , super lead and empathy,Great radio support and guidance .Was able to get out all refusals , but most  hilariously needed a tug after tyre reinflation 5 meters from the road .Thanks Gaurav and sorry for being in parking gear in the first two tugs .Lessons learnt in the desert , maintain adequete distance to develop torque momentum , maintain visual range .For reinflation chose a spot ...well  on the tarmac .

 We got close to Pink Rock , saw it but as Gaurav said we missed out due to couple of folks  requiring  challenging  time consuming recovery .Suggestion : since we cannot leave the vehicles or turn our attention away from the radio it would be nice if we get some verbal commentary  on the recovery process , that way we can be engaged  and learn from these recoveries as well as  be updated on the status . If two seniors are doing the recovery the the third can educate the others on radio.🙂

Hi @Probir Mukherjee, 

This point about giving commentary on the recoveries is a good one, and in many cases, the drive lead will be able to give a description of what is happening in a recovery. In pre Covid times, we would often have people looking from a safe distance from the recovery - however that is not currently permitted. Where there is space, we may also invite drivers to close in on a reovery to watch from their vehicles. 

In the specific instances of this drive, the dunes were tight and recoveries complex. In that sort of situation, we need to keep the airwaves clear in case instructions need to be given by the senior leading the recovery and as the safety of the drivers and vehicles is paramount, 'in the moment' it's simply not possible to update other drivers that you know are all safe and can wait.

As the third senior on this drive, I did not have any visual on the stuck cars - and would not have moved myself from the sweep position. Off road driving by its very nature has the risk of people getting stuck (even at the end of a drive on the flat - as you experienced) which does require patience and understanding from the other drivers. Education is very important, and we value the opportunity to educate where ever possible. Sometimes, however, circumstances do not allow for that.  

[Desert Dweller]

It was nice to be back and see some familiar faces and new ones too!

Special thanks to Gaurav and Richard for their efforts. The drive was very enjoyable with some learning opportunities for everyone.