Morning Fewbie Desert Drive - Faya to Al Ajban - Abu Dhabi - 06 Jul 2024

[JeromeFJ]

DRIVE DESCRIPTION

The intent of the drive is to cross from Faqa to Al Ajban, in continuation of the drive on 15th June. We will follow the direction of the dune alignments, from East to West, passing from one line to the other to find nice tracks. Expect a bit of exploration, and allow for some rerouting as we might have to bypass a few fenced areas.

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquette and responsibilities.

MUST READ AND COMPLY

• Environmental Policy
• Offroad Flag Guideline
• Two Way Radio Guideline
• Off road Driving Etiquette's
• Emergency details for all off-roaders
• Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities

DRIVE DETAILS

Level:  Fewbie and above

When:  6th July 2024, Saturday

Meeting time:   06:00 - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qc9iTyzSPskWhTUQ9

Approximate finish time:  10:00 am

Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance.

What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Mandatory off-road gears: Tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit, Tow Rope, 2 Shackles and fire extinguisher.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM.
• Please withdraw your RSVP, if you find you are unable to join, so your spot can be taken by others in the waitlist.
• If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, if an RSVP attendee removes themselves, you will be moved from the waitlist to the RSVP list as an attendee.
• A convoy list will be sent out the day prior to the drive.
• Latecomers will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. 
   

PLEASE RSVP ON BELOW CALENDAR

 

 

[RiadJL]

Looking forward to continuing our drive from last time!

 

Any idea why Google isn't suggesting the route to meeting point that looks the shortest to me? (Al Ain road E66 then Al Faqa road E14). Is that road closed? 

[Batuhan Kulac]

14 hours ago, RiadJL said:

Any idea why Google isn't suggesting the route to meeting point that looks the shortest to me? (Al Ain road E66 then Al Faqa road E14). Is that road closed? 

 

Hi @RiadJL 
Its because google maps doesnt see the left turn as "legal" when you come from the east and tries to bring you from the other way. Like I point out in the arrow. But it is a legal turn and you are correct. E66 followed by faqa road heading west is the fastest way  

Edited July 2 by Batuhan Kulac

[JeromeFJ]

Thank you @RiadJL for raising the point.  @Batuhan Kulac Indeed there is a left turn, and as it is in a slight curve, there is a continuous line at that exact point. So technically it is not "legal". 

To avoid possible confusion, or situation at risk, I have adjusted the meeting point a bit ahead on E14. Still there is a left turn and still you have to be cautious, but it is legal.

[JeromeFJ]

Dear Desert Drivers, 

@Cesar Chacon @Abhilash Kottakkal @Sandeep Nayar @Batuhan Kulac @RiadJL @Nizar Shawwa

Thank you for signing up for the drive tomorrow. Please make sure your car is ready for the desert ride in the hot conditions. Remove unnecessary items from back seats and trunk areas.

I will issue the convoy order by the end of the afternoon, please let me know before that if you changed your plans.

[JeromeFJ]

Dear Desert Drivers, 

Last updates for tomorrow

Meeting at 06:00 am at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/qc9iTyzSPskWhTUQ9

The convoy order will be 

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 5

Enjoy the evening, have a good rest, and see you tomorrow morning

[JeromeFJ]

Great drive today, and we managed to reach Al Ajban ! The convoy was compact and motivated, and despite some bushes around, the conditions were excellent today. We started close to where we stopped the drive 2 weeks ago, so we had a nice continuity for the drivers who attended both drives.

We had a nice mix of technical and long range dunes, spiced up with higher dunes in the middle, with deep bowls and narrow ridges. a few long ridges also, where it was important to keep the balance of the car. Very well managed every one adapting to the different conditions.

@Sandeep Nayar well driven today, don't hesitate to give gas for the climbs, and work on the flow and anticipation. @RiadJL continuously improving with the 392, work on your lines for the long side slopes, as you are still fishtailing from time to time. @Batuhan Kulac easy drive for you today. @Nizar Shawwa, great driving also, thank you for the sweep. @Cesar Chacon, big thank you for an excellent 2nd lead, rerouting when needed and following guidance. 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and see you soon

 

[Cesar Chacon]

Thanks Jerome for leading, very nice drive, great support from the team @Nizar Shawwaand@Batuhan Kulac, nice convoy.

[RiadJL]

Thanks @JeromeFJ for the drive this morning. Very enjoyable and the whole convoy did really well