Morning Fewbie Desert Drive - The Desert Books' Series: "Arabian Sands". To Tilal Resort - Abu Dhabi - 15 Jun 2025

[Ale Vallecchi]

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

MUST READ AND COMPLY

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

Drive Details

Level:  Fewbie and above

Meeting time:  08:00 am (departure time)

Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BJodYk1wCDX5PUWd9

Action Plan:  Second installment of the desert books' series, with the choice of a text dedicated to crossings the sands of the Arabian desert, hence very close to home. Authored by explorer and travel writer Wilfred Thesiger, "Arabian Sands" details his two crossings of the Empty Quarter: Thesiger’s first crossing, from Mughshin (Oman) to Liwa, was followed by a crossing of the western sands from Manwakh (Yemen) to Abu Dhabi. The book attempts to capture the lives of the Bedu people and other inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. 

I have chosen a track well within the Abu Dhabi area, where the author's second trek took him, wandering if Thesiger actually crossed these sands. We'll skirt some farms, as well as dwell among the more secluded cordons, to conclude the drive at Tilal Resort (anybody who wishes to have lunch there can arrange to stay). 

Still trying to distil the best of the book, and to build up to the day of the drive, I'll post a book's quote each day. 

Let's try to find inspiration in this Desert Books' Series to truly appreciate our interaction with our favorite element of nature. 

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

Approximate finish time: 12:30 PM

P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive.

RECOMMENDED OFF-ROAD GEAR:

• Tire deflator & Tire pressure gauge
• Compressor (MANDATORY)
• Walkie-talkie radio (MANDATORY)
• Off-road flag (MANDATORY)
• Shovel, Tow Rope & 2 Shackles
• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM.
• If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, once anyone drops, you will be moved to the RSVP list.
• RSVP will close a day prior to preparing a convoy list.
• Latecomers will be returned - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned - Without any exceptions.
• Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others.
• Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month.
   

PLEASE RSVP ON THE CALENDAR

 

[Ale Vallecchi]

" In the desert I had found a freedom unattainable in civilization; a life unhampered by possessions, since everything that was not a necessity was an encumbrance. "

[DP1011]

"For this was the real desert where differences of race and colour, of wealth and social standing, are almost meaningless; where coverings of pretence are stripped away and basic truths emerge"

[Ale Vallecchi]

" I tasted freedom and a way of life from which there could be no recall. "

[Ale Vallecchi]

" No man can live this life and emerge unchanged. He will carry, however faint, the imprint of the desert, the brand which marks the nomad; and he will have within him the yearning to return, weak or insistent according to his nature. For this cruel land can cast a spell which no temperate clime can match. "

[Ale Vallecchi]

" As I listened I thought once again how precarious was the existence of the Bedu. Their way of life naturally made them fatalists; so much was beyond their control. It was impossible for them to provide for a morrow when everything depended on a chance fall of rain or when raiders, sickness, or any one of a hundred chance happenings might at any time leave them destitute, or end their lives. They did what they could, and no people were more self-reliant, but if things went wrong they accepted their fate without bitterness, and with dignity as the will of God. "

[Andrei S]

Hi Ale,

could you please share an approximate entry point?

thanks

Andrei

[Ale Vallecchi]

Dear @Sam Selim and @Andrei S if you wish and confirm I can extend the convoy by 2 cars, to include both of you. 

Please let me know if I should add you. 

Thanks

[Sam Selim]

Yes please, thanks @Ale Vallecchi. It's been awhile since I drove with you 🎉

[Diego]

Looking forward! Always fun drives when Ale is leading! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼