Morning Fewbie Desert Drive - Al Khatim Marathon- Abu-Dhabi - 25 Oct 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 Etiquette's
• Emergency details for all off-roaders
• Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities

DRIVE DETAILS

Level:  Fewbie and above

Meeting time: 08:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/8L7RbSG5KNMM8zVa9

Action Plan:  Following a previous exploration drive in the area and combining it with one of the "West of Africa" series (the area of desert to the south-west of Sweihan), comes the idea of this Marathon drive. What makes a marathon so unique is that it is impossible to run without the right level of preparation and training. Clearly a "long-range" drive, this one will need the stamina, concentration and the will to persist that characterizes marathon runners, as well as the skills to drive at a fast pace, and keep the convoy flowing smoothly through the dunes. To make this a proper marathon, since the average time required to complete a marathon amounts to 4 hours and 21 minutes, we plan to drive for this much time. Once achieved this goal, we'll proceed to the nearest exit point, wherever it may be, in the vicinity of Sweihan.

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, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Approximate finish time: 18:00 PM

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

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 1 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 back - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned back - 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

RSVP HERE BELOW

 

[Ale Vallecchi]

Dear Desertnauts.

Quick briefing about tomorrow's drive. The goal is to drive for 4 hours and 21 minutes, from Khatim dunes north-eastward toward Sweihan. We 'll do our best to drive fast, with little detours, with the objective to cover as much distance as possible. Preparatory for overlanding, or any other long-range drive, we'll look to flow smoothly and with as few interruptions as possible. 

The convoy order will be the following:

@Sam Selim in Secobd Lead

@Wayne Momsen at #3

@Krinesh at #4

@ChrisW at Center

@Giacomo at #6

@Glenn W at #7 and 

@J-P L in Sweep.

See you all tomorrow morning.

[ChrisW]

Hey @Ale Vallecchi- just wanted to confirm you’d seen that I withdrew from the driver earlier today. 
 

Looks like you have a small but perfectly formed convoy!

[Ale Vallecchi]

21 minutes ago, ChrisW said:

Hey @Ale Vallecchi- just wanted to confirm you’d seen that I withdrew from the driver earlier today. 
 

Looks like you have a small but perfectly formed convoy!

Hi @ChrisW. Sorry to hear that. See you soon then. Thanks for checking in. 

[Ale Vallecchi]

2 hours ago, Ale Vallecchi said:

Dear Desertnauts.

Quick briefing about tomorrow's drive. The goal is to drive for 4 hours and 21 minutes, from Khatim dunes north-eastward toward Sweihan. We 'll do our best to drive fast, with little detours, with the objective to cover as much distance as possible. Preparatory for overlanding, or any other long-range drive, we'll look to flow smoothly and with as few interruptions as possible. 

The convoy order will be the following:

@Sam Selim in Secobd Lead

@Wayne Momsen at #3

@Krinesh at #4

@ChrisW at Center

@Giacomo at #6

@Glenn W at #7 and 

@J-P L in Sweep.

See you all tomorrow morning.

Dear @Sam Selim @Wayne Momsen @Krinesh @Giacomo @Glenn W and @J-P L, just a question: does any of you have a proper jack, capable of listing up to 2 tons? Mine has some issues; If you guys have one, I will not bring it, if not I'll have to take care of it, and will bring mine. Thanks for updating.

[Glenn W]

Hi @Ale Vallecchi I have a jack with me 

[J-P L]

@Ale Vallecchi i also have a jack, 

[Ale Vallecchi]

Thanks @Glenn W and @J-P L. I'll leave mine at home. See you tomorrow. Have a nice evening. 

[Glenn W]

Really sorry @Ale Vallecchi I’ve got to drop out at the last minute due to some issues. Have a great drive. 

[Ale Vallecchi]

31 minutes ago, Glenn W said:

Really sorry @Ale Vallecchi I’ve got to drop out at the last minute due to some issues. Have a great drive. 

Thanks for updating. Hope all is well @Glenn W.