Morning Newbie Desert Drive - Sweihan Farms/Nahil Lake - Abu Dhabi - 18 Jan 2026

[Ale Vallecchi]

Dear @Mohammed Osama, just checking if you have taken yourself off the drive. Please let me know. Thanks

 

[Mohammed Osama]

5 minutes ago, Ale Vallecchi said:

Dear @Mohammed Osama, just checking if you have taken yourself off the drive. Please let me know. Thanks

 

Hi @Ale Vallecchi

no I didn’t. I’m still in 

[Ale Vallecchi]

Dear Desertnauts

about tomorrow's drive, this would be a premiere drive in terms of testing the skills of Newbie drivers who feel ready to make a move toward the next rank. As we have defined the rank of Fewbie Plus for Fewbie members with at least 5 drives at rank, so we have created, even if for just this drive, the Newbie Plus unofficial rank.

This means that we'll make sure that all Newbie members can drive as close as possible to the Fewbie level. This will entail an overall faster speed, with which we'll practice side-slopes, ridge-riding, as well as trying switching dunes with criss-crossing maneuvers.

The meeting point has been posted, just further along the Sweihan-Al Ain Rd. Be aware that Google Maps will send you from Sweihan along a dirt track, parallel to the highway. You may also reach it, if you prefer, by taking the highway, and making the first U-turn back to Sweihan, to reach the entry gate.

The convoy order at the moment is the following:

@ash in Second Lead

@Taka at #3

@Jabir at #4

@Gunjan Jain at #5

@Piotr1 at #6

@Aser at Center

@UvinOverland at #8

@saumik1989 at #9

@Krinesh at #10 and 

@frederic demolder in Sweep.

See you all tomorrow morning just before 8:30, which I would hope to be the actual starting drive. Have a nice Saturday evening.

2 minutes ago, Mohammed Osama said:

Hi @Ale Vallecchi

no I didn’t. I’m still in 

Thanks @Mohammed Osama well noted. I will correct the convoy order. I guess that @Gunjan Jain must have dropped off. 

[Aser]

I have to drop out! 😕

 

 

[UvinOverland]

Ale im going to have to drop out of this unfortunately. My vehicle has an odd vibration when 4WD with center diff lock is engaged. It's at the mechanic now and I expected it to be ready by tonight but it isn't. See you at the next one. 

[Mohammed Osama]

good morning @Ale Vallecchi

I don’t have radio yet , do u have additional one or I have to drop out this week !

[Ale Vallecchi]

1 minute ago, Mohammed Osama said:

good morning @Ale Vallecchi

I don’t have radio yet , do u have additional one or I have to drop out this week !

Good morning @Mohammed Osama. I have an extra one, but I have not recharged it. It indicates a full batttery and may last the drive. Also we can see if anybody jas an extra one at the meeting point. You may come and see.if we find one, but it may be at your risk. Will not be able to drive withkit a fully functioning one. Up to you.

[Ale Vallecchi]

Good morning @ash. Checking if you are in the way. Your profile is blocked and cannot call your number. Thanks. 

[_Piotr_]

Thank you for organizing this trip and teaching us. It was great! 
 

[_Piotr_]

On 1/17/2026 at 3:27 PM, Ale Vallecchi said:

Dear Desertnauts

about tomorrow's drive, this would be a premiere drive in terms of testing the skills of Newbie drivers who feel ready to make a move toward the next rank. As we have defined the rank of Fewbie Plus for Fewbie members with at least 5 drives at rank, so we have created, even if for just this drive, the Newbie Plus unofficial rank.

This means that we'll make sure that all Newbie members can drive as close as possible to the Fewbie level. This will entail an overall faster speed, with which we'll practice side-slopes, ridge-riding, as well as trying switching dunes with criss-crossing maneuvers.

The meeting point has been posted, just further along the Sweihan-Al Ain Rd. Be aware that Google Maps will send you from Sweihan along a dirt track, parallel to the highway. You may also reach it, if you prefer, by taking the highway, and making the first U-turn back to Sweihan, to reach the entry gate.

The convoy order at the moment is the following:

@ash in Second Lead

@Taka at #3

@Jabir at #4

@Gunjan Jain at #5

@Piotr1 at #6

@Aser at Center

@UvinOverland at #8

@saumik1989 at #9

@Krinesh at #10 and 

@frederic demolder in Sweep.

See you all tomorrow morning just before 8:30, which I would hope to be the actual starting drive. Have a nice Saturday evening.

Thanks @Mohammed Osama well noted. I will correct the convoy order. I guess that @Gunjan Jain must have dropped off. 

Just short question about application for Fewbie  promotion.

Question is if It is possible to apply for promotions having 3 drives completed + masterclass? Or should I wait until 5 registered drives are completed? 
 

Kind regards,

Piotr