Leaderboard

Thank you Sertac for the brief on our drive, yet I would like to add my own version. The morning was a brilliant choice, specially with some cloud cover which made a long drive very pleasurable. Beside a delay in start we headed to the Tawi Nizwa farms where after deflation and driver brief we started of an easy patch this time we just headedin to a patch which was a bit soft and quite a few bowls, We just played on top of the dunes and made it to Pink Rocks, as usual we had our play time. While at the play area i gave a choice to the group if they would like to head to Big Red or Faya and Fossil Rocks, the quick decision was to head to Faya and Fossil Rocks, and off we went. We crossed over to the other side and every one performed so well that we reached the opposite side of Faya within no time. As Sertac already mentioned there were zero stucks, just a few refusals which were managed in a very timely manner. At this point we had another short discussion where unanimously all decided to head to Faya first and then to Fossil Rocks. As soon as we reached Faya everyone anted to try to reach Faya from the front, whcih none of us was able to do, I decided to show them the cheat route where Sertac and Emmanuel were able to reach the top, but Vinod and myself decided to take another easier route from the back as 4 cylinder is just a littel under powered. After a few refusals from the back we all made it to the top and were treated to a magnificent view. Time to move to Fossil Rocks. To my surprise these new comers are fast learners and managed very well to reach Faya to Fossil Rocks in just over 20 minutes. The decent from Fossil Rocks is very steep and requires a brief after which we all tried our hands at this challenge. Once again everyone followed the instructions well and we all reached the bottom of Fossil Rocks safely and thrilled with this experience. While on the way out from our normal route we came across a Land Cruiser Truck stuck, so we all headed towards him to check if he needs help, but he claimed that it was due to not deflating, so we finally headed out and inflated at the Adnoc Station close by. Over 50 kms completed in about 4 hours and 30 minutes, an amazing feat when you think couple of these guys have only been on their very few outings with us. Great patience, spirit, execution of instructions and convoy discipline. Thank you @sertac, @EmVarlet, @vinod krisna murty for their participation, i now pronounce you Fewbie plus level, except for Sertac who is already at an advanced level.

It was absolutely amazing drive. While we are on the drive we changed our mind to finish to fossil rock instead of Big Red. That decision made our day. First we went to Pink Rock, after that we head to Faya. I went to Faya for the first time. I really start to understand why @shadow79 is always want to go Faya We all managed to reach to top even one of them was having 4 cylinder car. After faya we head to Fossil Rock which is my favorite spot in the all UAE. Also we all made to pass the rocks and downhill. Everyone did great. Our newbies showed us how improved their self. Without any stuck we passed 50km drive in the desert.

How much did you enjoy your first drive? -Absolutely enjoyed it. It was slight more than a year ago, and the tranquility of the desert away from the city tension ensured that I joined in for as many drives as possible during the past year. What did you enjoy about the drive? - The patience and enthusiasm showed by the Marshals, in training Absolute Newbies. As a Newbie and especially in a new group, you have a fear of not doing well and causing either a delay in the convoy. Gaurav and Rahim not only ensured that they helped us along the way but also developed a bonding and team spirit which is very clearly visible in all our Carnity Drives. I personally enjoy the company of the people in the Carnity drive as much as the drive itself. Which part of the drive you think you enjoyed the best which you would like to repeat? -It didn’t happen on the first drive, but I enjoy being a part of the sweep team to help out those who had refusals or were stuck. In terms of the best moment (which I would not want to repeat), it was the time when we had to unlock Sertac’s car with a flag pole. The joy of achieving that without having to break the glass was fantastic. It emphasized the team spirit that we have in our Drives. Do you think there was a good mix of lecture and practical, was the lecture too long, and any part that can be avoided or done in a shorter or different way? Do you think anything else could be added to the lecture? - I prefer to refer it as driver briefing rather than the word ‘lecture’. The briefing was very informative especially for a newbie drive on how to go up and down a sand dune. Important lessons that still remain fresh are 1. Never Fight Gravity, 2. Straight up and Straight Down, 3. Momentum is your friend, 4. Convoy Discipline Our briefing is quite comprehensive. I would only suggest some reading material for the newbies signing up for the drives so that they know what to expect in the desert Do you think prior reading material would help? - I personally tend to read a lot so I do prefer reading material. But it’s important what material you read. I had been to a couple of Gulf News fun drive about 4 years ago, and based on some misleading information that I read on the internet and in the Mistsubishi owner manual, I was driving on 4 Low for the entire drive and had a transmission overheating issue. So It would be nice to see a nice writeup especially for Absolute Newbies who have no knowledge of desert driving. Even after I joined the Carnity drives I used to drive in 4 HLc (with central diff loack) for a few drives when I could have very well managed with 4H and 2H on dirt tracks. I learnt this during the desert training sessions conducted last May. This writeup can be used even as a reference for people who just visit Carnity website for getting know how on desert driving. Would you know where on the Carnity forum you would be able to find the information you are looking for? - Yes Is there anything you think could be done in a better way? - I agree with some of the other people's suggestions that Radios would definitely help in a Newbie Drive. Also, I suggest having more frequent desert training sessions similar to that conducted by Gaurav last year. It taught us a lot of new things especially on self recovery with a shovel. How do you suggest to make things better for the new comers? - Covered some suggestions in the above points and plus a session on self recovery. How one should control the throttle and steering wheel when one is stuck is something that is not easy to learn and some practice over there would definitely help. How do you think you can progress within the current atmosphere and learning opportunities provided? - We always learn something new in each drive, be it a newbie drive or an intermediate drive. The most important thing that I have learnt is that if you are in a bad position it’s important to take a step back and think what are the options available instead of panicking and doing something stupid that could worsen the situation.

Naif road for clamps. Youll just have to get the vernier caliper out and measure the size.

The old mustangs were all open differentials as far as I know. The stingray rear end will be able to hold a lot of torque so it will probably be staying there. Ideally, LSD, wheelie bars and a parachute would be cool but cost is the issue. @treks I hope the hidden red earth lead meets with your satisfaction 😉