Leaderboard

What a news!! Sorry for not replying earlier, but I just moved and until this afternoon I did not get my internet back. A huge THANK YOU for yet another unexpected promotion. I have been doing my best to learn, but I strongly feel that the trust and belief that @Gaurav, @Rahimdad, @Srikumar, @Frederic and @Emmanuel have had in me has greatly improved my learning curve. Each time I have been promoted I examined my off-roading skills, and found that I could have been better (now at side-cresting, then at criss-crossing, etc.); nonetheless, being bumped up a rung in the ladder gave me enough belief in myself that, if the Marshals decided for it, I might just as well up my game, and prove them right. So, each time I drove with a little more precision and control, or speed, or instinct, and tried to challenge myself, to deserve the promotion. One step at the time. I am still carrying a healthy dose of "doubts" to each drive, which lead me, each time, to want to be more prepared, and aware of what might be going on out there. I will continue to do so, regardless of the rank, hoping to transfer this desire to improve, and the willingness to learn, to all the members that I will have the pleasure to drive with. A special thanks to the other Carnity Seniors who have accompanied me, and have shared this exiting off-roading path. @Xaf, @Wrangeld, @Jeepie, @Shamil, @Brette, @Javier M, @Mels Wolf, @Vanessa8580, @Desert Dweller, @Foxtrot Oscar: I look forward to more explorations, drives and relaxing moments with you. Also thanks to a the Intermediates drivers that have regularly signed up for my latest drives. @Kalahari, @Chaitanya D, @Febin Frederic, @Najeeb Mohammed, @Colin Jordan, @Tbone, @Rinelle Sanaani, @Michael sammy, @J J: your curiosity and eagerness to be pushed, and learn all different aspects of off-roading, has driven me to improve as a leader. Thanks a lot to the whole Carnity family (which it really is, and feels like one), and hope to see all of you out there, soon.

With the tremendous increase in the number of COVID cases in the UAE, we all have to be responsible while off-roading. Failing to abide by any single precaution at any time during the drive, will result in an immediate ban from Carnity Off-road Club. ZERO TOLERANCE First offender - 1 Month Ban. Second offender - 3 Month Ban. Third offender - lifetime ban and report to authorities. COVID19 PRECAUTIONS 2.0 All Carnity off-road drives will be LIMITED to driving only: No Socializing and gathering allowed at any time. No break for taking photos, breakfast, smoking, etc. No exchanging of off-road or recovery gears. Wear a mask at all times, while outside your vehicle. For passengers restrictions, follow RTA or NCEMA guidelines. All passengers should be inside the car, at all times. Maintain a minimum of 2-meter social distance at all times. Sanitize your hands and recovery gear after use. PS1. If you and your passenger cannot sit inside your vehicle for 3-4 hours please DO NOT JOIN CARNITY DRIVES. PS2. A Member who has RSVP the drive is RESPONSIBLE and LIABLE for their passenger's compliance. PS3. The above precautions apply to everyone irrespective of their vaccination status or schedule. PS4. You can confidentially submit the photo of any offender by sending an email to [email protected]. How to comply Read the drive post before arriving at the meeting point, so that you know your convoy numbering and radio channel. Arrive at the meeting point and switch on your radio to the pre-set frequency of the drive. Stop your vehicle at least 10-20 meters away from each other. Deflate your tires, while wearing a mask, and then go back inside your car. All briefings will be done on the radio now, so pay full attention to a briefing for your own safety. After the briefing, fall in your convoy position just before the drive starts. While driving if you get stuck, announce on the radio and be inside your car at all times. Trip lead and/or support will guide you on the radio for self-recovery or tow-rope recovery. While there is a stuck or a refusal, everyone else supposed to be inside their car at all times. You can only take a bio-break during the drive, by requesting trip lead permission. Once the drive is over exit out to inflate by maintaining 10-20 meters distance from each other. While inflating, only the driver supposed to be out and with the face mask at all times. After the drive, you can talk on the radio for any feedback, suggestions or help you need.

Why? Jeeps don't get stuck.

Yip, but only when we have to break for Jeeps slowing down

Agreed. And the training is to help recover other vehicles 😜

I'm so happy for you @Ale Vallecchi! Not surprised though but still, it is quite an achievement given the time you have been with the club and the months of lockdown. It is really nice to see you every week posting drives and being very active, meticulous, and helpful to everyone. People like you and the rest of marshals and crew involved make our weekends a lot more interesting here in the sandpit. Chapeau for that!

I am not surprised. @Ale Vallecchi is indeed "The Dune Master". Mabrook !

I just been to service center today for an oil change and spotted another Pajero on the lift. I couldn't resist to take a pic of how badly tow point can get rusted and imagine if this Pajero comes to offroad and needs a tug. And when this breaks and cause all the damage, it will be blamed on Mitsubishi stock points. So everyone who are offroading weekly, please check your tow points regularly, at least once every 3 months. If any tow point is loose or shaking get it fixed. It will surely break. If its rusted like this, take a wire brush and scrub all to see if it's superficial or deeper. Once clean if it superficial, spray paint with couple of layers to prevent rusting again. If its rusted deep, better get it changed with new rated tow point and rated bolts.

Congratulations @Ale Vallecchi looking forward to drive with you under your lead soon.

@Pancho congrats ... Well done on the promotion. Well deserved. Looking forward to more drives with you. Friday, you get to practice all the intermediate stuff. You're centre forward 😂

Congrats Ale..well deserved.. My next week drive with Marshal Ale..😀

@Ale Vallecchi congratulations!!!. U so deserved this.. ur the DUNE MASTER.. U read the dunes like a book..

@Ale Vallecchi Congrats Ale

@Ashok chaturvedi @Abu Muhammad @Hatim Patharia @Hardik Mody @Francois Germishuys @Shaaz Sha @Miguel Ibarbia @Vijaysekhar @Dagdag Sofiane @jodha singh shekhawat @Jason Johnson @tcarrimjee We have had a few cases recently of 'discussions' about the need for masks during the drive (from deflation to inflation included). As drive leads we want to be sure that even during the COVID period we are still able to drive, if not socialise, which is why we continue to remind about this. It's not a Carnity thing, it's a UAE legal requirement. As a result, we are asking once again that you make sure you have 'totally agreed' to the COVID regulations on carnity that you will find on this post. It's already "Totally Agree" by 101 active members Please make sure once again that you have agreed to these terms, or you will be signed out from the drive. While we do understand that 100% compliance is a challenge, but we all still have to try our best at all times. However, If your view is that masks are not needed and you will not wear one because you don't see the point, please don't join this drive. The fines for non compliance are there for a reason. Thanks in advance.

From my very first Carnity drive in 2018: @Rahimdad recovering Srini his FJ Cruiser. 2018-10-13_08_45_12.mp4

congratulations @Ale Vallecchi

Big Congratz to father of all Desertnauts...

@Ale Vallecchi Congratulations!! Looking forward for more drives with you.

Ale you deserved it. Keep going

Getting stuck and unstuck is an integral part of off-road journey. To get unstuck with minimum efforts, tools, gear and time is an art. With an aim to teach the real art of recoveries we need a stand alone training session so that you can learn the basics, tricks and techniques with a complete peace of mind. Bring your camping chair, shovel, FACE MASK AND GLOVES, hat and a willingness to learn. What you'll learn: How to control the stuck scenario How to self recover yourself How to recover from a crest without a tug When and where to dig and where NOT to dig How to help others to help them self recover safely How to safely recover with a tug on a crest Safety checks Communication Securing strap/rope Gentle tug with a precision Repeat or Stop How to safely recover on a side slope with or without tug Safety checks Where to Shovel to create a channel Clearing sand wall before each gentle tug or winch How to deal with overheating vehicle How to cool the radiator How to cool the transmission cooler Level: Intermediate and Above. (NO NEWBIES/FEWBIES ALLOWED) When: 04 Sep 2020, Friday Meeting time: 5:00 PM, (Sharp, without any exceptions) Meeting Point : Mahafiz Tree Shade - https://goo.gl/maps/8V1RbtfrWQ6un4qdA Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. Approximate finish time: 08:00 PM Please RSVP on the below calendar:

Congrats @Pancho. Love the fact that you drive down from Abu Dhabi, do 2 drives, finish the COVID test and go back. Shows your love for the sport.

Congratulations @Ale Vallecchi

Correct, that was the same technique i did on your fourth video (crest recovery).

In the recovery 4th one crest recover from the other side I couldn’t see off course but what I thought was this 👇( found it in you tube by Carnity 2018 )

Hello Gaurav, I cannot attend to the drive, I already left a free spot for @tcarrimjee or @Ali Abas Ali. See you all in the next one. Regards!

But X's do

Good morning Pink Rockers, Equipment for Fewbie Drives A reminder to all drivers attending on Friday morning to make sure you have the required equipment for the drive. A real shovel - drive leads might bang on about this and it's for a reason. If you have to dig someone out using a small camping shovel, you will very soon understand why. Displacing sand is heard heavy work. Sand moves and refills just about any space from which you dig it out. Stable flag - droopy flags, flags that fall off, flags that ... flag. This is basic safety equipment in the desert. It lets people know where you are, whether that is confirming you made it safely over a dune or to try to find you if you go off track. If there is an area which frustrates people, and results in the drive losing its flow, it is stopping for a fallen flag. Tow points - be honest, when was the last time you actually checked your tow points? Yes, they are probably still attached to the vehicle, but are you sure they are in good condition? Due to COVID and wanting to avoid breaking the 2m rule, the number of tugged recoveries has increased exponentially. If it's your tow point that causes damage or worse, injury you will be asking yourself why you did not check earlier. This is a compressor drive - as are most these days: And do, please make sure you have masks, sanitizer and gloves. The drive will close tomorrow morning and the convoy positions advertised. Have a good day. See you soon in the sand.

Ah this is easy , no training required for that .. we need seasoned folks who can train us for dealing with the better halves :)) .. This is an epic comment hahahaha

Open secret- I keep my better half happy always and hence all drive requests are granted 😆😜. On a serious note I am off on Fridays while she is at work most of the times, hence it is a win-win situation for both.

Dear @Gaurav Great initiative and wanted more than ever , wish to join , but I understand that the ladder is climbed step by step . however can I request gently from you and the other Passionate drivers to document this electronically as appropriate and if at all applicable. Thank you. Cheers and be safe 🚙🙏🏻

@J J I think we need some training on this topic too. Training to get permissions easily for off roading!!😜

Thank you @Gaurav indeed 👍 the picture talks it all and it’s scary to imagine towing a vehicle “floating on a thread of rust “ emphasis on regular check regarding this matter is critically important . Yes @Barry the unnoticed unappreciable hidden deeper rust is the problem and in @Gaurav pictures it looks the rust long time has started !

Camping chair is essential for recoveries! Good initiative this @Gaurav. I think different cars have different tricks (especially of you have diff-locks), so practice makes perfect.

A lot of times the rust starts from the inside and works its way outward. If the hook is mounted to tube/box section, it may be worthwhile to drill a couple of holes in it and spray the inside with waxoyl or similar.

Hearty Congratz Ale... My bad luck , have not been able to secure a place in your drive yet , all are GONE UNDER 60 seconds ... looking forward to join in the coming weeks.

congratulations @Ale Vallecchi You really deserve this promotion. You have the skills, coolness and patience which really gives us confidence during our drives. Looking forward to join you in our future adventures.

Congratulations Mr @Ale Vallecchi.

congratulations @Ale Vallecchi. wish you all the best

Congrats @Ale Vallecchi!!! you well deserved. 👏👏

We all have seen the incidents and how bad it can go wrong if recoveries are not done in a proper (safe) way. There are a multitude of reasons for that: 1) Tugging too hard 2) rusted tow points 3) using poor quality shackles 4) using poor quality tow ropes instead of recovery ropes 5) Wrong angle etc... etc... etc.. HENCE we take recoveries very serious and educate others as much as possible about the potential dangers.

To all drivers - we have had a few cases recently of 'discussions' about the need for masks during the drive (from inflation to delfation included). As drive leads we want to be sure that even during the COVID period we are still able to drive, if not socialise, which is why we continue to remind about this. It's not a Carnity thing, it's a UAE legal requirement. As a result, we are asking once again that you make sure you have 'totally agreed' to the COVID regulations on carnity that you will find on this post. Please make sure once again that you have agreed to these terms, or you will be signed out from the drive. While understanding that 100% compliance is a challenge, and we all forget to wear a mask from time to time, if your view is that masks are not needed and you will not wear one because you don't see the point, please don't join this drive. The fines for non compliance are there for a reason. Thanks in advance.

Congratulations @Ale Vallecchi for reaching the Marshal level with Carnity Offroad Club. Alessandro has Joined Carnity late last year and since beginning his passion for off-road, contribution and intelligent support on multiple weekly drives were highly appreciated. He has successfully mastered the art of off-roading, leading, exploration and recovering by enjoying different drives through out the UAE. His exceptional leadership skills, practical and well-planned approach are creating a new benchmark among Carnity trip leads. MARSHAL is one of the most prestigious and sought after title that comes after a lot of hard work, patience, tolerance, and dedication. Just like all the levels in Carnity offroad club is "NOT" only based on driving skills but instead based on the combination of your personality + intelligence + team spirit + adventure. This Marshal title is an epitome for all levels in the offroad grading structure. So if anyone wants to grow, they can set any of Carnity Offroad Club Marshal as a PERFECT example for not only following the driving skills and style but also observing their behavior, teamwork, presence of mind, calculative approach, patience and tolerance to teach and support new offroaders. Carnity Benefits Earn reward and recognition from 1:1 Desert Driving Course Off-road Certification with rank and skills achieved Full access to Carnity without any paid subscription Join any drive in “Manage” tab even when drive is full Carnity Contribution Committed to drive with Carnity off-road club only Lead 3 drives or more per month with 1 Newbie drive at least Carnity off-road club betterment and advancement Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 20 drives are required for Marshal promotion along with mandatory attendance to leaders lead drives. (Promotion will be based on Marshal / Crew feedback.) What you'll learn Trip route planning as per convoy’s response Drive topic and calendar posting and management Deal with different cultures, mind sets and nationalities Explore new areas and conduct recce trips independently Basic car technical and electronic management skills Skills required Humble, approachable and social person Matured, pro-active, calm and composed Mentor-ship skills to train off roaders at all levels Car Worthiness Capable 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle High profile tires Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor, tool kit, rated recovery rope and 2 rated shackles, GPS, Floor jack and jack board, tire repair kit, tool box, tie-down straps, fluids. Drive teamwork Lead ALL LEVEL drives independently Assign and manage second lead, center forward and sweep Support and supervise senior offroaders at all levels Drive Joining All Levels Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive

This drive is organized in full compliance with the COVID19 guidelines. We expect every member that joins this drive to go through below information and and strictly follow these guidelines in order not to jeopardize someone's health, and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: BAN POST Two Way Radio Guidelines Every Offroader brings his own radio, programmed to the frequencies described in below advice topic. We will not share spare radios or program your radio on the drive. If you need assistance in programming the radio, post a topic on the Carnity website with your questions and we will help you out. Make sure your radio is fully charged. It will be your only way of communication while driving. Before buying, please carefully read below advice so you are informed properly on which model / cost / shops... No radio = No drive. It is an essential tool and you should make sure you bring it on every drive and learn/practice how to use it. MUST WATCH: NEWBIE VIDEO BRIEFING Drive Details Level: Fewbie and above (All Level) When: 4 Sep 2020, Friday. Meeting time: 5:30 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/chuhZPuBmDdt3fNx5 (Mahafiz Fewbie start) 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), face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 09:30 AM LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 10 cars maximum. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM. 1 Lead Marshal + 2 or 1 Senior Members + 10 Members. If the RSVP is full and you wish to join, please mention your name on the drive thread to add on the waiting list Latecomers will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members without RSVP will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members that do not confirm the terms of the COVID requirements will be removed from the RSVP list. 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. THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE UNLESS YOU HAVE A COMPRESSOR. ANYONE ARRIVING AT THE DRIVE WITHOUT A COMPRESSOR, FLAG, PROPER SHOVEL AND DEFLATION KIT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. ALL TOW POINTS WILL BE CHECKED BEFORE DEPARTURE. PLEASE RSVP ON THE CALENDAR

Thanks wrangeld..

@Pancho as you have got a spot on the evening fewbie drive, please sign out of this drive.

Done

Friendly reminder for @Sajit Modiyil and @Syed Raza Hussain to acknowledge the precautions post as described below: Please acknowledge our COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS TOPIC here below we have put in place by reading the entire post, and confirm you have read and agreed by clicking on the "Totally Agree" Emoticon on down right white heart icon - 3rd option from right is "Totally Agree" when you hoover over (on desktop) or click (mobile) on white heart icon. Do not click on the totally agree button in my topic here, but in the topic above. As you can see already 97 members have agreed to it.

@Rahimdad thank you for the information.

Fantastic Fantastic News. Well done Ale. You are someone that the entire off-road club looks upto and you have demonstrated the right set of leadership qualities befitting a Marshal. Well done buddy.

Please click on "Totally Agree" Emoticon on down right white heart icon - 3rd option from right is "Totally Agree" when you hoover over (on desktop) or click (mobile) on white heart icon.