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Drive report Nowadays there is no more refreshing than to have the drive brief in the open air , socially distanced off course . Everybody was on tIme ready and steady to “go like a pro” 😅 today I was honored to have @Tbone as my copilot in the passenger seat and more pleased to get to know new faces as well. Thank you all for giving me the chance and helping me leading this convoy today. starting in a slow pace and gradually increased especially in the second half of the trip where I got pretty confident for the drivers response and willingness to perform what we intended to do till we got the climax toward the end. in the first area of the long range dunes and upon the first crisscross we encountered the first refusal or almost crest sideways due to hesitation of one of the participants what made me , after nice self recovery upon instructions , to line up the convoy on the flat to explain it better ( from now onward I should keep the toy car always in my glov box 🤣) . And it worked and the crossing never stopped smooth and nice thereafter. as we continued our journey, we had to go bit technical and I have to say every one did just more than great reaching the next and after the next dunes practicing more and more as if it’s ain’t stopping . A couple of refusals and maybe two more crests all cleared in no time by self recoveries and as a matter of fact The ropes never left our trucks today 😊 Toward the end the flow took us better to enjoy the last scenery of the day which was the crescent lake where a beautiful surprise was awaiting us there. It was the “ long train “ of @Frederic’s convoy coming from Faqa which apparently without my knowing ended for the last stop before the inflation spot at Bab shams south Qudra. It was just amazing. @Waqas Parvez as a second lead you kept the proper distance just effectively to give you the proper reaction time upon taking the guiding instructions. You drove nice your prado and self recovered beautifully. Nice meeting you. @Vaibhav nice meeting you . You did great and as you see once you cross all comes fluid after that . Well done all over @Reggie Landicho we drove together in Lesile in my partial lead with @Chaitanya D’ drive . You did great today. You too didn’t need a rope to get yourself out as well . Well done my friend . @Santoso Marjuki it was pleasure meeting you today your driving was awesome today . It’s nice to see AD guys crossing all this distance to share the passion of this team sport . I hope the drive paid it off . @Daniel Rodas @Alphin Aloor @Rsjiv Samuel hardly any issue if any . Flawless . Hope you enjoyed it @JeromeFJ thank you for joining the drive and being in the middle anchoring the front and back was amazing thanks for your help and guidance to the other fellow drivers . @TT_Dubai ( Tim ) first time we meet as well what a pleasure . Thanks for watching our back and the excellent communication feedback . Last but not least special thanks to Vinod @Tbonefor your encouragement and guidance even from the passenger seat. It was a blast . Till we meet next time take care drive safe and see you soon in sand cheers Mohamed P.S pictures in Gallery and Relive below hope you enjoy

DRIVE REPORT All Aboard ! The Carnity Train left early this morning from Faqa, with the sun rising and air balloons passing over our heads. The weather is absolutely amazing now, and after deflation and briefing we chained up the entire platoon and started moving. My plan was to venture not too deep inside Faqa terrain, but to brush alongside it and work our way inside wherever the dunes were open and where we could have some play time with sideys. Eventually we needed to cross a rather more difficult technical area, which is no small feat with such a big group, but luck was on my side when every single time i found a proper way of crossing by following the natural formation of the dunes. Going with the flow is what kept the convoy moving and everyone did brilliant today ! Slowly but surely, and by crossing some sabkhas as well, we worked our way up north, and i was looking forward to bring the convoy towards half moon lake. My delight was even bigger when a few minutes later @M.Seidam and @Tbone also arrived with their convoy, and for a couple of minutes we had 28 Carnity Cars all together. What a sight to see ! Apart from 2-3 refusals and 2 tugs, we kept moving throughout the entire morning, and hence were able to cover 72kms and exited eventually in Bab Al Shams entry point. @Lawrence_Chehimi @Dodi Syahdar were my perfect supporters and thanks to them all went smoothly. With @Zixuan Huang - Charlie in my second lead who corrected my tracks where needed, i knew it was gonna be smooth sailing. Some of you were only on your second offroad drive, and i applaud you, as you guys and gals managed perfectly. You always kept a cool head and smile nearby and the pleasure was all mine to be a part of this drive today. Wishing you all a good remainder of the weekend. See you all soon in the sand ! https://www.relive.cc/view/vevYxLyZZJq

@Alexander Holodny @Damien Ranjit @Daniel Rodas @Mohamad Anwer @Luca Bregni @bassel el rafei @Alexanderrr @Alexanderrr @Paul Zeitoun @Pacific Thank you all for joining our drive yesterday! Great day again to start a lovely weekend. We started right on time and kept a joyful line with stops on big play stations. Rarely used ropes and shovels in a couple of occasions so we had enough time to test our offroading skills, make repeated attempts with trying different methods and tricks and get more familiar with the attitudes of our cars. We tried for better performance by discussing and practicing on timing to push, switching to right gears, keeping right tracks and cheating where required 😎 Excellent lead by @Hisham Masaad ; he took the convoy to all famous bowls and dunes of Mahafiz and we did many practices while getting a great fun on those. Thank you my friend and welcome to the leadersboard! Looking forward to support your upcoming independent drives! Flawless center support by @Paul Zeitoun and sweep by @Pacific ; you saved our day with excellent recoveries and advises so we had our time to enjoy playing. Recovery from the bush; wise move buddies! First time I watched such trimming by using a car and a rope. Experience recorded for the impossible recoveries in the future. Very well done! @Alexander Holodny @Damien Ranjit @Daniel Rodas @Mohamad Anwer @Luca Bregni @bassel el rafei @Alexanderrr; it was really nice to see that you are now fully familiar with your cars and have well control in different offroad acts. Each of you demonstrated very good performance. Well done strong fewbies! 💪 @Alexanderrr did a great start to his fewbie adventure. Excellent performance! Keep it up and enjoy. 👍 * A footnote about our "bush operation"; It was a really smart solution by Paul and Pacific. They recovered the car from a very difficult position without damaging it. Well done! However, when I shared this experience with the Carnity leads and advisors, screams came out! ... dreadful... terrible ... vandals ... how dare you do that ... you killed the environment ... Although we didn't kill any plant, it was still nice for me to hear such harsh criticism as it proves how great people our club has, with full of love and sensitiveness to the environment and nature. In this occasion, I think it is good to underline some points here to keep in our minds during offroading; As you all know, we are doing this hobby right in the lap of the Mother Nature. Thanks to wonderful nature and environment we have in the desert, we treat all our stress and bad feelings we accumulated during the whole week and get full of peace and energy to continue for the next! I think that is the reason many of us are doing this every week. But the desert is not ours; it belongs to animals, plants, rocks, sands, ... living and non-living landlords welcoming us for a couple of hours per week. As known, day by day we are losing wonderful terrains in the dessert due to new facilities occupying the nature for construction, energy, tourism, ... it is becoming more challenging to find good zones as time goes by. Therefore, the environment must have the first priority for our club as it is not possible to feed our passion without it. There is not too many, so we have to preserve the ones we have on hand. I believe that every member in our club has the same emotionality to respect the nature and environment and no one would never ever think of harming any living creature breathing in the desert. In order to do the right, I think we can list a brief guide here to consider for similar recoveries in the future; We should think about touching the plants only if there is no any other option. In our case, it was the last option as tugging or winching the car from the front was not possible in that inclined bowl. So ticked... Our bush was completely dry and dead already. So it was very easy to trim it out. But in the future, there may be some living plants blocking the way out in a similar event. Also, sometimes it may not be possible to know whether it is dead or alive, as the plants stays dry until suitable conditions come, and revive again. For such those, you can apply the same method as Paul and Pacific did, to cluster the branches together with a tugging rope (like hair tying) or gently bend it to one side. By doing so, you can make the plant volume smaller and open the way out without harming it. If tying is not enough to open a way, you can consider to trim some branches with shovels or knives to have more space. Pruning the plant doesn't kill it as its roots are still there and it can shoot forth new branches. In our case, we trimmed the upper part but its roots remained underground, meaning that it could be revived back if not dead completely. So in the future, you should deal with the upper branches of plants but shouldn't harm its roots (... it wouldn't be that much easy to pull a living root out already... also not necessary) I think these above can give a quick guide in your possible dealings with the plants for similar recoveries in the future. Happy to have environmentally sound club members, none of us allow any vandalism to the nature in our drives. As an engineer working in the environmental sector, I exactly know that real vandals are generally wearing suits and managing big companies destroying the environment with legally approved projects. Not easy to fight with, but we have to... See you all on the next!

Fantastic @M.Seidam ! So glad to see you leading drives independently. You were more than ready and I’m looking forward to be somewhere in your support soon.

Hello off roaders, Thank you all for joining and showing up on time. Yesterday the climate was awesome for a morning drive and we were all set flagged and deflated to hit the sand. Right before our briefing and radio check, @Thomas Varghesefound that his passenger side door was not closing and the lock inside was fragmented. He had no choice other than exiting from the drive. As suggested by @Tbone , moved @salah2u to the sweep and we started moving to the desert. After a few minutes drive @Tbone was not happy about the power discharge of his XTERRA and finally he decided to leave the car and join me to continue the drive. Even though there were many tracks we could still find some beautiful dunes and make our way through. We had our initial stuck when @Nafizslided down to a pocket and ended up stuck in an angle where it was not safe to tug him out. After shoveling for around 20 minutes @Chinthaka Ruwan could give him a tug from front just to move him from the churned up soft sand and later pulling him down from behind. Though we had few refusals on our way to pink rock, the drive was superb and the convoy responded well to all the challenges came our way. well done guys. At the pink rock we attempted climbing few times (which could be the last in that area for some time, since there is a news about legal restrictions driving on the high dunes) and the 4X4 of my car disengaged and we decided to end the drive and exit..But with some luck i could engage it back to 4wheel drive mode and continued the drive making it through all other exciting places and ascends in big red area. Thank you all for making it a wonderful drive. Thanks to @Tbonefor making the drive possible for me and it was a blessing to have you on board with me. It was like a practical class for me about the dunes, the approach angle and much more. Thank you. @Ben84 did great as the 2nd lead, well done and keep it up bro. @Prakash Anoop,i believe it was a nice experience for you with your wrangler and very good performance. keep it up. @Peter Hagerand @Marwan Haddad were really good . You guys were amazing in every long climbs we attempted. Good job gus and keep it up. @Nafizwith LX470 had some issues and finally was in sync with his car. Did great towards the end..nice work buddy, and keep smiling the way you do.. . @Chinthaka Ruwan,thanks a lot for your help and support as the CF. You did all the recoveries to perfection and did amazing at the high dunes. Thanks and keep it up bro..😄. @MMansooryou did very well and handled your beast, the Y62 with ease and to the perfection. nice work buddy 😅. @Thomas Varghese, it was really sad to see you stay back while the convoy started and really wanted you to be a part of this drive as sweep. Hope every thing is fine with your X now and hope to see you soon buddy☺️. Thanks to all once again. It was a great experience to drive with you all and hope to catch up with you guys soon.

Thank you @M.Seidam for leading a super drive this morning and for the comprehensive trip report. The drive today had everything, including some technical sections to introduce us all of what to expect in this hobby! Thanks also for the tutorials to demonstrate the theory. The small breaks were very welcome. It was a pleasure to be your sweep but honestly there was not much to do as everyone drove really well and your advance warnings of pockets and steps meant we followed the tracks closely and maintained momentum in the tricky soft sand areas. It was great to meet everyone especially @Tbone@JeromeFJ after some time. Have a fab week ahead all - and some action pics in the Gallery now uploaded. Hope I managed to get you all!

Many thanks @M.Seidam for the drive this morning. It was beautifully executed, and your lead was precise and accurate, rolling as per the plan, with a nice mix of side sloping, crest crossing, and some technical portions. The pace was perfectly adjusted to the group, with a quiet warm up rising progressively to an accelerated rhythm, once the drivers were in confidence. You took the time to explain carefully the technicalities of criss crossing, which is always a good reminder for everyone. The convoy performed very well, and the few recoveries were executed without the need for a rope, which shows the capabilities of the drivers to avoid difficult stucks, and to follow the guidance of the senior members to succeed in self recoveries. Thank you all for joining and keeping always a positive spirit, thanks @Waqas Parvez for the 2nd lead, perfectly executed, @TT_Dubai for the sweep, always very clear in your communication, and @Tbone for the support.

Wonderful footnote @Mehmet Volga. Many of us were indeed quick to react on it but I’m glad to see your approach and explanation, and we can keep carrying this message forward to all our members. Well done !

Thanks Paolo, I didn’t do much support, just tugging a small Pajero effortlessly using momentum, you and the guys were the one who shovel as if there’s gold down there 😂 Always nice to have you in the convoy bro 👍🏻

A safety flag is one of the most important safety items during desert driving. It improves your visibility to other vehicles, allowing convoy members and approaching vehicles to spot you well before reaching the top of a dune. Every off-roader is required to carry and use a proper safety flag on every drive. Flag Requirements Your safety flag must meet the following requirements: * Height: The flag should extend 2–3 metres (7–10 ft) above the roof of your vehicle. * Mounting: Install the flag vertically using a sturdy pole, preferably mounted to the roof or side window. * Visibility: The flag must remain upright and clearly visible throughout the entire drive. Approved Flag Types The following flag types are welcome: Solid colour flags National flags Sports team flags Charity or social cause flags Custom personal designs Not Permitted The following are not permitted: Towels, rags, torn cloth, safety vests or plastic bags used as flags Political or religious flags Flags representing other off-road clubs Commercial advertising or brand promotion flags Flags containing offensive language, symbols or images Respect the Club Your safety flag represents both you and the Carnity Offroad Club. Please choose a design that is respectful and appropriate for a family-friendly environment.

Hey Doc @M.Seidam, this was one of the best drives I've been, great mix of pace and challenging obstacles. Thanks!!! See you on the dunes soon.

Look at @Gertjan his pics in the gallery.

Thanks @Fredericfor the drive, it was nice and relaxing, we covered a lot of distance for a newbie drive! Everyone did incredibly well, wasn't expecting such performance from such a long convoy. There were barely any mistakes to mention. Somebody was taking some shots using a DSLR not sure who but I'am eagerly waiting to see them as I need to post some new photos on my instagram page and I'm not that good at taking photos, so I rely on you guys😃. @Dodi SyahdarThanks for sweeping at the back and for helping me with the tugs. Hope to see you soon guys on sand.

Thank you @Frederic it will a great pleasure and and honor my friend 🙏

Fantastic shots @jeetu sharma ! To all, please find our gallery in below link: https://carnity.com/gallery/category/1072-newbie-faqa-dubai-13-nov-2021

Thanks @Frederic, @Lawrence_Chehimi and @Dodi Syahdar for the amazing trip. it’s amazing to see the long distance we covered today with this convoy. I’ve uploaded the pics I’ve taken and tagged to the best of my ability. Do tag other members as well!!!

I had a great morning @Frederic- thanks a million for setting up this convoy ride!

Thanks @Tbone and @Shaaz Sha for the wonderful drive yesterday. @Shaaz Sha You were leading the convoy nicely. It was enjoyable and exciting. looking forward for more drives with you. @Thomas Varghese @Tbone hope your cars are ok now. Happy to meet everyone and see you all on sand soon. Some pictures are uploaded in the gallery.

Hi @Muhammad Qasim to reassure you, I asked Jose to let me know when he was collected and he confirmed that the recovery arrived around 9am. Thanks for showing such concern for another driver.

Congrats @PaoloMaraziti during all our drives togather somehow thought you were already an Intermediate...🙂 so now i believe all i could say is certainly well deserved and looking forward to be on more drives togather...

@Chinthaka Ruwan my door lock got repaired yesterday itself. This is a 2008 model car, not one which came from showroom in less than 5 years. So things like this are bound to happen. Still I love the Xterra. After I swapped the engine I came to realize its power. Amazing power. I understood my previous engine was leaking combustion inside 3 cylinders and still it could somehow manage the climbs. Now its just WROOM WROOM & ZOOM. No wonder the Nissan VQ 4.0L DE series engines top the charts in the best engines ever made for so many years now. I'm in love with its power. Hopefully it will conquer the Wagan Bowl challege in stock condition put forward by @Gaurav and claim it for Xterra. Love to do a dyno tune prior to that if anyone is doing it for Xterra. If someone could lead me to a good dyno tuner I will be thankful. Not because I'm not happy with the power now but I read in Nissan forums that this engine could be tuned to 400 HP power delivery output which will really make other cars follow the dust trail of Xterra.

@Lorenzo Candelpergher better safe than sorry... See you soon !

Hey @Hisham Masaad, @Mehmet Volga, @Pacificand @Paul Zeitoun, you guys really rock as a senior team, great drive. This one goes among my top Carnity stories so far, as it's unusual to give bushes a tug Great thinking! Cheers!

Dear friends @Waqas Parvez @Vaibhav @Reggie Landicho @Santoso Marjuki @Daniel Rodas @Alphin Aloor @Rsjiv Samuel @TT_Dubai it’s less than 24 hours before our intended drive and just can’t wait to share gliding it smoothly and safely with you guys. having said that please be ready , get steady before the final “Go like a pro “ probably you all drove in Qudra desert 🌵 and personally it’s one of my favorite areas. ; it offers a balance of everything to what we are up to . Basically after warming up my intention is to take it gradually in pace and difficulty in safe way practicing together at 2 to three long range dune areas side sloping , criss crossing and finally bit of ridge riding doable for all . We will cross some technical patches which connect these areas from north west to south east . Depending on the convoy response and time we either loop back to exit at last exit or continue bit more toward south Qudra exit point via the beautiful crescent lake. please be on time ( 07:00 ) at the meeting point which is at the beginning of the drive post , bit earlier the better . Communication and offroad flags are absolute safety prime so make sure that your radios are fully charged and programmed . Shovel , deflator and compressor as well please. during the drive and in any given moment communicate please clearly for whatever problem you may encounter ( refusal, stuck , front / back vehicle distance status .. etc ) recoveries what so ever will be dealt strictly by myself , @Tbone( second lead ) , @JeromeFJ ( Center Forward ) and @Hisham Masaad ( sweep ) For any query should you feel to clarify please feel free to mention it ahead and/or at the meeting point . for this drive we will be communicating at radio channel 2 ( 446031 ) Convoy numbering , here we go Good luck and enjoy

Well done @PaoloMaraziti , so I was driving in front of 2 Intermediates during the long-range then 😄 Well-deserved 👍

Congrats @PaoloMaraziti

Well done @PaoloMaraziti we missed you

Congratulations @PaoloMaraziti!! What a way to get there after that epic drive on Saturday 👏👏 Please do still join us on the lower level drives so we may enjoy the pleasure of your company

Congrats @PaoloMaraziti!

Congrats @PaoloMaraziti . Well done..

congrats @PaoloMaraziti

Congratulations @PaoloMaraziti, very happy to see you going through, well done and have a safe journey in sand. See you soon in sand👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

congrats @PaoloMaraziti keep it up

Congratulations @PaoloMaraziti, well done

Well done @PaoloMaraziti !!! I’ve seen you leap through newbie to fewbie plus and now this level!!! You are an amazing off-roader with just the right sense of humour Congratulations!!!

Well done @PaoloMaraziti

Good question, I would advise the following: Before the drive: - All fluid levels (coolant, oil, etc) After the drive: - tyre pressure (35psi). - engine bay, look for any loose hoses, leaks. - air filter. Remove the sand by tapping it gently on the floor. Replace the filter every 15-20,000 kms If you take the car to a carwash (no need to do this after every drive), but when they lift the car you can have a look underneath to see for any leaks or broken rubber bushings. Most important of all: get to know your vehicle better and talk to your mechanic and tell him you are off-roading with this vehicle and he should inspect drive shafts, suspension, and fluids more often.