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Solar Orbit: Second Revolution - Drive Report "The sun comes back everyday with new and powerful secrets" - Rumi Dear Desertnauts, I had wanted to do this itinerary again for some time, and was hoping to actually make the orbit flatter, staying closer to the Solar Park developments, just north and south of it, but reaching out further as far as the "perihelion" of our track was concerned. We partially managed this, in that we did stay much closer to the fields of mirrors, just east of the Lisaili plateau, and came as close as ever to the "Chimney" (one of the cores of the Solar Park developments). We also reached out as far almost as Ghantoot, well past Little Sweihan, and the military training ground. Yet the new secret that Solar Park had in store for us was its further encroachment toward the east, in Margham's direction, which precluded the convoy from cutting across an area of what once were nice long range dunes, now fenced off in light of the future advance of the ocean of mirrors. Hence, we proceeded further away from this area, getting back on the original D66 route (the desert track from Murqab to Faqa), until we managed to reach the sabkha just north of Faqa. In spite of this setback, the orbit was very well navigated by an impeccable convoy, eating up the first, and very challenging, area of super-technical dunes (partially on the legendary route of the DCT), in just 43 minutes of unstoppable driving, mostly on the ridges of the very tight dunes which connotate this area. Immediately after, that a stuck on a crest (by me) showed everybody how tricky the wet sand could be, requiring a pull with a double rope, after all possible digging had failed to clear the way from the sticky, almost cement-like, sand. with this reminder in mind, of the unusual conditions of the sand, we proceeded to cross another, easier, technical area just south of the ever looming Chimney, to reach Little Sweihan, and through it, the Ghantoot sabkhas and long range dunes beyond. From here, once arrived at the southern reaches of Qudra (where the Bab al Shams access track meets the bike track), we finally exited toward Solar Park, to complete our revolution. A total of 94.9 Km were covered, in exactly 4:00 hours (of which 3:14 driving), at an average moving speed of 29 Km/h (for a total average of 24 km/h), with a perfect Second Lead by @Werno, followed impeccably by @Anoop Nair (in his Intermediate debut), @Archibald Jurdi, @Zedand @Humayun Ghias, who having joined the drive at the last minute, was stuck with serving (nicely) as Sweep. Thank you all for joining this fun drive, and hope to see you soon out there.

Lahbab to Lisaili: The Local's Den - Drive Report "If you will find all your roads and paths blocked, he will show you a secret way that no one knows" - Rumi 😉 Dear Desertnauts, those who have driven with me before know that I like to quote from Rumi (occasionally from Shams Tabrizi) to describe the nature of the drive. This time the quote is meant as a pun, referring to the bit of struggle and re-routing we had to endure while crossing the technical area along our track, adjacent to the gas line, as well as the curvy paths we took to cross the long range dunes on the 2 plateaus we passed (one closer to Margham, the other just before the exit). I hope it was fun for the convoy as it was fun for me to lead into the tight dunes: everybody drove well, in such long convoy, and on sand already bearing the signs of the rains from the day before. The itinerary is apparently an easy one, yet the terrain offers areas of technical dunes, alternating with areas of long range dunes, the crossing of which we managed by staying high on the slopes, as close to, or often on top of, the ridges, thankfully made a bit more firm by the recent rains. It turned out to be a small training on ridge riding, albeit on the flatter dunes, which are always available for an easier crossing, if one is willing to patiently look for them. All drivers did great, especially knowing that this was an Almost Absolute Newbie convoy, with @Emanuel, @Rajat Verma and @Karthik Raptor out for their first actual Newbie drive, and @Quresh Motiwala, @ASAD., @JERINE_B, @Justin Ng, @Tareq Al Turq, @Markus B and @Mo. with only 1 Newbie drive under their belts. Well done also for the more senior Newbies, @Jose Thomas (with a excellent Second Lead), @Azeem M, @Nathan (assisting from the center of the convoy), and @Mark D at the back. Impeccable support, with just enough tugs, and a lot of good advice on self-recoveries, from @Russ. In the end, the drive covered 44.8 Km, driven in a total of 3:23 hours (1:53 of which while moving), at an average moving speed of 24 Km/h (13 Km/h total). Thanks to all for joining, and see you soon out there.

Yes, that’s okay. Just make sure you have a proper car seat for the baby please.

Well done @Charbel👍

Congratulations @Charbel

CONGRATS @Charbel well done

@Lorenzo CandelpergherSad to see you leaving the Carnity family. I had the honor to be part of your most recent drives and I must say your skills amaze me. Have learnt a lot under your supervision. I wish you all the best in your new adventures and hope to see you in sand. Take care.

Yes Please add me, so I remove myslef from the other

I am searching for one decent 60😜 not interested in 63 probably will be an electric car

Hi @M.Seidam unfortunately having to isolate due to covid so will have to drop out of the drive. Hopefully the space can be filled by one of the waitlist standbys, have a good drive and see everyone out in the sand soon.

Congrats @Marwan Haddad !

Welcome @hugo and if 5 people wont drop, lol, you will be added to the next week Absolute Newbie drive as a priority before opening that drive.

Hello Frederic, I just signed up to the club and I am very excited! I saw that the list is full but hopefully 5 people drop . Otherwise, can you sign me up for next week? (I cannot see the invitation for next week yet) My information: - I have a FJ Crusier - I have experience in dunes but need to learn how to drive my automatic FJ as my previous cars were short and manual (I had a 70 series short Landcruiser 4.5 V6 and 3.5 V6 short pajero) - Towing hooks, yes best, Hugo

Hi Marjan @Jeepie sad to know about your decision to leave. Have been pleasure interacting with you over numerous drives especially DCT... irrespective of our results your leadership and calm attitude made it a day to remember for us all. Have a great time ahead, we will miss you and hoping that we catch up sometime soon (try to join Richard over some drives once in a while). Cheers

@JeepieIt was sad to hear about you leave the club, It was great experienced, supportive skilled, supported with calmness following your Leads. Thank so much for everythings and Wish You All The Best.

Congratulations @Charbel, enjoy IM level drives 👍🏼

Congratulations @Charbel

@Chaitanya D sadly wont be able to make it due to change of plans. Have removed myself from RSVP so someone else can take place. Have a safe drive everyone.

I actually added myself 🙃

@Fabien Monleau I removed you from the RSVP list upon your request @Gilbert Khalil multiple drives open now and you are having a priority please confirm your participation so I can I add you please

I wish you an Happy New Year. May u remove me from this drive as I am COVID contact case 😭

I will be drive y61 sir.

Oh hope you get better soon . No worries at all sure . Take care 🙏 Dear @Daniel Yang you are added automatically now to the Drive . Just I need to know which car will you drive the 61 or 62 ?

Hi @Hisham Masaadi just free-up one spot, and joining the Saturday drive. Cheers!

Hi. Is it ok to bring family? (wife and daughter 1.5 years old)

Congratulations @Charbel for reaching the Intermediate Level with Carnity Offroad Club. Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment. Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the latest Emergency contact details. P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear. INTERMEDIATE Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 10 Fewbie Plus drives are required within last 6 months for Intermediate promotion. What you'll learn Basic GPS and navigational skills Basic tow rope and winch recoveries Extreme side sloping and long hill climb Tall dunes ridge riding and criss crossing Precise control over technical dunes Fast pace desert driving Clear radio communication skills Advance recovery skills Self recover from dune crest Soft sand recovery Pop-out fixing Skills required Adventurous and thrill seeker but in a safe manner Level headed under stressful situations Responsible, dependable and accountable 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. Drive teamwork Manage center forward position with Trip Lead’s permission Learn/assist recoveries under Trip Lead’s supervision Re-route convoy and coordination, when needed Learn to lead small portion of Intermediate drive under Marshal supervision Drive Joining Join Newbie, Fewbie, Intermediate and Exploration drives only Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive

congratulations @Charbel.. enjoy your new level.

Thanks @Chaitanya D for accepting my request. Excited to join my first night drive.

@Jeepie always sad to see the loss of an asset. I recall your sensible and calm approach, adding a level-headed element to the drives.... A powerful heart-felt post from @Wrangeld . Well done for having the courage to follow your heart - not everyone manages that. We hope to see you in a different capacity, possibly as a passenger next to Richard, in the future! Go well.

Really sad to see this happening, but we do understand that with time many things evolve. Thank you and congratulations @Lorenzo Candelpergher for being such a great offroader above all, who have the perseverance and determination to master the art of off-roading and managed to succeed with flying colors with an impossible size of Y62. You are a true example of driver attitude and skills makes all the difference in off-roading. Till date I have never seen anyone handling that big of beast with sheer perfection, control and extreme precision from technical terrain to monstrous dunes. And after you've change to Rubicon, you've become invincible, as rightly put above by Richard. Surely our path will cross again, till then drive safe and take care.

I have managed to use Kwik clips from Ace to secure the radio and velcro for the external mic. Seems pretty solid, will test them in my next drive 🤞

Wishing you all the best Lorenzo. Thanks for contributing and creating drives and events that people always loved and were managed perfectly. Take care !

Congrats @Marwan Haddad

Congrats @Charbel!

Congrats @Marwan Haddad!

congratulations @Marwan Haddad well deserved promotion 👍

Congrats @Charbel..see you soon on IM drives!!

Congrats @Charbel From now on IM drives also will have the privilege of your amazing pictures.....😋

Many thanks and such a great club

Congratulations @Charbel! Enjoy the new level 😎

@Rahimdad @Asif Hussain @skumar83 @Gaurav @Atif