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It's been a month since I last drove out into the desert. With travel keeping me away from the sands and the city, the itch to be out there only grew stronger with every passing week. And when the opportunity to do a night drive came on, I jumped. I'd just arrived back in town last week, and my car was still dusty from sitting out. I joked with @Vaibhav when I got to the meeting point, that I may not be able to see much out of my windscreen. Fortunately, that was never the case, as both the full moon and our array of lights lit up the desert sands in spectacular fashion. The last time I did a full moon "ride", I was on horseback many years ago. I still remember that memory with great fondness. Last night, I could see the same full moon as our north star always keeping an eye and laying out a silver path ahead of us in the darkness. A truly magical feeling which was felt with the long moments of silence on the radio, as the convoy snaked through the night, criss-crossing, diving, climbing and side-sloping to Doc @M.Seidam's trailblazing path. Being a center-forward position, the weight of responsibility was weighing heavily on me. And with the time away from the desert, I wasn't sure how rusty I was and if it would be second nature again. In the end, it truly was. And it all comes down to how easily and with great aplomb, this convoy of ours drove. The refusals which were few and far between are all natural given the lack of visibility. It is a given when you don't know what's beyond to lay off the throttle and get crested. I took some unnecessary leaps because I was just too eager. Fortunately, my car and I both were just so eager to jump forward, that never did one feel misplaced or a step too far. Driving behind @Karthik Raptor and his beast, I was initially weary of the churn this monster would leave behind. On the contrary, he left the lightest of tracks and his pacing and throttle both showed just how well accustomed he has become with his car. Other Raptor drivers should take a leaf out of his book. A beautiful drive, Karthik. And behind me, I could see the large light array of @Ahmad Shaker holding tether to my track. Your caution was well warranted in most areas. And you pulled the rear end with my favorite back-benchers along. We were also witness to Ahmad's superhuman strength when he pulled Dr. Seidam's car with his bare hands. We will be using you to do tugs in the future. @Morshedi, you and I have not been on drives before but you were the perfect second lead. As the drive went on, you gave Doc just that few seconds more to find the best path forward helping us not run into too many re-routes. And your help in shoveling at every refusal was a major boon. Seeing your Wrangler flexing in your stuck was a sight to behold too. It really displayed the articulation of your car's suspension and its frame. While we heard the chassis make some groaning sounds, it was to be expected especially when you had one full wheel in the air. @Vaibhav & @Waqas Parvez come in pairs. Beyond the chatty banter that I love so much with you gents, it is your spirit to always help out, always be there, leaning in and pushing us all through. Having you on the drive not just made it even more exciting for me to be there but I could sit back and relax because I knew as good as the drivers you are, any issue would be quickly resolved. For those up front who couldn't see them, missed the beautiful cat & mouse charade the two had on the entire drive. You both drive so in sync with each other, it is a treat for any bystander. @ASAD. & @AlexM - with no issues between the two of you upfront, and the tightness of the front half, it was clear that you too were so in sync with the rhythm we were all on. Thank you for keeping up the pace and translating it down the line to us. A convoy always feels more alive when every car is running in sync. And you gents did just that. Thank you all for helping me come back to this, with renewed vigour. I left early this morning, energy spent, sand in the hair and my cabin, and a beaming smile telling myself and everyone around me that I had a great drive with an amazing convoy. See you all out on the sands soon [🐵]

@munkybizness Superb report made me relive this once more and enjoy the details that I missed . Glad to see you back in the sand my friend as , even better , like the old days 😉

Thank you very much @Gaurav ! it was a great step one thanks to @Islam Soliman@Srikumar@Vanessa8580@Hisham Masaad @Frederic @Anoop Nair looking forward to learning more and experiencing new adventures! thank you

Congratulations @Andrei S for reaching the Fewbie 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. FEWBIE Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 5 Newbie drives are required within last 3 months for Fewbie promotion. What you'll learn Basic dune and sand reading Self-recovery techniques Shoveling at right place Crawling out of difficult situations Blip Blip - Coordinate steering and gas control Basic side sloping and hill climb Basic ridge riding and criss crossing Basic control over technical dunes Slightly faster pace desert driving Ability to manage stuck/refusals with radio Learn to control and avoid fishtailing Never fight or challenge gravity Skills required Enthusiastic and positive attitude Willingness to learn and help others Presence of mind and attention to detail Car Worthiness Any 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor. Drive teamwork Manage second lead and sweep positions upon request Intuitive and proactive to support Trip Lead Observe recoveries and offer help, when needed Drive Joining Join Newbie and Fewbie drives Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive

Superb drive report @M.Seidam& @munkybizness, very well articulated to relive the drive again. Thank you both and @Morshedi, @Vaibhavfor your wonderful support, also the convoy members for a perfect drive under the full moon. I haven’t done many crisscrossing in my previous night drives, so enjoyed that specifically, riding along the ridges under lights and cross over at the right moment. It was an amazing and different learning experience. Have a great weekend ahead and see you in the sand soon. Take care!

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil 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 @Gilbert Khalil enjoy the new level 👍

Congratulations 👍👍👍

Well done @Gilbert Khalil, congratulations!

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil, going to miss watching the FJ at fewbie plus level! see you at the next level soon!

@Gilbert Khalil congratulations

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil

@Shaaz Sha thank you for the interesting drive . the terrain was a bit challenging specially with the surprising extremely soft sand every now and then. Honestly i didn't expect to see so much bushes and grass in the desert but that was pleasant to see. thanks to @Matt.T @Pacific, @Looper and @Gaurav Soni for the support . i think we had an really good drivers in the convoy that mad this drive a wonderful experience thanks to @Michel Van Woudenberg@Nizam Deen, @Mark D , @Tom B , @Warren Flay @Daniel Rodas, @Gilbert Khalil,@James Thorn the only disappointment we had was with the mechanical problem of @Daniel Rodas and @Nizam Deen cars . i hope your cars will not cost so much o fix. looking forward to see you all again soon. i am leaving below some video's I got during the ride

I'm always here to pull you guys 😂😂🦸

Dear Friends Thank you a lot for coming and being punctual to find every one just ready for a drive under the full moon 🌕 light . This route is definitely different in the dark relying heavily on my GPS as well as the shadow outline of the dunes and the chimney light as a fixed point to determine direction . @Morshedi my second lead just made it to perfection as expected well done brother. @AlexM doing your first Fb+ in the night with almost zero issue says it all . Nice to meet you my friend. @ASAD. Thank you for the accompany on the road coming from GID and in the sand you did more than great buddy. @Karthik Raptor managing the beast in the dark and some times in a narrow twisties that my Xterra could blearily fit tells how good you understand your mighty machine well done. @Ahmad Shaker nice meeting you again my friend . The night drive is yours now 👍 @Waqas Parvez although a late addition but can never say more than hearty welcome at any time my dear . You drove like a pro. @Vaibhav sweeping in the dark tastes different for sure but you did it as perfect as we felt safe along. Brilliant. @munkybizness you were the key and the true playmaker and I felt you every where not only in the center sparing no effort guiding , helping when ever needed .Thanks for the tug when i dived in the soft 😅 For long periods especially the Quadra part the radio was silent as every one was busy enjoying the night under the moon light ! Wish you all great time and till we meet take care stay safe Seidam

@Shaaz Sha, welcome back. Thanks for posting the drive, already feeling excited , Though missing a few, happy to see with usual culprits @Pacific, @Looper, @Thomas Varghese and @Anoop Nair

Yes Doc, had to do some surgery on the old girl this weekend, good as new now ready to go

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil. see you soon

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil enjoy the new level

Congratulations @Andrei S enjoy the new level.👍

Well done @Andrei S, congratulations!

Congratulations @Andrei S - enjoy the new level

Congrats @Andrei S ! You’ll love it !

Congratulations @Andrei S! This is just the beginning! See you in the sand!

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil..well done buddy 👏👏

Congratulations @Andrei S 👏👏👏

Bravo @Gilbert Khalil .. Congratulations

Congratulations @Andrei S!

Agree with everyone above, it was an excellent and challenging drive, perfectly planned and supported by the team. Thank you all and looking forward to driving with you again!

Thank you @Kailas for the memorable drive - despite the fact that it was a fewbie drive and first night drive for most, everyone performed admirably. The two well spaced breaks were splendid and worked wonders to reduce the stress of night-time driving however, the interactions during the breaks, the light banter and relative cool weather under the full moon - priceless! Looking forward to more such adventures. @hugo you were perfect as second lead; thanks Charlie @Zixuan Huang - Charlie for all the support. @Jessica Lambert, @Federico Galbieri, @Haitham Khattab, @Udit S and @DP1011 - it was great meeting you and driving with you all; wish you a great week ahead

Thank you Dr. @M.Seidam For the drive, I had a lot of fun driving behind you and got to see how you approach the dunes, And when rerouting is necessary to avoid dead ends. thank you @munkybizness It was a pleasure driving with you for the first time, you did an amazing job in the center, hope to see you again, thank you @Vaibhav for your support and sweeping the convoy, you made it so easy bro! everyone was great and helpful in the stuck situations, thank you All

@Shaaz Sha always a good drive when out exploring with you, it was a different area and had different challenges with some spectacular views. I thoroughly enjoyed myself having not been in the sand for a little while made it even better. Had a great convoy of drivers and quality support from @Pacific @Looper in CF and sweep with @Gaurav Soni there to add his experience. Thanks all for a great morning.

Thank you @Kailas for leading this super fun drive, and thanks @Zixuan Huang - Charlie and @Ranjan Das for the great support! We reached home exhausted but extremely satisfied! Looking forward to the next one!!

CV boot was gone and grease totally out 😱

you know @Felix Obst I was wondering that myself Probably due to the way i drive is my open and honest view lol, to be fair i am told this is a weak point on teh Rubicon, so i now have a heavy duty drive shaft, let the abuse begin and see if i can break it as well :):)

Great news @Gilbert Khalil! Well done.

Congratulations @Andrei S, well done.

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil, well done.

Congrats @Gilbert Khalil

Congratulations @Andrei S on the promotion

Congratulations @Andrei S Enjoy the new Level

Thanks @Vanessa8580 Thanks @Islam Soliman Thanks @Shaaz Sha

Congratulations @Andrei S👏👏

I enjoyed reading the drive report posted by you guys. @munkybizness I was @Karthik Raptor 's rear gunner as a sweep for a Fewbie drive and I agree with your observation that he does not churn up the sand despite the powerful V8. I deliberately wind down my window to listen to his V8 when he fired up the cylinders for more complicated terrain or climbs.

First fewbie plus drive ✅ 😀 Thanks @Shaaz Sha and the support crew for a fun technical drive. Some of the tight turns where a challenge for the Raptor at times but it ploughed through leaving plenty of churn for those behind. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Good to meet plenty of new faces, and great to see teamwork at all times. See you all soon! 🦖

Hello Boys Today when i started i had a thought that i would be the first one to be at the meeting point, but when i reached there i could see most of the attendees where already there. once every one arrived, we were all set deflated and flagged to hit the sand . At around 5.45 AM we entered the desert intending to reach Nazwa , starting from the opposite side of mahafiz tree shades. The terrain was quite tough to navigate with numerous shrubs and concealed steps. To make matters worse the sand in the area was super soft. We had to deal with a few refusals at the beginning, and towards the mid part of the drive we were able to locate some area to attempt some ridge riding and criss crossings ..Towards the beginning of Nazwa @Daniel Rodas had an issue with his steering rack and the car was no longer fit to make it through the sand and we decided to exit him to the tarmac at nazwa. @Gaurav Soni assisted him to the road and we were all back on track. Even with several bulldozer tracks the path from Nazwa to Suweidan was significantly better. We did make use of the offered play areas and you guys were all excellent today. My objective had been to make it up to the 2nd december, but the difficulty we had in the early phase of our drive had taken up enough time. We could attempt a few bowls and sideys. But at . Around 9.15 am , @Nizam Deen car had an air intake filter issue .Once the problem was sorted out, we decided to exit at suweidan as it was already getting hot . Thank you @Michel Van Woudenberg@Nizam Deen, @Mark D @Simon Dawood, @Tom B , @Warren Flay @Daniel Rodas, @Gilbert Khalil,and @James Thorn, for being on time and you all did a wonderful job today. Thank you @Matt.T for being a vigilant 2nd lead. Thanks to @Pacific for handling the convoy from centre. Thank you @Looper for sweeping us and thanks to @Gaurav Soni for joining the drive and for all your assistance in refusals. Thank you guys once again and see you soon.some pics in the gallery

Thanks, everyone for your wholehearted support and participation in an epic Grand Iftar drive, which was much awaited after 2 years of covid gap. It was very nice to put faces to names and car pics we see in the gallery every week and an awesome outing with the whole family where kids and wifey's also enjoyed and relaxed with pleasant evening weather. Special thanks to all Advisors, Support, and Team carnity to help plan and execute all the arrangements to secure the best location to enjoy the hill-climb show and rev battle throughout the evening. Many thanks, everyone for sharing your special delicacies and sweets with utmost love and respect, that for the next Grand Iftar, I will fast for two days.

Congratulations @Gilbert Khalil well done …💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Fasting @Gaurav? Good mentioned, to allow for more