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Day 5 - Al Ula Exploration (114 Km.) As one of Saudi's most developed tourist destinations, with direct flights reaching it twice a week from Dubai, it'll be much easier to find a commentary on Al Ula's beauties, natural, archeological and architectural, on guidebooks, or traveler's blogs. I'n terms of off-roading, Al Ula is no longer the "free for all" paradise that apparently was until just a few years back, as most of the areas surrounding the old town, the archeological sites and many of its monumental rock formations and canyons are now fenced off. Therefore, our day was spent mostly visiting the UNESCO Heritage Site of Hegra, with its Nabatean tombs, and the ancient city, which is the twin sister of Petra, in neighboring Jordan. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the gorgeous Habitas Hotel, splendidly located in the secluded Ashar Valley, with a guarded access, where 3 luxury facilities are nested between the red canyons. The afternoon went quickly by, with a very leisurely off-road drive dedicated to finding a nice camping spot in one of the canyons north of Al Ula. The whole area is an amazing labyrinth of red rock cliffs, made of extremely weathered and oxidized sandstone, with honeycombed walls, where the alternation of wind and rain erosion has carved niches and ledges alternating throughout their length. Wadis, mostly dry in spite of the recent heavy rains, have cut their way through the rocks, while the winds have created dunes on the windward side of the canyons. We finally decided to stop on one of these dunes, overlooking a small "oasis" at its bottom, the wadi just beyond, and the opposite walls of the canyon starting to glow red from the sunset's light. An idyllic campsite, where we took all the time we needed to stretch, relax, set up camp, and prepare a light but succulent dinner, next to a crackling campfire. A most relaxing day indeed.

Thank you @Frederic for the initiative. One more proof that with @Gaurav and @Srikumar you are not only running an off-road club, but leading a true community. You are a source of inspiration for all of us. I did not expect a special recognition for doing something I like, and it is a nice surprise back from holidays. Congratulations to the nominees of this first quarter @Ale Vallecchi @Benjamin @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V @Santoso Marjuki @Davie Chase @DP1011 , all of them shoving great dedication and team spirit !!

Dear friends Sunil Mathew Ahmad Nerat Fabien Monleau Mohamad Anwer Ignacio Quindós Hisham Masaad Hello and welcome . Please note the RSVP is closed now . please find below the convoy order 1. M.Seidam Leading the convoy 2. @Fabien Monleau 3. @Ahmad Nerat 4. @Sunil Mathew 5. @Ignacio Quindós 6. @Mohamad Anwer and in the sweep position @Hisham Masaad We will use radio channel 1 . See you all by 4:30 pm Inshallah 🙏

Going to try change them tomorrow 🥴 Good eye, I can neither confirm nor deny that the catalytic converter is installed or not installed 😜

Look forward doctor, thank you for pulling us out of work 😅. I told my boss, I am going to see the doctor. 😇

Thank you @Frederic for the great idea. It'll keep all of us at Carnity motivated and curious, as well as providing an even greater sense of community. I am greatly honored to be "inducted" into 2 categories for this term. I always have fun planning the drives and will take up the challenge of being even more creative in the future. Congrats to my fellow inductees @Bjoern, @Tharun Kumar V, @Santoso Marjuki, @JeromeFJ, @Davie Chase, @DP1011, and @Benjamin . Well done to all !!!

@Ale Vallecchi I’ve been following along your off-road diary and it’s truly amazing some of the things you have seen especially through the eyes of a camera lens enjoy the rest of your holiday!

Quite a few people just make a spacer to pack it out, this one’s a bit extreme but you get the idea. I think the best option is to delete the trim altogether, I think this looks the best and is the most functional there are also spacers available to lift the tyre up when fitting larger tires. you can just turn the mount upside down to achieve the same thing but a bit more work cutting the studs off and swapping them

Very common item to go on any off-road car. Never tried that myself though 😅 PS your HC readings are a bit on the high side ? Are you running without catalytic converter ?

Updating this topic with some recent experience, the Jeep Wrangler @Benjamin drives in addition blowing it seals had started to develop a steering wheel vibration and wobble in the last few weeks, specifically from around 80-100 Kmh. my wallet was getting worried but thankfully a check on the tire balancing lead to two of them needing to be rebalanced. And once it was hooked up to the alignment machine there was an obvious toe out angle on the front. a relatively quick adjustment and it was back on the road driving smooth and no vibrations at all. so if you start noticing a wobble / vibration in the steering get the tyre balance and alignment checked first.

I hope will make it myself on time 🤫🤣

Best wishes gaurav bhai.. live long

First of all, yes ..... I am still alive. Simply, I had not expected to have such hectic days, so packed, and going through relatively remote areas, that I would not have time to recount the events of the day. Now that I am finally back, I have the time to relive, with you, the highlights of the past days. Day 4 - Al Hait - Al Ula (537 Km) A sunny start of the day saw us driving across a huge field of lava stones, clearly announcing the approaching of a significant group of volcanoes, strung along a semi-circle, just a few kilometers off a secondary road to Al Ula. As the stones turned to gravel, under the effect of prolonged erosion, the plains at the foot of this ring of volcanoes revealed itself, reddish black as the color of lava, and stunningly green as the color of the thin grass that carpeted the valley, after the heavy rains. After a coffee break on the lush yet barren plain, we launched on a 60 Km. off-road exploration of the volcanos. As we were driving in a clockwise direction around the edges of what appeared as different lava flows, we realized that the lava was actually all part of a giant eruption, that may have lasted years, if not decades, coming from the tall black volcano looming to our right. The goal was to reach and climb the most "advertised" site in this area, the so called "White Mountain", which we reached just as the black crusts of lava ended at its base. It was indeed a whiteish looking mountain, with a flat top, and no lava whatsoever either on its slopes or near its base. As we climbed to the top of the plateau, we actually landed on the rim of what appeared as a volcanic crater, with a small hilly outcrop at its center. The color of the rocks was white with pink hues, in stark contrast with the black mountains surrounding this site. A closer, even though hasty, analysis of the mountain's material and layout of its visible layers, completely devoid of any volcanic origin, led to the conclusion that this must have actually been an impact crater, pre-dating the volcanic activity which laid at its feet, in relatively more recent times, the huge lava field we had just crossed, originated from the huge black volcano. Done with the geological survey, we proceeded to complete the drive of the entire rim of this incredible White Mountain, drawing a perfectly circular track on the map, before descending its slopes, and crossing, once again, the huge black lava field. Just before exiting on the original dirt track, we detoured toward a gap between two tall hills, where we found a beautiful herd of black camels enjoying the fresh green grass, pasturing on the rims of another beautiful, smaller, crater, hidden from the view from below. Another spectacular site, with an unspoiled, almost pre-historic look and feel. Back on the main road, just in time to avoid yet another burst of rainfall, we headed toward Al Ula, a couple hundred kilometers away. After refueling, having noticed the first signs of the red, boulder shaped, outcrops that have made this area famous (actually, common to a great deal of the vast expanse from here to Wadi Rum in Jordan), we detoured, to enter one of its canyons, beginning what turned out to be almost 100 Kms of off roading, along the wadis and small valleys separating the broken massif. Having spent the last part of the afternoon off-roading just south-east of Al Ula, we reached our destination well after sunset. Another day full of surprises, the highlight of which (and with hindsight, perhaps of the whole trip) was the huge black volcano's immense lava flow spreading its wings and hugging the base of the incredible White Mountain. An unreal testimonial of ancient times of upheaval and dramatic change, and a stunning reminder of Mother Earth's immense power.

Another amazing initiative @Carnity. Thank you @Frederic, it’s a surprise because on the Liwa Crossing you will not find my name on any of those 3 convoys 😅. I was only a passenger with @Dodi Syahdar as support team. Even I was not driving, I brought my own radio 🤣 and it was useful when @Srikumar’s radio low batt. So as a passenger of support car, I have nothing to do except shovelling and attaching the towing gears ✊😅, however I enjoyed and learned a lot from the conductor @Gaurav during the recovery. congratulations @Bjoern, @Tharun Kumar V, @Santoso Marjuki, @Ale Vallecchi, @JeromeFJ, @Davie Chase, @DP1011, and @Benjamin 👏👏👏

Thank you @Frederic for this brilliant idea to recognize and celebrate real heroes. So that the whole Carnity family knows their name and achievements every quarter. You are the real Eywa of Carnity. Congratulations @Ishak @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V @Santoso Marjuki @Benjamin @Ale Vallecchi @JeromeFJ @Davie Chase and @DP1011 for being the very first names to make it in the Hall of Fame. Your patience, contributions, maturity and teamwork are highly appreciated. Keep rocking!

amazing!... thanks a lot @Frederic for this interesting initiative.. and congratulations @Ale Vallecchi @Davie Chase @Benjamin @JeromeFJ @DP1011@Ishak @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V @Santoso Marjuki for this recognition..hold tight as competition heats up and everyone will be trying hard to knock you off that wall 😆

Day 3 - Edge of the World to Al Hait, via Al Hatima Crater (839 Km) We have already told of the dramatic wake up of Day 3 (windstorm following a night of heavy rains). Having overcome the shock of such an unexpected and unbelievable weather, we set out to reach the Hatima Crater, near the small village of Tabah. Wadis were full of water, making crossings more fun than challenging, due to their relatively shallow depth. Huge bodies of water filled up, although for a likely short time, the lower points of the many valleys and plains we crossed. Dark and grey clouds filled the sky. A very unusual sight, indeed. After 557 Km of a rather boring drive (so far it seems that most significant sites in Saudi are separated by huge stretches of rather insignificant areas) the road finally led to an interesting, vast and green plain, with jagged mountains on one side, and what looked like low hills on the other. One dirt track led to the closest of these "low hills". At its end, as the track reached the top, an incredibly huge crater revealed itself, with an almost perfectly round shaped rim, and a small, reddish lake at its center. In the distance beyond, what appeared like at least another volcano, perfectly framed at the center of an opening in the crater's opposite rim. The lunch we had on top of this prehistoric looking place is one of the most memorable I ever had. Simply spectacular. After driving on the rim for about one fourth of its length, we got back on the road nearby, headed for our overnight resting place, in the small town of Al Hait, from which tomorrow we will move to visit another volcanic area, and then on to Al Ula. On the way, in the spur of the moment, we took a detour into an area of big boulders and small rocky outcrops, off-roading along the canyons separating these masterpieces of erosion. A very fun moment of improvisation, which provided a perfect opportunity to admire an unexpected sunset. Just to make sure that we wouldn't get used to too many clear skys, as soon as dusk started to descend, dark clouds gathered again, unleashing more heavy rains in the distance on our left side, while an amazing lightning storm blazed in the direction of our final destination. Our day ended as it had begun, with another incredible downpour of rain and hail...... luckily just as we were reaching the hotel. Yes @Anoop Nair. Planning to reach it tomorrow, and spend 2 days around there, including off-roading. Will tell you how it goes.

Day 2 - Al Bathaa to Edge of the World (685 Km) Let's start from the beginning of tomorrow (Day 3). A 6:00 am water up in a windstorm and 14 degrees, after a full night of rain. It felt we had punished for having reached the End of the World. A Martian landscape, of a miles long sharp cliff separating the central plateau of Arabia from the lower lands expanding from here to the Red Sea. Barely 68 km west of Riyad, yet 2 hours of driving away, End of the World is reached through 30 km M on a rocky dirt track. The excruciating drive, takes a heavy toll on the back and spine, but leaves you breathless once at the top (see picture). Everything else between Al Bathaa and here is quite insignificant, except a large dune field running along the highway not far from Riyad, which would warrant more time to explore (on the next trip). The camp was set at night on track back to the tarmac intersection, yesterday above a small wadi lined up with leafy trees. Food was served and enjoyed just on time for the arrival first of an electric storm, then of the heavy rains that were the sound track of the night, until the windy dawn.

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. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions Ban from Carnity Off-road Club Two Way Radio Guidelines Drive Details Level: Newbie and Above When: 30 Apr 2023 Sunday Meeting time: 6:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/LdEjQdBufXo2Dq4q8 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: 10:00 AM THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. WE WILL ENDING THE DRIVE A POINT, WHICH IS NOT CLOSE TO AN AIR LINE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPRESSOR, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE. IF YOU ARRIVE AND HAVE NO COMPRESSOR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 12 cars only. RSVP will close on saturday - 3:00pm 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. 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. Please RSVP on the Calendar below

Ok……so car failed it’s rego inspection yesterday 🤯, apparently engine mounts are stuffed. has anyone replaced these? Any tips, I am going to have a go tomorrow at changing these myself. Thank you

I dont think it will be an easy job to do it yourself as you need to support the engine wheight while replacing them. As an advice change both engine mounts plus the transmission mount all thogether . When the engine mount is broken the transmission mount will have to work extra by holding the weight of the engine as well. This will slash the life span of it. .

Welcome to the Off-Road Hall of Fame, a place where we celebrate the fearless, daring, and ingenious legends of the off-road world. This is the home of the trendsetters who have pushed the limits of off-road driving, supporting, and inspiring all types of adventurers. Off-road driving is not just a hobby, it's a way of life. It requires a rare combination of skill, bravery, and respect for the great outdoors. From conquering the tallest dune to racing through the sands, and wadis to traversing long distances, off-roading comes in various forms that demand unique skills, patience and above all - great teamwork. Only a few have gone above and beyond, leaving their mark on the off-road universe, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. These heroes have not just driven off-road but have really defined the true meaning of off-road community while taking the sport to new heights. Whether you are an experienced off-roader or just starting, we invite you to join us as we explore the stories and legacies of the off-road greats who have earned their rightful place in the Off-Road Hall of Fame. This is a place where we take pride in their achievements and honor their spirit of adventure. So, fasten your seatbelts, hold tight, and let's embark on a journey of exhilaration, inspiration, and honor in the Off-Road Hall of Fame. Period: Jan - March 2023 Drives in the spotlight Our Master of Innovation, @Ale Vallecchi again surprised us with a perfect themed drive! Starting with a relaxing Newbie level drive, and ending with a professional Yoga session in Al Qudra, guided by Paola ! https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1x87v6muqc25j&utm_content=i0iff Keep innovating Ale! Members in the spotlight @Ishak @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V and @Santoso Marjuki The support shown by these individuals during the broken-down car recovery in Liwa crossing has been nothing short of incredible. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to helping their fellow off-roaders are truly inspiring. Their selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed. In fact, they even sacrificed their own plans for the day to ensure that their fellow off-roaders were taken care of. This level of camaraderie and support is what makes this off-roading community so special. We are all grateful for their presence and the invaluable support they have provided. Well done Ishak, Bjoern, Tharun and Santoso! @Benjamin It is truly remarkable to see how Benjamin has flourished as a passionate offroader with our club. Despite being one of the youngest members of our family, he has demonstrated a level of maturity and teamwork that is truly impressive. Benjamin's teamwork skills are beyond his years, and he consistently demonstrates a willingness to help and support his fellow offroaders in any way he can. We are fortunate to have Benjamin as a member of our offroading family. Keep it up, Benjamin! Lead Champions Congratulations @Ale Vallecchi for having organized 11 drives this quarter! 3 Newbie Drives 4 Fewbie Drives 4 Fewbie Plus Drives Congratulations @JeromeFJ for having organized 9 drives this quarter! 5 Fewbie Drives 2 Fewbie Plus Drives 2 Intermediate Drives Support Champions Congratulations @Davie Chasefor having supported 11 drives in this quarter! Congratulations @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler for having supported 8 drives this quarter! Your dedication is an admirable quality that is truly valued and appreciated. Your unwavering passion for off-roading has not gone unnoticed, and it is an inspiration to those around you today. We thank you and look forward to seeing the many great things you will achieve in the future.

@DP1011Yeah! Sorry to leave you alone for sometime. Lot of work and Carnity website wasn't allowed me to join last month. 😁 Had difficulties with my subscription, but now all solved! Ready for 💥💥

Always a pleasure dear Hisham honored to have you all today inshallah

@Pavel Pashkovskiy - Long time we had coffee together looking forward for your coffee treat again

Hello Desert Wanderers @Carnity I came across to an important topic which I believe clear knowledge about it is of paramount essential for all of us be it off-road or on road . Please see below

Carnity members trying to RSVP at 7PM:

Dear Gaurav @Gaurav best wishes and many happy returns 🎂

Happy birthday @Gaurav... enjoy your new level in life 😂 😆. I hope it brings you excitement, joy and success. Cheers 🍻🥳

Wow @Frederic I really wasn’t expecting this! I love the idea especially with some friendly competition with my fellow off-roaders thank you for the opportunity to be on the position of the wall of fame, ever since my first drive with @Brette I noticed @Looper and both of their willingness to support the entire convoy, since then I’ve pushed myself to always support other off-roaders especially the marshals & support crew whenever I could. congrats to everyone else on the wall!

Anther fantastic initiative @Carnity thanks a lot to @Frederic for the words of encouragement and the post, it was you that got me started with my first drive a Carnity master class, no looking back from there and now the Misses is driving my beloved Red Rubi 🤔 i think this might be your fault as well @Frederic 🤣. Moreover, my heartiest congratulations to the rest of the recognized team members, @Ale Vallecchi @Benjamin @JeromeFJ @Ishak @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V @Santoso Marjuki @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler this is what separates Carnity from the rest of the pack well done to all.

Thanks @Carnity for this one ! Fantastic , and feels good to have made it to Podium in first one, and lookin forward to many ! Congratulations to you all of you tooo ! @Ale Vallecchi @Davie Chase @Benjamin @JeromeFJ @Ishak @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V and @Santoso Marjuki @Frederic when and where is the presentation ceremony , I am ready in my tuxedo

Happy Birthday @Gaurav

Hi Ale @Ale Vallecchi The picture is amazing. Are you going through Al Ula which is around 3 hrs from Tabuk I believe. I was there in Dec for a business trip (unfortunately not with the Jeep). The terrain was breath taking and really ripe for driving between the large rocks they have.

DAY 1 - Dubai to Al Bathaa (557 Km) The first day goes quickly and unexcitingly, with the transfer to, and crossing of, the Saudi border, and an overnight at a not so Dream Home Hotel, just a few kilometers inside Saudi territory. The crossing itself has taken a little over 1 hour, mostly spent waiting in line for the various checks, which proceed in a very smooth, quick, and courteous way. Car insurance can be bought at the last booth before being allowed through. If it's the first time you enter Saudi you are required, after showing your visa, to register your fingerprints and picture. No travel photos for today. Tomorrow, almost a full day of driving to Edge of the World, which we should reach in around 8/9 hours (depending on how many stops we make), for an early camping and sunset view.

@Shyam Karat sorry to hear this though, will lookforwars to see you some drive soon:) , can u go to RSVP and leave event so the next WL can move to confirmed list:)

My apologies, can’t make it for the drive