Leaderboard

The drive today was straightforward yet exciting: the mission was to steal the legendary Criss Cross Train and bring it all the way to Qudra. Wes started the morning strong, setting the tone for the day. A big thank you to the team for arriving on time, getting tires deflated, and flags raised so we could start the briefing at 6:30 sharp. From the very first climb, everyone lined up beautifully, creating that perfect long desert train that moved like a single creature across the dunes. We had several stations lined up for today’s adventure, and the team did an outstanding job visiting almost all of them. The only one we had to skip was the Qudra Secret Dunes, simply because time wasn’t on our side. Overall, the route was about 85% smooth 😅 and thoroughly enjoyable, with each stop adding its own flavor to the experience. At one point, we crossed a technical patch with bushes because I decided to cut short the path to reach the second station faster, and you all handled it effortlessly. Thanks to our solid second lead today @Frans M, responded to every instruction perfectly. Your initiative to continuously inform the situation to the convoy was very big help to me to focus on finding the safe line. Really appreciate that. @Nicolò, great control, steady and smooth. @vinayak n, you brought a lot of energy and fun to the drive today, giving us the perfect opportunity to practice safe recovery techniques. @Mei Ling, your progress on switching the ridge was clearly visible today, great job handling those transitions with confidence! Our ever-busy support @J-P L, as always, handled refusals and stuck situations with super calm and a touch of fun, especially when it came to "I have to give you a tug!"🤣 @Lala G Thanks for that documentation and feedbacks 🙏 , you missed the last fun part where we learn to climb from slip face and switch because you have to exit 30 min before. The IM gang at the back @Sherry Jacob @Abhishek Chikara and @Faraz94, hope you enjoy today's drive 🫡. @Abhishek Chikara, I can see the different from our last drive in little Sweihan. better control. Before the last climb, you decided to steer down very smoothly without fishtailing. well done. The freeman today @Glenn W, thanks for making sure no body left behind. You show us the nice line during the last climb.. and also the freestyle moment on the first station during the second break 🤣. After all, we didn’t really steal the train, we just borrowed it from its rightful owner, @Varun Mehndiratta, Now we’re eagerly waiting for the day when the owner takes the wheel and give us for a ride! Until then, we might just borrow it again and bring it all the way to Nahel. 😉

@Ishak@Frans M @J-P L @Glenn W Thanks for the fantastic drive. Many learnings today ...amazing last 20min big dunes run was amazing...again congrats @Ishak on your 1st fewbie plus lead ..looking forward for more of such drives...!!! Nice weekend to All

Convoy order attached

Thank you all for joining the drive this morning. I appreciate everyone being on time and motivated for an early start. The initial section on the Sweihan side, while containing many tracks, still provided good practice for tackling high dunes. The long ridges that followed were enjoyable, though we ended up running in parallel convoys across the dune lines. After our break, @Mark B took the lead with impressive commitment. He successfully increased the pace, navigating us through the large open dunes toward Nagra for some climbs and side slopes. We continued East, skillfully avoiding bushes, almost reaching the exit track. Mark stepped up the level with a great selection of lines, and everyone followed with excellent focus and concentration. Well done, @Mark B, on leading your first full convoy! Since we still had some time, we swapped roles again and went back in, crossing the sabkha to the next cordon of dunes where we finally found some beautiful virgin sand. A quick dive into the Ghafeteen Bowl and a relaxing cruise through the open dunes provided a perfect conclusion to the drive. Special thanks to @Gary F for expertly handling the sweep position. @Ash S.., @Herman G., and @Dinesh Kumar A you have all very well driven. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I look forward to driving with you all again soon.

@Ishak's train left the platform on time with fantastic weather at daybreak. Flowing thru the dunes the train engine and therefore all the "bogies" moved with a nice flow. 😀 @Frans M nice first lead keeping the convoy safe. @Glenn W Assuring presence at the sweep. A few short refusals, nothing that @J-P L and a shovel cannot fix. Thanks bro. By now we have learnt it's better to give out early rather than push through a bad line or position, and that difference was exemplified when @Mei Ling held out momentarily on a ridge and @J-P L was quick to move out to the left to not be stranded while I tried to push through right instead causing a classic crest. @vinayak n blue FJ's anchored assist shows @Carnity's safety first attitude. Good work there. @Abhishek Chikara@Sherry Jacob@Mei Ling@Nicolò and @Faraz94 Superb rock solid runs guys. Attaching some pics of today. See you soon again when the train moves again. @Carnity@Gaurav, what a splendid lead @Ishak has been. Great mentorship given.

Happy Saturday. RSVP is now closed. I'll post convoy tonight. See you at 06:30 deflated, and ready for briefing. @Zsolt @Diego @ChrisW @Andrew John Melvill @Krinesh @Aser @Beide Worku @Ahmed Farouk To help set @Diego's expectations; we will start by snaking our way up the big dunes, then criss crossing down into the thunder bowl, then climbing, and switching, lots of Sidies along the front bowl.. some.small ridge lines as prep for climbing up and into the big stuff 😂 or something like that. I recommend to.leave passengers at home unless they are used to the large roller coaster style dunes as can get a little sea sick

In a moonless night and on time every one started to assemble and preparing for the night drive at the meeting point. after checking on the vehicles i took a newbie brief stressing on the safety precautions especially in the dark environment. we took the track straight away to the secret garden and upon entry to the sand the newbie tribe started to get tested where some refusals was expected and it was all delt with by the patience of the participants and the support team till we overcame the initial hiccup toward the clean sand and wider corridors and then the pace increased and became steady with almost no issues till we reached our solitary lake for a good break. the weather was fantastic and the offroad picnic season seemed to hit as we encountered many barbeque and camps around. during the break we took the time to socialize with the new as will as the older friends chatting and taking pictures which was totally a relaxing moments for every one. The second half of the trip even was more interesting at two folds the first one when i got almost perfectly crested and in no time the support team shovels found its proper way to displace the sand sliding softly in to the V ditch created. huge thanks. as we moved we came to the second one but this time it was not our convoy but another short convoy of local friends who have encountered a nasty pop out in one of their vehicles that entailed changing the spare tire and they didn't have the proper lug nut size of it . here our convoy buzzed to help which was really outstanding showing a high spirit of team work which every one felt good after its all over. i have to say that the support team was really prepared and in seconds tools from all kind appeared around and the job was done. time was approaching toward the end so we took the north track completing the loop back to where we started for exit. I have to say that it was one of a kind of a drive in the night where a like minded effective support team intermingled with two level convoy ( first half newbie and sec fewbie ) and participants who showed endurance, patience and discipline for the desert rules as well as enjoying the moment with chat and laughter. truly thank you all for sharing these moments together especially to the support team who spared no efforts helping and guiding every one in his position in the convoy. I wish you all happy weekend and see you soon again in the sand with another epic night drive. Cheers Seidam

@Ishak it was a FUN-tastic drive this morning. Congratulation for your first FB+ drive. You nailed it man!! Glad to be part of this drive. Excellent steering handling by everyone and perfect control by @Nicolò. Everytime I looked at the center mirror, I was amazed that you were on the position I wished for. Pretty good control without refusals. Good to see all the FB+ team @vinayak n, @Mei Lingand @Lala G conquering the dunes in high speed. I watched the IM team @Sherry Jacob @Faraz94@Abhishek Chikara were enjoying the drive. Great support always by @J-P L and @Glenn W. See you all again soon on the next drives.

Bring some extra food, just in case

Thanks @Frederic for a great drive today. Loved the area and the technical challenges. Here are some shots from today. Hope everyone got home safely. Have a good weekend all and see you again in the sand soon.

Hi @Steffi thx sharing this great Pictures, and home safe and sound. Thank you @Frederic organizing this amazing drive today. First part technical and we stumble across abandoned Land Cruisers, Patrols, even a carshed Jimny. 😀 And than somehow the radio went silent and we drove thru the dones (dont even know for how long), alomst surrealistic with the clear blue sky and nobody far and wide, just our convoy at a good speed. 🤩 * dunes

Choosing the Right Air Compressor for Desert Off-Roading in the UAE Off-roading in the UAE desert requires lowering your tire pressure to improve traction on soft sand. While some exits conveniently lead to nearby petrol stations where you can reinflate your tires, this is not always the case. For that reason, carrying a reliable air compressor is an essential part of any off-road recovery kit. It is one piece of equipment you do not want failing when it is time to head back onto the tarmac. Depending on your tire size and the type of compressor being used, reinflating tires can take anywhere from 2–4 minutes per tire to more than 25 minutes for a full set. Under the UAE’s intense desert heat, minimizing inflation time becomes more than just a convenience — it is an important factor for both comfort and equipment longevity. In this article, we will look at some of the key technical considerations when using an air compressor and explain what to look for when purchasing one. Heat Management: The Biggest Challenge The primary challenge with air compressors is heat generation. Compressing air creates friction between air molecules, and this process naturally produces significant amounts of heat. The temperature increase is most noticeable around the piston head, but the air hose itself can also become extremely hot during operation. This is why most quality compressors are equipped with cooling fins and a short metal outlet pipe designed to dissipate heat before it reaches the rubber hose. Even so, compressors should always be handled carefully after use, as certain components may become hot enough to cause burns. It is completely normal for a compressor to heat up during operation, especially when running continuously or operating in high ambient temperatures such as those experienced in the UAE desert. To reduce overheating and extend the lifespan of your compressor, it is recommended to: Keep the compressor in the shade whenever possible Avoid running it continuously for extended periods Respect the manufacturer’s specified duty cycle Allow the unit to cool down between inflation sessions when necessary Understanding Compressor Performance One important factor often overlooked is that inflating a single tire at a time can limit most compressors to an effective airflow of approximately 70 liters per minute (LPM). Even if a compressor is rated for higher output, airflow resistance from a single tire valve can restrict performance, forcing the compressor to work harder and generate additional heat. For high-performance compressors with greater airflow capacity, using a dual-hose or four-hose inflation system can significantly improve efficiency. Inflating multiple tires simultaneously reduces overall runtime, lowers operating temperatures, and makes much better use of the compressor’s available airflow. This setup is especially beneficial for vehicles equipped with larger off-road tires, where inflation times can otherwise become lengthy and demanding on the compressor. What to Look for When Buying an Air Compressor Choosing the right air compressor for desert off-roading is about more than simply buying the most powerful model available. Reliability, durability, and real-world performance are far more important when you are regularly inflating tires in harsh desert conditions. Below are some of the key factors to consider before making a purchase. 1. Warranty and Brand Reputation A quality compressor is an investment, and a reputable manufacturer should stand behind its product with a solid warranty. Premium brands typically offer warranties ranging from 4 to 5 years, which helps justify the higher purchase price and provides peace of mind for frequent off-roaders. Unfortunately, long warranty periods have become less common in recent years, making brand reputation and after-sales support more important than ever. 2. Airflow Output (LPM / CFM) Compressor performance is usually measured in either: LPM (Liters Per Minute) CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) As a reference: 2.3 CFM ≈ 65 LPM In general, higher airflow means faster tire inflation. For most off-road applications, compressors delivering 50 LPM or more will perform adequately, while larger tires and multi-tire inflation systems benefit from significantly higher output. However, comparing compressor specifications is not always straightforward. Manufacturers do not always use the same testing standards: Some advertise airflow at 0 PSI (free air delivery) Others provide ratings at 40 PSI, which places a much greater load on the compressor This means that published numbers can sometimes be misleading, and real-world performance may differ significantly from what is printed on the box. 3. Duty Cycle Air compressors generate substantial heat during operation, which means most units cannot run continuously without periodic cooling. The allowable runtime before cooling is required is known as the duty cycle. Manufacturers may express this in different ways: Time-based rating: Example: “20 minutes per hour” Percentage-based rating: Example: “33% duty cycle” In both cases, the meaning is essentially the same: the compressor can operate for approximately 20 minutes within a one-hour period before it should be allowed to cool down. This becomes particularly important for drivers who go off-roading frequently or who need to inflate larger tires. Exceeding the duty cycle repeatedly can quickly lead to overheating, reduced lifespan, or permanent compressor damage. 4. Hose and Accessory Quality The quality of the included accessories is often overlooked but has a major impact on usability and durability. Pay close attention to the quality of: The coiled air hose The pressure gauge The clip-on air chuck Poor-quality fittings and hoses are common failure points and can become frustrating during repeated desert use, especially under high temperatures. 5. Automatic Pressure Shut-Off A useful premium feature is an automatic pressure shut-off system. This function allows the compressor to stop automatically when the inflation trigger is not engaged, reducing unnecessary strain on the motor and limiting heat buildup. It also makes operation more convenient and efficient during multi-tire inflation. 6. Electrical Protection Features Quality compressors should include built-in protection systems such as: Inline fuse protection Thermal overload protection These safety features help protect both the compressor and your vehicle’s electrical system in the event of overheating, excessive current draw, or electrical faults. While these protections are generally standard on premium models, cheaper compressors may omit them entirely. Below a typical specs example of a Bushranger Black Max: Duty cycle is 30 minutes @40psi at 24°C ambient temperature. Obviously the ambient temperature will be much higher for us here in the UAE, so you will need to take that into account. Keep the compressor in the shade while using (or even on the inside of the car if possible) and keep your engine running. These compressors are rated to work most efficiently at 13.8 Volts, so your alternator should be running. Below i will be going through most of the brands we have encountered in the club, and how we can rate them: Premium Brands (****) Brands like ARB, Bushranger, TJM, Dobinsons, and Mean Mother, are the most famous premium brands that will be providing a quality unit that should last years. ARB and Bushranger/Viair have the advantage that you will find spare parts for them, so if you are interested and savvy, you can rebuild your compressor later on. Price range of these compressor is from 750 AED upwards up to 2500+AED. The main reason why they cost more is due to the quality of materials used, higher duty cycle of their compressor, and of course marketing as well. ARB ARB has the single cylinder unit for about 1000AED, while its big brother will be around 2,700AED. They have by far the best quality of hoses and gauges, and these units should last many years if being well taken care of. MeanMother The Mean Mother Adventurer is the only brand/model we know of in the UAE that offers 5year warranty, hence this model has become very popular in our off-roading community. You will find the Adventurer III model for around 750AED (150lpm), but now there is also the Adventurer IV which is having slightly better performance (180lpm) and costs about 999AED. We have heard about a few models failing but were replaced within warranty. Bushranger / Viair Bushranger/Viair has a range of different models with output ratings from 52lpm up to 72lpm. (Black Max for 800AED and Max Air III for 1120AED). The Max Air III has an automatic pressure shut-off. Their compressors are extremely reliable, but i have never been impressed with their yellow plastic coiled hoses and clip-on, except for the black hoses they use on the old SuperMax and the newer Max Air III model. Their smallest model (RV Air for 599AED) is the minimum in terms of output flow (52lpm) and will take quite some time to inflate your tires, but should work fine. Dobinsons Dobinsons have the Zenith model (170 lpm) that is being sold for 999AED. Quality looks top notch with good set of accessories and backed by a premium quality brand. Midrange Brands (***) Golden Camel The "Golden Camel" brand with its red compressors, sold in single cylinder and double cylinder models are fantastic performers for the price (200 AED for the single big cylinder 160lpm, and 280AED for the double cylinder compressor (300 lpm). Yes the hoses break, the electrics fail sometimes, and it won't be the most reliable compressor, but for that price it's worth a try if you want it. You will find the hoses also separarely in DM, and if you are a bit handy with a soldering gun you might make an attempt to replace the switches or solder a wire back on. They now even have a mighty big 4-cylinder unit, which pumps out an impressive 300lpm. The problem nowadays is that you have even "fake" Golden Camel compressors, who look 100% identical, but their quality is even more of a question mark. I recently bought one and it started overheating and shutting off after only two tyres. The vibration coming from the compressor makes me wonder about the tolerances used in the manufacturing process. On the other hand i also have a single cylinder Golden Camel that has been going strong for 3 years now and never failed. Vitaly Vitaly is a brand that basically re-labels these Chinese compressors and sells them at a higher price in hardware stores like ACE and Speedex. Again they are a bit of a gamble and the only advantage you will have is you will get at least 1year warranty through these stores. T-Max These compressors are looking very similar to the DM Single big cylinder compressors and the Mean Mother Adventurer. There is a smaller 72lpm unit and a big 150lpm unit. Prices are similar to Vitaly, and T-Max seems to be a reputable Australian brand, so perhaps the build quality will be a slight notch above the DM compressors. Volcano I recently stumbled upon this brand via a shop in Ajman. They are manufactured in Taiwan and manufacture compressors for high end brands as well. Their biggest compressor model is the B850 which is being sold for about 650AED. Have seen them on sale in DM as well. They come in a sturdy box, with decent hose (like the Bushranger top model) and have a pressure gauge with automatic cut-off. Flow rate is 98lpm. Brands/ Models to avoid: -The smaller "Golden Camel" Compressor. Absolutely worthless. Also sold under the "X-Cessories" brand name. -Mini compressors to connect to the cigarette lighter: Will last only a few drives. Not made to inflate weekly from 15 to 35psi, unless you want to wait for 25mins or longer. Will overheat easily because of this. These are made for sedans and bicycles. The Black and Decker and Michelin models seem to work better, but it will take you upwards of 25 minutes to inflate your tires. If you happen to have one of those, i strongly recommend to only inflate to about 25psi you can then drive to the nearest petrol station and use their compressor. If you are in the market of buying a new compressor, i hope this article can shed some light and useful information that will guide you in the right direction. As you can clearly see, inflating tyres on a 4x4 in the summer heat requires a big powerful compressor that can quickly inflate your tyres before overheating or shutting down.

DRIVE DESCRIPTION Welcome to SHORT, FAST, LOUD: Al Salamat. SHORT: This drive will take place in a very small region of dunes just next to Al Ain airport. We are going to loop, cross, switch, loop, cross and switch. FAST: The plan is to carry a high average speed, with no breaks except for tea. LOUD: There will be climbs, lots of climbs. Let that engine roar. Convoy is limited to 8 cars. Get in and secure your place fast. MUST READ AND COMPLY Environmental Policy Offroad Flag Guideline Two Way Radio Guideline Off road Driving Etiquette's Emergency details for all off-roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities DRIVE DETAILS Level: Fewbie PLUS and above Meeting time: 06:30 (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BBCirNtGrUkc5T9N9 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), smiles, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 10:00 am P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE This drive is limited to 8 cars only. RSVP will close on Saturday- 12:00. If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, once someone drops, you will be moved to the RSVP list. RSVP will close a day prior to preparing a convoy 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 RSVP HERE BELOW

Thanks @Ishak for the fun drive & lead this morning and well done on your first fewbie plus drive. Nice pace, nice switches and climbs! Had a little bit of everything. Thank you @J-P L and @Frans M for your the support and the great David trying to move Goliath moment. We all knew the Jimny could haul that FJ out from the ridge 😉 @Nicolò @vinayak n @Mei Ling @Lala G @Sherry Jacob @Faraz94 @Abhishek Chikara great to see you all this morning, good driving with lots of discipline & control. And when required excellent team work on the stucks, refusals etc. enjoy the rest of the weekend!! See you again soon.

Congratulations @Michael asir for joining the Support Team with Carnity Offroad Club. Looking forward to seeing you grow 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. SUPPORT TEAM Pre-requisite 1) Minimum 10 any level "Carnity" drives are required after your Intermediate promotion to become eligible for the Support Team. Once you decide to join Team Carnity to excel further with your off-roading, people, and commanding skills, you will be extensively trained by the whole Team Carnity from Expert - Marshal - Crew at various stages by supporting different levels drives. Activities for Support Team Members Support different Marshals and Crew at Newbie level drives to demonstrate: Your ability and willingness to support new offroaders. Ability to gain control of commanding situations. And clear communication skills to help manage the convoy. Possible progress toward becoming an Advisor Once you have proved to be a regular Supporting Team member and have supported different trip leads on several Newbie and Fewbie drives, we will gather your periodic feedback. Based on this feedback and reviews you might receive an invitation to become a Carnity Advisor for further advancement within our community. You will also need to have completed a minimum of 5 Intermediate Level drives, and be a regular club member (minimum supporting 6 Newbie or Fewbie drives per quarter) to become eligible. Being invited to an Advisor role means we put our faith in you as a passionate club member who displays maturity and passion to carry your knowledge on to new off-roaders who are still progressing through the ranks.

Thanks @Frederic Again for an excellent drive man! The dunes looked small, but they were very technical. Learned a few good things today with the technicalities. The landscape was so beautiful and everyone was in great spirits which made the drive a very enjoyable experience for all. Was fun to stumble upon left-away cars in the desert and always nice chatting with fellow members! 😀 Look forward to the next adventures.

Congrats @Michael asir !! Start polishing your shovel 😁

Hello Sandsters ! @Jeandre Bezuidenhout @Ash S. @Abdullah A. @Kashx2 @Senthil Kumar @Dipu Francis @Carl Stanley @Myrko @Alphin Aloor @Rodas Please find the convoy order for tomorrow's drive. As it will be a premiere drive for a Carnity convoy in tomorrow's location, I am looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone tomorrow. Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the meeting time to have enough time to deflate and setup the flags. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow! @DP1011

If the map is what we are going to do. Guess who will be lost once again???

Thank you @Gary F was great to see you and have your support on my first bit of leading, and @JeromeFJfor letting me take the reins for a while and for the feedback and advice it was greatly appreciated everyone drove fantastically and I hope to be a you in my own convoy soon

A really fun drive after being away for a while, @JeromeFJ thanks for the drive and thanks to @Mark B congratulations on your first lead . I have uploaded some pics to the gallery for this drive. Everyone drove excellently.

@Diego - the map posted above by @Luke K P pretty much sets the expectations 😜🤩

So little expectations for this drive? No comments?? yalaaaaa

Thanks for an amazing night drive, and thanks to the support for getting us unstuck and moving so patiently. I really enjoyed my first full on night drive with you.

@M.Seidam I’m in qudra street, reaching in 15 mins.

RSVP IS NOW CLOSED @nithish468@Thomas54675@Steffi@Abdullah A.@Zahid Sharif@Danie@saumik1989@Suneedh Wrangler@Zed Thank you all for joining! We will be using Channel 4 tomorrow: 446.081Mhz. Please try to arrive by 6.45AM so you have time to deflate and set up the flag. I'd like to get the convoy moving by 7.15 latest, so we can enjoy the marvelous weather. See you all in the morning!

@Ishak Apologize for pulling out at the last minute. Am not feeling well.

Hi Fred Woke up with a bit of fever. So will not be able to make it. Apologies for the last minute pullout.

Hi @Ishak apologies, unfortunately I need to opt out of this drive. Enjoy the drive. Will be working this weekend😠

Hi @Frederic, it seems I may have an issue with the solenoid switch, my 4x4 is showing an error I will get it checked tomorrow so unfortunately I won’t be able to join the drive. Sorry for the short notice but it just happened couple of hours ago.

Sorry doc, I'm stuck at work and can't make it this time. 🙁

Apologies @M.Seidam I'll have to drop. Went for the re-registration and inspection of the Jeep and it needs work which they're still doing. Sincere apologies..