Rahimdad

Trip Report - When things keep changing. The main challenge for me today was waking up at 3 am to make it to meeting point in good time. Was so worried I hardly slept. Moreover I checked my mobile to see @sertac would not be able to make it due to the late purchase of his new 4x4 which needs a service before taking it off-road. Thanks to a small group and good participants it was easy for me to do the convoy again. As soon as I started from home on the other side was full of police cars and an ambulance making its way. Came to find out that someone trying to cross the road got hit. May God Almighty help him to good health soon. I reached the meeting point early to offer my prayers and deflated. As I reached the meeting point everybody was deflating and getting ready to go. All except @Onlyjunaid who got delayed due to his blood sugar dropping. We finally had to do the radio briefing and start our journey without him. We had a brilliant time out, starting with the rains yesterday which meant the sand was not as soft when starting. On the other hand the bushes all over the place meant we had to be slow and cautious. We had a great play time with the sand hard and clean, but meant the dip gave a bit of a hard bump from time to time, although nothing so bad to worry about. As we made our way to our large play area I was surprised to see a clean slate as posted in the pics in the Gallery. After a quick play session we were off to the top of Fossil Rocks, with a smooth path straight down we opted to go down the steep way. As our convoy made their way down we were disturbed by a group, but a quick check with their lead meant we were all given a chance to descend before they took their turn. As we came down it was not yet 7:30 am so I asked thecgrouo and they wanted to continue. So off to Faya it was for us. As we made our way to Camel Rock we were again faced with another group which meant there was loads of traffic. I took the alternate quick route to Faya which everybody managed well. My second surprise for the day came to see a virgin Faya front face. We started to attempt the front face of Faya which was very smooth after a long time. Our happiness though was short lived as another group again took over. I was able to manage to reach the top through my cheat route. But as I was about to show everybody my cheat route only found @Veedooshee on top with me as yet another group just started using that as well. The highest climber to the top was our own @Chaitanya D with his powerful Xterra. At this point we headed out, inflated and on our way home as it started to get hot. I was pleased to check with everyone and got a feedback that everyone enjoyed. @Veedooshee was my second lead. First time for her to follow me and she did well to keep up the pace and a very safe gap. On one occasion she even helped me to reroute which really helped the entire convoy. @AviG did very well with his more than capable Prado and seems to be gaining mire confidence the more he drives. Follows I instructions well and pleasure having him on board. @David Ortells did well with his FJ and showed us why the FJ is considered as one of the best off-road vehicles. He glided through the dunes with utmost ease and poise. @Sreejith Sreenivasan surprised me with his LR2 as it proved to be pretty good in this terrain. At start I did have some doubts, but within the first hour of driving all my fears vanished as it took on the terrain with ease. I had a little concern when comming down from Fossil Rock as it did not have Low Gear, but the hill decent option helped me to decide in the positive. @topgear did wonders with his FJ and was not to be out done by any challenge. He held his own and showed us what one can achieve by following the pointers discussed and concentration throughout the drive. @Nivin did very well with his Xterra which changed colour as the sun came up. It was a magic car for me. I though it was black as we started, but as the sun shown down on us I realized it was a dark blue. He is a Fewbie and his confidence and steady hand at the steering wheel proved he deserves that rank all the way. @Vanessa8580 makes any drive fill up with her energy which is such a positive start for the day. I made a promise to her at start and I hope I kept my promise. A bright smile right from the start to the finish line, she is such a pleasure to have knowing she would be the first to jump to help. @Chaitanya D is an improved driver with his Xterra. However being my sweep today made me realize what an asset he is in that position. He has a very cool and calm demeanour and is very clear in his communications. His patience is second to none and that in itself is such a blessing to have in any position when you're off-roading. All in all a very big thank you to everyone who participated. A lovely morning when my heat gauge stayed in place throughout the drive. We did about 33 kilometers off-road which was amazing to do in 3 hours with play time in 2 places and the descent fro Fossil Rick which requires some extra time. Well done everyone, till next time I bid you farewell. Have a great weekend. My pics are updated in the Gallery. You can add your pics there as well for all to enjoy and get a hint at the special drive we had this morning.

It's OK @sertac. Please take care of your new X. Revised convoy as below. 1 Rahimdad - Lead 2 Veedooshee - Second lead 3 Avig 4 David Ortell 5 Vanessa - Centre Forward 6 Sreejith Sreenivasan 7 Topgear 8 onlyjunaid 9 Nivin 10Chaitanya - Sweep Radio Channel for today's drive Carnity Channel 1: 446.00625 Mhz. Please make sure your radio is charged and set to all 5 Carnity frequencies when you arrive at the deflation point, as we might change the channel if there is disturbance on Channel 1. Keep your distance when deflating and do not "gather" upon arrival. Deflate your vehicle and step back in the car so we can convey the briefing over the radio. Whenever you need help to deflate, announce on the radio and a senior or marshal will come to assist. Make sure you have a deflator, flag, and your radio. See you all in a short while! @Vanessa8580 @Veedooshee @AviG @David Ortells @Sreejith Sreenivasan @topgear @Onlyjunaid @Nivin @Chaitanya D

@Ahmed Farghaly sure will remove you from the convoy, hope you get your car soon. @AviG sure will make sure we end near a gas station, got carried away with a smaller convoy. @Onlyjunaid and @Nivin are included. Revised convoy as below. No need for air compressor we will finish near Adnoc pump. 1 Rahimdad - Lead 2 Vanessa - Second Lead 3 Veedooshee 4 Avig 5 David Ortell 6 Sertac - Centre Forward 7 Sreejith Sreenivasan 8 Topgear 9 onlyjunaid 10Nivin 11Chaitanya - Sweep adio Channel for tomorrow's drive Carnity Channel 1: 446.00625 Mhz. Please make sure your radio is charged and set to all 5 Carnity frequencies when you arrive at the deflation point, as we might change the channel if there is disturbance on Channel 1. Keep your distance when deflating and do not "gather" upon arrival. Deflate your vehicle and step back in the car so we can convey the briefing over the radio. Whenever you need help to deflate, announce on the radio and a senior or marshal will come to assist. Make sure you have a deflator, flag, and your radio. See you tomorrow ! @Vanessa8580 @Veedooshee @AviG @David Ortells @sertac @Sreejith Sreenivasan @topgear @Onlyjunaid @Nivin @Chaitanya D

As its just passed 7pm in Saudi Arabia I present to you our convoy numbering for tomorrow. 1 Rahimdad - Lead 2 Vanessa - Second Lead 3 Veedooshee 4 Avig 5 David Ortell 6 Sertac - Centre Forward 7 Sreejith Sreenivasan 8 Topgear 9 Ahmed Farghaly 10Chaitanya - Sweep Radio Channel for tomorrow's drive Carnity Channel 1: 446.00625 Mhz. Please make sure your radio is charged and set to all 5 Carnity frequencies when you arrive at the deflation point, as we might change the channel if there is disturbance on Channel 1. Keep your distance when deflating and do not "gather" upon arrival. Deflate your vehicle and step back in the car so we can convey the briefing over the radio. Whenever you need help to deflate, announce on the radio and a senior or marshal will come to assist. Make sure you have a deflator, flag, and your radio. Since we will be ending with no gas station nearby a compressor is compulsory for tomorrow's drive. See you tomorrow ! @Vanessa8580 @Veedooshee @AviG @David Ortells @sertac @Sreejith Sreenivasan @topgear @Ahmed Farghaly @Chaitanya D.

Welcome @Sreejith Sreenivasan and @AviG. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. I will announce the convoy numbering and radio channel to be used by 7 pm today.

I'm so glad that we get to learn from others mistakes. If these videos and lessons can teach deflate our egos a bit it is the cherry on the cake. Since offroading is now a big part of our life and not a competition, safety is our number 1 priority. Respect the terrain and respect the different conditions we go through at different seasons throughout the year. I've now been offroading for around 12 years and still learning the art of offroading. We should never forget our basics.

Very nice @J J. Well summarized. Safety first. Never try to show that you know more and can do better than the other. Sometimes a stuck is better than a toss like that. Some brainless people try to show that they and their machines are better. Always be patient, we are not in a race. Well done @topgear and @J J. You win this round. Just to add couple of extra things from my side. A bit too fast and soft suspension once the car hit the front wheels to dig in and the momentum just carried the free back over. Never let the back of your car over take the front. Learn to control your car, your emotions and more importantly your ego.

Happy banana boat @Barry.

Nice observation @topgear. Would like more insight from more people. @Anish S, @Veedooshee, @Lorenzo Candelpergher, @Michael sammy, @Rizwanm2, @Mels Wolf, @luwaimn, @Tbone, @J J, @Rinelle Sanaani, @Chaitanya D, @Incognitoes, @Desert Dweller, @Vanessa8580, @Magellan, @Yousef Alimadadi, @Denizzalbayrak, @George Francis, @Colin Jordan, @marks, @Mehmet Volga, @Foxtrot Oscar, @Jun Zamora, @Vipin Shetty, @Gregory Perkin.

Last I watched an F1 race was back in the 1980s. Nigel Mansel used to drive the Malboro Honda McLaren. Met him at the Honda showroom as well. But no longer interested in watching or being any part of this F1 circus.

Correct both @Gaurav an @Emmanuel. It is a place near Tan'am. I was checking the route to Salalah and saw this place. Amazed me so I wanted to share.

Here is another one that looks like human veins running through. Beautiful. Guess this place. No Frederic or Richard here.

@farazcan seems you are pretty well equipped. Make sure your tire pressure gauge is working properly. If you do not have a radio @Gaurav bhai can spare you one.

RIP Grant Imahara

Wow amazing @Ale Vallecchi. You are a true adventure seeker. Now with @Frederic we have Gueilb El @Wrangeld also involved. Now we are more inclined to visit this place.

The Broco is 300+ hp with their twin turbo setup. The Bronco sport the smaller brother is 245 hp.

Correct. The "Eye of the Sahara" in Mauritania. It is established the in 1200 BC it was under water and could be the lost city of Atlantis, however no artifacts found yet to prove this claim. Would very much love to have a round the world in a 4x4 expedition passing through all the deserts in the world.

Great. Now I have something to look forward to buying after 2030 after its been tried and tested by someone for about 10 years. I hate the Chotu, the Bronco sport version. Ford did come up with the Raptor which really I appreciate, Bronco will definitely win many hearts. I've heard they are also going to develop a Bronco truck and it might gets its own branding like the Ram separated from Dodge.

@Lorenzo Candelpergher agree on your drive style specially when there are some twists and turns with too mich power is when the tyres come off the rims. Tyres also play a role if the have hard side walls, experience tells us Dunlop Grandtreks are prone to pop outs. However if you still want to change rims, deadlocks are supposed to be expensive rims. Here is a discussion we had earlier if it interests you.

Here is one from me. Where do you think is this place into world?

@Veedooshee no excitement, just another boring drive.

Thanks @sertac don't be in a hurry. Good things come to those who wait. Make sure you will have to see your new 4x4 every day of the week. So be sure to get one you really feel goid about. @AviG, @Veedooshee, @David Ortells, @Ahmed Farghaly, @Vanessa8580 and @sertac seems like we have a small crowd. Guess what this means.... Too much fun and quick learning as of now. By now you have all done a few newbie drives and seem to be very confident, if this group does not grow any bigger I will be sure to treat you to some beautiful areas to be discovered. In doing this I will make sure each one of you surprise yourself with what you and your cars are capable of. One thing is for sure with a smaller group, we are going to be a bit quick and a bit nimble. This is my favourite area for several reasons, and once you familiarize yourself with this area you'll enjoy the many opportunities this area brings to learn and grow in this sport. So get ready and make sure you have your 4x4s ready for the awesome drive this Friday. With early morning hours I will at least be able to slip back into my bed before my wife wakes up. All questions are welcome and will be answered. Let's start with me. Is this going to be one of my boring drives? I absolutely hope so. For those of you who are unaware my drives are boring due to lack of refusals and stucks.

O would have 2 concerns, American spec and topless in an Islamic country.

Seems good, however I always had bad experience buying American spec cars. The 2003 model was one of the best Jeeps they ever produced with the Dana 44 Axles. However make sure you have a complete check and make sure it's not a 2WD. BTW the canvas roof will cost you around AED 1500 and a used hard top will cost you around AED 4500. However I have heard with these old vehicles the hard top does not fit due to the rubber cracking. Plus it will get pretty hot even with the AC on full blast. All the best.