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Ale Vallecchi

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Everything posted by Ale Vallecchi

  1. Ale Vallecchi

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  2. Ale Vallecchi
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    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 When: 23 Oct 2026, Friday Meeting time: 03:00 PM Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KSq8mXSRt49LShN66 Action Plan: A fast drive, round trip from Big Red to Pink Rock, mixing the Rock's red sand with the big star dune's pinkish sunset hues. Not only speed, but also a little bit of exploration, along the area's north and south sides, as well as into the taller dunes on both sides of 2nd December Cafeteria. 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, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Mandatory off-road gears: Fewbie Plus and above, Tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, Intermediate and above, Kinetic Tow Rope and 2 soft Shackles. Note: Please ensure that all of your off-road gear is securely tied down with ratchet straps in the rear compartment of the vehicle. Bungy type tie downs are not suitable for tying down off-road gear. Approximate finish time: 05:30 PM P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12:00 pm. If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist. Once anyone 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.
  3. Ale Vallecchi
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    Leading in the desert is one of the most rewarding off-road experiences — blending raw adventure, strategic decision-making, and real-time teamwork in a dynamic and unforgiving environment. In the Leaders Lead – Third & Final Session, you’ll put everything you've learned into action. After mastering convoy management and GPS navigation, this final challenge pushes you to apply your leadership skills in one of the most technical and demanding desert terrains in the UAE. This advanced session is designed to test your capabilities across three critical areas: Mastering Technical Dunes: You'll be leading through intense, no-go-level terrain, where every crest, bowl, and drop demands precise control, route planning, and advanced sand reading skills. This module focuses on driving judgment and maintaining convoy rhythm through the harshest dune structures. Adaptive Leadership Based on Convoy Performance: Learn how to dynamically adjust the drive level in real-time — scaling up when the team is confident and scaling down to ensure safety when needed. This teaches you to interpret convoy synergy, driving skills, and situational readiness without compromising the drive’s flow. Managing Complex Recoveries: You'll face high-risk recovery simulations that test your ability to assess, lead, and execute under pressure. From stuck vehicles in side slopes to near rollovers, you'll learn how to orchestrate safe and efficient solutions using the right tools, communication, and leadership composure. Drive Details Level: Selective Advisors - @J-P L and @Frans M When: 9 October 2026, Friday - Third Session Meeting time: 3.00 PM, (Sharp, without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ogE8dYKyQssyggrh7 Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. Approximate finish time: 6.30 PM
  4. Ale Vallecchi

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    Dear @J-P L, dear @Frans M. Congrats for completing your first session of Leaders Lead. Well done. You both 100% showed an understanding, which grew during your leads, of the nature and characteristics of the terrains, and adapted to each in an appropriate manner, conducting your leads within the assigned times, and achieving the expressed goals. For tomorrow's section, find in the drive's post the meeting and deflation point. (see above). Having mentioned that a scouting drive to a location where you have never led before would be useful (but, understandably, not always possible), I propose that we visit the same area where we drove last week's Season's Opener, to which both of you participated, but in reverse. You will tell me tomorrow why we plan to drive in reverse 😜. Even though you may not recall all the variations of last week's drive, nonetheless you should have retained a familiar feeling with the general area, and remember some of its features, either to avoid or to go for. As we also mentioned that it is advisable to over-plan for your first few leads (but possibly always), kindly study the track I sent you by WhatsApp, and choose your own desired waypoints throughout the drive. Keep in mind that these waypoints may indicate: 1) entry (could be different from meeting point) and planned final exit, 2) long range or other kinds of playable dunes, 3) pylon lines and tracks, 4) as many sabkha, flat track or easy exits in case of emergency, 5) fencing or restricted area, 6) technical dunes or other formations that you may wish to avoid, or you actually plan to visit, based on the level and composition of the convoy. You may also plan intermediate waypoints that simply suggest the optimal direction you'll want your drive to move towards. If I may give a suggestion about distinguishing between each waypoint on the map, use different colors for the nature of each waypoint, so that, for example, you may immediately recognize a "purple colored" emergency exit for what it is, and not get confused with other intermediate destinations. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for Session II. Enjoy your Saturday.
  5. Ale Vallecchi
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    Leading in the desert is one of the most rewarding off-road experiences, combining adventure, strategic thinking, and real-time teamwork in a constantly changing environment. In the Leaders Lead – Second Session, you'll deepen your skills with a strong focus on navigation and route management — essential tools for confident and safe leadership. This session will guide you through three focused modules: Navigation Mastery: Understand how to use a GPS device, compass, and natural landmarks for reliable desert orientation. Convoy Leadership: Learn how to scale drive levels with achievable challenges, while keeping the convoy safe and engaged. Emergency Route Planning: Develop skills to plan effective recovery and exit routes for unexpected situations and backtracking. You can choose any device or app (Garmin, Gaia, Mytrail, etc.) and mark these basic points and you will be required to reach anyone or a few of them: Entry and Exit Mark long range playable dunes Mark pylon tracks Mark as many sabkha, flat track or easy exits in case of emergency Mark fencing or restricted area Mark technical dunes Level: Selected Advisors only - @J-P L and @Frans M When: 4 October 2026, Sunday - Second Session Meeting time: 7.30 AM, (Sharp, without any exceptions) Meeting Point: - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Tmd4btir9nqcHCR8 Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. Approximate finish time: 11:30 AM
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    Dear @J-P L, dear @Frans M. I am attaching a couple of screenshots (Google Maps and Gaia) of the general area where we'll practice the first session of Leaders Lead. Just familiarize yourselves with the region, especially with regards to its main landmarks.(tracks, farms,.pylon lines, sabkhas, industrial structures) which will help you navigate visually,.or through your or your cars' instruments,.such as a compass. Start preparing yourselves. We'll have fun!!
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    Dear @J-P L, dear @Frans M. Welcome to your leading training sessions. I am very much looking forward to these 3 precious sessions with you. I'll post the meeting point ASAP. Considering that it'll be on Friday, I'll find the most suitable place as near to Dubai as possible. Can't wait to experience these unforgettable moments with you.
  8. Ale Vallecchi
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    Leading in the desert is one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences — blending adventure, strategic thinking, and teamwork in a dynamic off-road environment. You will be learning the basics of leading in the desert in three different sessions: Leaders Lead – First Session is a structured training session designed for selected Advisors to begin their leadership journey under expert supervision. This program offers a safe, supportive environment to build your leading skills with clarity and You will be guided through three focused learning modules in session 1: Advanced Sand Reading: Learn how to interpret terrain and anticipate challenges Lead Route Planning: Master the fundamentals of designing efficient and safe routes Exit Strategy Planning: Understand how to assess and execute safe exit routes under various conditions This marks the beginning of your journey to becoming a capable and trusted desert leader — where every decision you make influences the safety, flow, and success of the entire drive. Throughout the session, you’ll be equipped with proven techniques, guided by experienced mentors, and supported in every step. The structured environment ensures you can learn the art of leading with clarity, confidence, and complete peace of mind — free from pressure or uncertainty. Level: Selected Advisors only - @J-P L and @Frans M When: 02 October 2026, Friday - First Session Meeting time: 2.00 PM, (Sharp, without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NvAAKixkFToCw2jg7 Decimal Coordinates: 24.921255, 55.521893 Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. Approximate finish time: 6:00 PM
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    No worries @ChrisW. I'll do my best to show the convoy the lovely Chalk Domes you discovered. Get better soon 🍀
  10. Ale Vallecchi

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    Dear Team. Not much of a briefing is needed for tomorrow's Support Team/Advisors' drive. This will be the meeting and deflation point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mJyZJRkjz1AjwfoX6 The drive should finish at sunset, just outside Sweihan. The idea is to either linger for a relaxing gathering, tea or coffee just before the exit track, or to reinflate and go to a local cafè for a chat. All are welcome, but of course everyone is free to head home after the drive. The convoy's line up will be spontaneous, and will be decided just before starting the drive. Nonetheless, I have thought of assigning 3 positions, based on rank and highest number of drives completed, which will be the following: @JeromeFJ, @Vanessa8580 / @Frederic and @J-P L who will choose to take either Second Lead, Center and Sweep, as they'll see fit (including the possibility of rotating in these positions). Looking forward to seeing @Emanuel, @Sam Selim, @Ishak, @ChrisW, @Giacomo, @Imran Asghar, @Mahesh_, @Jose Luis Campos, @Frans M, and hopefully @DP1011, @Andrei S and @Diego.
  11. Ale Vallecchi

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    Dear Carnity Team Considering this drive as a "Season's Premiere" we thought it would be important to extend the invitation beyond the Advisor level to include all Support Team members. Therefore, this drive is open also to @Andrei S, @Bjoern,@Cristian, @Diego, @Frans M, @Glenn W,@Giacomo, @J-P L, @Jessica Lambert, @Jose Luis Campos, @Imteeaz,@Ishak, @Mahesh_, @Fabien Monleau, @Rob S, @Cha. Looking forward to seeing you joining the drive. Thanks
  12. Ale Vallecchi

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    Dear Desertnauts A quick briefing for tomorrow's drive. Get ready for a possibly challenging "technical" drive, on soft sand, and through tight dunes, with bowls, low but very wavy crests, and some vegetation, especially closer to the Qudra area. On the way back to the "Eye of Sauron" we should find the time to drive on some long range, taller dunes, where we'll do our best to speed up and practice switcing as well as side-slopes. The convoy at the moment looks like this: @Mahmut in Second Lead @Jerome at #3 @Giacomo at Center @Hartzel at #5 @Shary at #6 and @J-P L in Sweep. See you tomorrow afternoon. Have a nice end of the week.
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    Dear @Hartzel dear @Mahmut which cars will you be driving tomorrow? Thanks
  14. Ale Vallecchi
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    Event details Before the summer ends, and the new cool season begins, let's take time to drive together and explore a very diverse area of Al Hayer and Sweihan: 70-plus Km through a mix of technical terrain, unique "chalk domes", the Ghaf Bowl, ending with some nice long-range dunes as we'll get closer to Sweihan's farms. A great opportunity to be together, celebrate the newly nominated Advisors (AKA The Three Musketeers), talk about our most recent experiences, off-roading or otherwise, and brainstorm about new ideas and aspirations for the upcoming off-roading season. Drive Details Level: Support Team Level and Above When: 27 September 2026, Sunday Meeting time: 2:30 PM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) - Latest departure at 3:00 PM Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mJyZJRkjz1AjwfoX6 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: 6:00 PM just off of Sweihan - Tea and coffee get together for those who can stay a little longer See you all soon!
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    Event details We request every member that joins this drive to go through the information below and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquette and responsibilities. MUST READ AND COMPLY Environmental Policy Offroad Flag Guideline Two Way Radio Guideline Off road Driving Etiquettes Emergency details for all off roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Drive Details Level: Fewbie and above Meeting time: 03:30 pm (departure time) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uQo3y1RB8LaJzoLx5 Action Plan: A technical drive on the tight, soft dunes from The Three Trees starting point to the base of the Solar Tower (AKA The Eye of Sauron). Going and getting back in two swift runs, navigating the clean crests and the few open corridors we'll find. We'll return to the Solar Park area as the sun starts to set on the horizon, taking some time to run the long-range dunes toward the pylon track. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 06:30 PM (at sunset) P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. RECOMMENDED OFF-ROAD GEAR: Tire deflator & Tire pressure gauge Compressor (MANDATORY) Walkie-talkie radio (MANDATORY) Off-road flag (MANDATORY) Shovel, Tow Rope & 2 Shackles First-aid kit Fire extinguisher. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM. If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, once anyone drops, you will be moved to the RSVP list. RSVP will close a day prior to preparing a convoy list. Latecomers will be returned - Without any exceptions. Members without RSVP will be returned - 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.
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    Dear Desertnauts No particular info to share with this briefing, other than a note to underline that this will be somewhat of an exploration drive, through a sequence of diverse terrains, connecting areas, some of which have been driven by us before, but never in the same drive. The short convoy will allow us to do a little more exploration and manage the drive as we'll see fit to enjoy more of the landscape. We'll put together the convoy on the spot, and will rotate the drivers as we go along. See you tomorrow afternoon @Yerem Davtyan @Krinesh and @Steve Farmer.
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    Dear Members. Just a note to inform that this event has been reposted as a FEWBIE Drive. Thanks
  18. Ale Vallecchi
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    We request every member that joins this drive to go through the information below and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquette and responsibilities. MUST READ AND COMPLY Environmental Policy Offroad Flag Guideline Two Way Radio Guideline Off road Driving Etiquettes Emergency details for all off roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Drive Details Level: Fewbie and above Meeting time: 03:00 pm (departure time) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mJyZJRkjz1AjwfoX6 Action Plan: A long-range drive, from the border village of Mihayyer, as close as one can get to the Omani border, through a wild, almost not driven area, across E95 into the larger Sweihan/Nahil area, through the unique Chalk Domes, the fabulous Ghaf Bowl, and finally to the dream-like Nahil Lake. An uncommon route, with the possibility of enjoying the local fauna, a wild environment, and the golden hour on equally golden sand. Not an abundance of tall dunes, but a variety of terrains with the need for a mix of driving skills. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 06:30 PM (at sunset) P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. RECOMMENDED OFF-ROAD GEAR: Tire deflator & Tire pressure gauge Compressor (MANDATORY) Walkie-talkie radio (MANDATORY) Off-road flag (MANDATORY) Shovel, Tow Rope & 2 Shackles First-aid kit Fire extinguisher. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM. If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, once anyone drops, you will be moved to the RSVP list. RSVP will close a day prior to preparing a convoy list. Latecomers will be returned - Without any exceptions. Members without RSVP will be returned - 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.
  19. Ale Vallecchi
    Dear Desertnauts @J-P L, @Eddie-Dune-Glider, and @Rajath Shetty. Thanks for joining the drive. No need for a lenghty briefing. I'll post the meeting point in the drive's thread; in any case it will be December 2nd Cafeteria, just off of Pink Rock. We'll improvise the convoy on the spot but still make sure to reach and deflate so we may start as close to 3:30 as possible. See you all tomorrow to enjoy a quick and compact convoy.
  20. Ale Vallecchi
    Hello @Khalid Sharaf. As mentioned by @J-P L you are not yet able to join this Fewbie drive due to your Newbie status. I'll sign you out of the drive. Sorry for the inconvenience.
  21. Ale Vallecchi
    Hello @Asif Ahamed. Understood. Your name was signed up in the Manage tab, and I just moved it to the Going tab. As I recall, this had also happened last week. Not sure how your name ends up in the Manage tab.
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  23. Ale Vallecchi
    We request every member that joins this drive to go through the information below and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquette and responsibilities. MUST READ AND COMPLY Environmental Policy Offroad Flag Guideline Two Way Radio Guideline Off road Driving Etiquettes Emergency details for all off roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Drive Details Level: Fewbie and above (all levels) Meeting time: 03:30 pm (departure time) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jmRFETRPQD85V5ph9 Action Plan: "Star dunes are rare, pyramid-shaped sand dunes with arms that stretch out from a center point. They make up less than 10% of desert sand dunes on Earth, grow up to 300 meters tall, and also exist on Mars and Saturn's moon Titan." Without having to go as far as Titan, the closest such star dune rising from the desert plain are as close as Sharjah, more specifically in the area between Pink Rock and Al Madam. We'll spend this coming Friday afternoon climbing these tall, star shaped dunes. The summer heat may have been keeping sun-setters and locals away from these climbs, which we hope to tackle on as clean slopes as possible. Get ready to make your engine roar, while at the same time be prepared to use as much finesse as possible in navigating the curvy slopes and bowls i and between these "rising stars". What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 07:00 PM (at sunset) P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. RECOMMENDED OFF-ROAD GEAR: Tire deflator & Tire pressure gauge Compressor (MANDATORY) Walkie-talkie radio (MANDATORY) Off-road flag (MANDATORY) Shovel, Tow Rope & 2 Shackles First-aid kit Fire extinguisher. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM. If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, once anyone drops, you will be moved to the RSVP list. RSVP will close a day prior to preparing a convoy list. Latecomers will be returned - Without any exceptions. Members without RSVP will be returned - 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
  24. Ale Vallecchi
    Hi @J-P L. It works for me. I am attaching the screenshot from my Google Maps, if it may help others. If someone still cannot open the link, these are some directions: - after filling up the tank at Qudra's Last Exit ADNOC station, take the Saih Al Salam road toward Al Lisaili; - pass 2 roundabouts going straight - after driving 1.2 Km from the second roundabout you will see a dirt patch and road on the right of the tarmac: that's the meeting point.
  25. Ale Vallecchi
    Dear Desertnauts. First of all, find attached the meeting and deflation point on the drive's main thread (at the top of this page), and here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kxr76FNchyMoFPuu8 Secondly, kindly remember to 1) reach the meeting point with a full tank, 2) make sure you have a flag, without which nobody is allowed to join the drive and 3) remember to bring a fully charged radio. The drive will be planned to allow each driver to practice, first alone then all together as a moving convoy, the main skills necessary to tackle a desert drive. Also, a thorough briefing will be conducted before we start the drive, to point out all the notions required to execute the drive safely. The convoy positions will be as follows: @J-P L in Second Lead @Shane Phillips at #3 @Nikhil Jethani at #4 @Jakob T at #5 @Lvc at #6 @DELRIO at #7 @Giacomo at Center @baris at #9 @Esteban Ayala at #10 @Nagarjun S at #11 @Artur Davtyan at #12 @Avilash at #13 @Asif Ahamed at #14 and @Yerem Davtyan in Sweep. Please reach the meeting point before 3:30 PM, so we may depart on time, after having deflated and held the briefing. See you tomorrow afternoon. have a nice evening.
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