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: 02:30 PM Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vv7bXHV7dBALSjsg8 Action Plan: A trip from one big farm (the giant irrigated plots looking like the Pac Man game) to other big farms (plantations and breeding grounds along the Al Ain Rd.), across the long cordons and tall dunes of Nahil. Fast paced, on diverse terrain, with technical stretches, deep bowls, large sabkhas, and all the challenges needed to refine your Fewbie skills. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 6:30 PM 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

Hi @Misha Puskar. Great to know you enjoyed. Not sure about the car. I am not a Jeep expert, but maybe something with the transmission. Hope you can solve the problem soon.

Dear Desertnauts. A quick recap of the thinks we spoke about and learned during the Recce. NAVIGATIONAL TIPS 1) Always plan the route to be scouted by setting as many waypoints as possible, including possible entries and exits (these especially along different parts of the route, just in case). 2) Use the high ground as much as possible. First, it will give a better visual of the unknown surroundings (lay of the land, proximity to landmarks, nice looking dunes to check, etc.). Second, especially when driving along the ridges, it will give the opportunity to make sure there are no unseen dangers (hidden fences, debris, trees or shrubs). 3) Do not risk too much during the recce, in terms of "extreme" moves, but rather take the safe route, while at the same time marking places that may either pose a challenge/danger (no-go zones) or be points of interest to visit the next time. In case of a very small recce convoy, these challenging places may be reached and visited during the recce itself, but not this time with a 15 car convoy. In particular, during the recce mark and avoid tight technical areas (unless they are the purpose of the drive), which may only slow you down and make you waste time better used to thoroughly scout the rest of the area. 4) Become aware of any possible landmarks (pylon lines, farm tracks, sabkhas, rock formations, conspicuous buildings, farm grounds) that may guide you the next time. 5) Ideally, observe the sun light's angle and the color of the dunes. Often it may make a big difference in ease of leading and overall convoy's performance if you avoid the climbs and crossings when the refraction (especially on white sand, as in parts of this area) is too much, and the clear visibility of depths and ridges is limited or almost null. If too much refraction is experienced at a give time of day, may be better to invert the direction of the route. FINAL EVALUATION OF THE ROUTE This particular recce has given us back at least 2.levels of drives we may organize in the future: A) The first segment (Al Ajban north of the big farms, south of E20) can be either a FB or FB+, where FB+ can be taken more inside the long cordons where the bowls are tighter and softer, and the latter part of the drive (if heading back to the entry point) would have to be executed against the slip-faces. Keep FB convoys out of the cental part of the cordons, unless with a particularly experienced and/or short convoy. B ) The second segment (Al Ajban south of the big farms) can easily be both a FB and a FB+, regardless of the track to be taken, with only speed of driving and of executing maneuvers would be the discriminating factor. Intermediate convoys may, of course, also be taken here, with the possibility of increasing the speed of the drive, and extending it all the way to Nahil and Al Hayer areas (both north of E14). Thank you @Jessica Lambert @Abhishek Chikara @Misha Puskar @J-P L @Mark B @Giacomo @Deepak Eswar @Glenn W @Ashutosh Garg @Frans M @Hani crest king @Mike M. and @Luke K P for the opportunity to explore this area. Have a great week.

Dear Desertnauts Finally we have our lineup and drive plan for tomorrow. After a bit of back and forth, all members, signed up and on the waiting list have been accommodated. This has extended the convoy to a total of 16 drivers, which makes it quite a long one. In consideration of this, and because the drive is a Recce in an unexplored area, we'll have to tweak the drive plan on the cautious side, especially if, and when, facing tall or close dunes, and tight or soft pockets. There is a chance that I'll have to go in first to test the terrain, and possibly take the convoy through bit by bit, a few drivers at the time. This should add to the drive an element of "adventureness". There is also the plan to extend the drive beyond the giant farm in the middle of this area, through a short drive on a dirt track, to the dunes just north-east of Sweihan, possibly ending somewhere not far from the Nahil area (just on its opposite side of E20). The convoy order is built to get the Intermediates and the Support Team involved in helping to manage small segments of the line-up, at even intervals from each other, as follows: @Jessica Lambert in Second Lead @Abhishek Chikara at #3 @Misha Puskar at #4 @J-P L at #5 @Zak_ at #6 @Mark B at Center First @Giacomo at #8 @Sherry Jacob at #9 @Deepak Eswar at #10 @Glenn W at #11 @Ashutosh Garg at Center Second @Frans M at #13 @Hani crest king at #14 @Mike M. at #15 and @Luke K P in Sweep PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEPARTURE TIME HAS BEEN SET AT 8:00 AM. See you tomorrow.

Sorry @Glenn W You were already in the signed-up group. No worries. Thanks for the heads up.

Dear confirmed members @Luke K P, @Jessica Lambert, @Giacomo, @Mike M., @J-P L, @Sherry Jacob, @Abhishek Chikara, @Ashutosh Garg, @Frans M. and Waitlisted members @Deepak Eswar, @Hani crest king, @Michael asir, @Mark B, @Misha Puskar and @zak. Considering the more limited number of drivers than on.Tuesday (including 2 strong Support Team members) I have decided to carry out just 1 Recce drive, from Al Ajban West extended to Al Ajban East. So, no more 2 separate drives, but only 1, with a bit of a longer convoy, but still manageable. I would only adjust the departure to 8AM, so we'll have more time to complete this longer exploration, planning to exit around 12:30. I will get back to you tomorrow with the final briefing and convoy order. Thanks to all for the patience and availability.

Dear confirmed members @Luke K P, @Jessica Lambert, @Giacomo, @Mike M., @J-P L, @Sherry Jacob, @Abhishek Chikara, @Ashutosh Garg, @Frans M. and Waitlisted members @Deepak Eswar, @Cesar Chacon, @Aser, @Hani crest king, @Michael asir, @Sandeep N, @Lala G, @Mark B and @Misha Puskar. As mentioned above I would like to propose an idea for an extended drive, as below: Drive 1 - starting at 7:00 AM, to recce the Al Ajban area west of the big farm, ending at 10:00AM. followed by Drive 2 - starting at 10:30 AM, to recce the Al Ajban area east of the big farm, ending at 1:30 PM. See below the map's screenshot of each area: Al Ajban West in Red and Al Ajban East in Blue. I will not confirm the above until I receive inputs from each of you, whether you can join Drive 1 or Drive 2, based on the starting time. That includes the Support Team members, who I plan to add to the Manage tab (at least 1 per drive) once they confirm their availability. Clearly, this is an effort to include everyone in the drive. If things start getting too complicated, I will stick to the original plan, with all presently confirmed members, and waitlisted ones being able to access the drive oy if someone drops off. Please let me know, each of you, on this thread, if this may work out, and which drive you may prefer to enter. Looking forward to hearing your comments. Thanks

Dear @Deepak Eswar, @Cesar Chacon, @Aser, @Hani crest king, @Michael asir, @Sandeep N, @Lala G, @Mark B and @Misha Puskar, do not yet give up on the possibility of joining this drive. I am working on an idea to extend the track and the recce with a format that may allow all to join. As soon as I'll have come up with it I will share and see if it can accommodate the needs of all, included the 9 members on the WL. Hold on, please.

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 Plus and above (all levels) Meeting time: 08:00 AM Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzSy1dWi4gemPBCi9 Action Plan: This is a Recce Drive. No idea how it will turn out (boom or bust) because we'll be scouting an area for possible future drives (within the safety provided by a convoy going into an unexplored location). The drive's level is at Fewbie Plus not so much for the inherent difficulties of the itinerary, but rather because we do not know what we may find and need to make sure all drivers are confident enough with their skills not to have to worry too much about them. What we'll have to most worry about will be to find a suitable track, both interesting and safe. The area we will visit is Al Ajban, on the left of E16, the road from Faya Truck Rd. to Sweihan and on the right of E14 (Faqa Rd). On the map a few interesting cordons of dune can be seen separated by farm areas. We'll have to look for good, clean, unmarked tracks, while avoiding or minimizing the presence of farms and animals. The drive may be a good opportunity to share navigational and orienteering tips with interested members. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 12:30 PM 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

Dear @Aser @nickJp @nithish468@Vijaya Kumar Doppa @Yurybel @Hani crest king @Jeandre Bezuidenhout I would like to thank you for the great drive today. You all surpassed my expectations, each going beyond the individual rank and previous driving experience. In particular, the second half, made more challenging from the fatigue accumulated in the morning, was particularly well executed, especially considering the sticky mud near the sabkhas, the very bushy vegetation, the extremely technical nature of the terrain, and the fact that we were moving across the dunes' very soft slip-faces. The average moving speed of 30 Km/h, although partially influenced by the last segment driven on the dirt track, testifies a superb effort of concentration and applied skills. Great help and aupport provided by @Aser and @Jeandre Bezuidenhout. Thanks for joining. Looking forward to the next exploration.

Dear Desertnauts in preparation for tomorrow's drive, the first, and probably the most important info concerns the closest gas station to the meeting point. Please super fill up your tank to the brim at the ADNOC Station 975 in Al Khatham: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ps9hrGeRS36Cvrnd7. Consider that we plan to drive close to 100 KM off-road, therefore please be aware of the size of your tanks, and the consumption rate of your cars. Consider no less than 50 Liters of gas as required to cover 100 Km off-road. But please stay on the safe side. Also consider that the meeting point is 36 Km away from the above indicated gas station. The same gas station is also 30 Km away from our planned exit point, adding 66 more Km to the fuel requirements for the day. The drive will take us through different terrains, to the Tree Dune (at least 3 hours from the starting point). Here we'll have a picnic lunch, hence bring with you your favorite foods and snacks. Our lunch break should take around 1 hour. From the Tree Dune the second segment of this drive may take another 2 and half hours. The convoy order will be the following: @Aser in Second Lead @nickJp at #3 @Sam Selim at #4 @nithish468 at the Center @Vijaya Kumar Doppa at #6 @Yurybel at #7 @Hani crest king at #8 and @Jeandre Bezuidenhout in Sweep. Please, rest well this evening, and see you all tomorrow just before 8:30 AM.

Hi @Misha Puskar. There is a track on a sabkha near the Tree Dune. We can find a way for you to take it to reach the tarmac while we continue. Only thing, I cannot guatantee at what time, as it'll depend on how well the drive goes until that point. Let me know. Thanks

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: 08:30 AM Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xxuzpq1951hX6FgD7 Action Plan: Yet another overland desert drive, which will be dedicated to covering approximately 100 Km of open sand and tracks. The plan is to go from an entry point on E40 well west of Al Ain and a bit south of Al Khaznah, further south toward the interior of the Al Ain region, to reach the Tree Dune (no less than 40 Km into the sand). Here we'll enjoy a pic-nic lunch in the shade of the date palm trees that give the name to this location, before either turning back toward our entry point, or continuing west toward a track road that will take us out on the tarmac of E40, quite close to Al Khaznah. As usual with these overland drives, the route will favor the safety of the drive and is more focused on developing the drivers' endurance skills, rather than on adrenaline and thrills, as the keys to true overland drives are consistency, mental focus, patience, and the choice of the best, cleanest routes. Along the route, we'll share tips on orienteering and navigating in open spaces. Having said this, the nature of the terrain is complex enough that we'll have to overcome both technical terrain, as well as driving through tall dunes and deep bowls. All skills will be tested. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 04:30 PM 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

Hello @Yurybel. Sure, you can. Please add your name to the convoy. Thanks and see you tomorrow.

Dear Desertnauts, here's the briefing for tomorrow's drive. The meeting and deflation point is the following: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SshRuUB1aFeinMtr7 You may refuel at Sweihan's ADNOC station 960 (https://g.co/kgs/pMQ25ZN). Then head to the meeting point above, where you can start deflating upon arriving (make sure the tires are deflated to the proper pressure for soft sand, as in recent drives we have had to further lower the pressure of a few drivers' tires). As mentioned, the drive will be focused on covering all the necessary skills that need to be gained to drive at Fewbie level. Considering that many of the drive's participants are already Fewbie and above, I'll do my best to provide even more information and tips that can be useful to improve their own skills and get better at supporting and recovering. The convoy order will actually reflect this intention, of giving higher ranked members the possibility of further improving their supporting skills, as every lower ranked driver will be following the tracks of a higher ranked member, which will take on the responsibility of assisting in whatever issue the lower ranked member may encounter: @Misha Puskar in Second Lead @J-P L at #3 @vinayak n at #4 @Glenn W in the Center @Hashem Rihan at @6 @Sandeep Padhi at #7 @Giacomo at #8 and @Deepak Eswar in Sweep (a position that will be switched along the drive with Giacomo). Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow, with the goal of leaving as close to 8:0AM as possible.

Sure @Giacomo. No problem. See you tomorrow. Thanks

Hi @Alex M, thanks for informing, but I would have taken you in anyway, as I believe you have also done a Masterclass with Gaurav. Please let me know if you may still join. We should manage to be out by 12 noon. Thanks a lot.

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: NEWBIE MINIMUM 5 PREVIOUS DRIVES and above (all levels) Meeting time: 08:00 AM Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SshRuUB1aFeinMtr7 Action Plan: This "Back to School" drive is designed to allow Newbie members with 5 or more drives who are seeking promotion to Fewbie level to have their skills tested and/or improved, before they feel comfortable enough to move up. The drive will be divided in 4 parts of 45 minutes each: 1) driving at faster speed than an average NB drive (speed is one of the variables that increases as one moves up); 2) testing side-sloping skills, and safe exit strategies in case of loss of momentum; 3) ridge riding and straight or criss-crossing skills, with safe approaches and safe exits; 4) the sum of all the previous 3 segments, for a final smooth and fast convoy drive. Make sure you will come well rested and fully concentrated to endure (but most of all enjoy) this 4 hour mid-term exam. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 12:30 PM 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