Ale Vallecchi

Dear Desertnauts, a speedy briefing for the speedy drive in the planning. Meeting point will be posted in a few minutes, and it will be in Faqa's sabkha, reachable by taking the last turn off on the Dubai-Al Ain Rd. before Faqa Town. As mentioned, the drive's planning will take us toward Solar Park moving along the fence surrounding the southern border of the solar array around the Solar Tower (AKA The Eye of Sauron). The area is at first quite tight and with plenty of soft sand, hence we'll have to minimize any difficulty, and increase our speed as we drive through it, until we'll eventually reach the sabkhas bordering Little Sweihan (which we'll hope to cross, time permitting). The convoy order will be the following: @Alexanderrr in Second Lead @Rk ram at #3 @Ahmad Nerat at #4 @Ignacio Quindós at #5 @Krishna R at #6, and @Senthil Kumar in Sweep. The radio channel will be chosen on the spot. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, on the way back home to a nice weekend.

Hi @DP1011. Thanks for your interest. I'll go no matter what, as I wish to explore this area. No cancellazione is foreseen. Feel free to join at your leisure.

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 Etiquette's Emergency details for all off-roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Drive Details Level: Fewbie and above (all levels) Meeting time: 2:30 PM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: TBC Action Plan: I have often wanted to find a passage between the great off-roading areas of Faqa and Badayer (and vice versa). This drive aims at finding this passage, from going West to East, entering at Faqa, in the village, and looking for a way to reach the area of Bezhad Ranch, through a corridor just between of a conservation reserve and a tarmac road. Once arrived in Bezhad Ranch, we'll turn north toward the great Super and Iftar Bowls, and perhaps as far as Badayer. 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: 6:30 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 8 cars only. RSVP will close on Wednesday - 9 AM. 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. Please RSVP on below calendar

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 Etiquette's Emergency details for all off-roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities First time with Carnity Off-road Club: Please share your vehicle details - Make, Model, Color, and Year. Do you have any prior off-road experience? If yes, pls share details. Confirm your vehicle has front and rear tow hooks/eyelets. Advise if you don’t have a programable radio and safety flag. MUST WATCH: NEWBIE VIDEO BRIEFING Drive Details Level: Newbie and above (all levels) Meeting time: 7:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HzXcdYzQU4tQ4nG59 Action Plan: A drive planned to go over each and every skill needed to be mastered by those who plan to go beyond their Newbie level and have committed to exploring their desert thirst and ambitions. From preparing the car for the drive, to practicing, and succeeding, in 1) dunes' straight crossing, 2) side-sloping, 3) approaching and riding ridges, 4) criss (or side) crossing, and most of all, for each one every one of the above skills, the key safety tips to guarantee yours, and your car, well being. All these elements will be thoroughly explained first, and actually practiced by the drivers, first one car at the time, then moving together as a convoy. 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: 11:00 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 12 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 6 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. Please RSVP on below calendar

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 Etiquette's Emergency details for all off-roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Drive Details Level: Fewbie Plus and above (all levels) Meeting time: 3:00 PM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJK9HV7KV9CLafLd9 Action Plan: A new installment of the Rush Hour saga: drives designed to last 2 hours, and proceed at the fastest possible pace, within the constraints of the chosen terrain, usually on a Friday, at the time when traffic elsewhere gets congested, and drivers rush home for the weekend. This time we'll take off from Faqa heading toward Solar Park, but we'll add an element of complexity to the drive, by staying as close to the Solar Tower as possible, where dunes are tighter and softer. Let's see how far we'll go, and how much closer to Al Qudra we'll drive. 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 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 Thursday - 6 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. Please RSVP on below calendar

Patrol mission accomplished: 104 Km covered in 5:31 hours, of which just over 4 hours moving. Areas patrolled: Qudra's Western quadrant, Ghantoot North of the barracks, Southern fence of the shooting polygon, Little Sweihan Souther edge and Solar Park Southern border The first hour driven in 2 wheel drive (fun but challenging) with increasingly soft sand, to the point of halting almost all progress from noon onwards. Valorous patrol team, good spirits, and most of all great patience and endurance by the entire crew. @PETELCZYC PAJERO - luke - Major Vladimir 'Popski' Peniakoff - Demolition Team @Faraz94 - Captain Michael Crichton-Stuart, Combat Unit G @Johannes Roux - Major Kenneth Henry Lazarus, Rhodesian Squad @Ben Lee - Captain Edward 'Teddy' Cecil Mitford, Combat Unit W @Richard Franks - Captain Patrick Clayton, Combat Unit T @Alphin Aloor - Captain Travers John Durrant Birdwood, Combat Unit P @Bjoern - Captain Donald Gavin Steele, Support Unit R Enjoy a good rest and recuperation before the next mission.

Dear Patrols. As you have seen, tomorrow's rendezvous has been selected and shared. It is easily accessible from the Qudra's gas station, as you exit it toward the round-about, you may see it on your left. Do start deflating as soon as you reach the location. We will launch the patrol from Qudra through the western quadrant of this area, likely all the way down to Ghantoot, then across to Little Sweihan, and eventually to Faqa through sabkhas and long-range dunes. We aim to keep an average speed of 25Km/h, to complete the patrol within 4 hours. The lineup will be follows: @PETELCZYC PAJERO - luke - Major Vladimir 'Popski' Peniakoff - Demolition Team @Faraz94 - Captain Michael Crichton-Stuart, Combat Unit G @Johannes Roux - Major Kenneth Henry Lazarus, Rhodesian Squad @Ben Lee - Captain Edward 'Teddy' Cecil Mitford, Combat Unit W @Richard Franks - Captain Patrick Clayton, Combat Unit T @Alphin Aloor - Captain Travers John Durrant Birdwood, Combat Unit P: @Bjoern - Captain Donald Gavin Steele, Support Unit R Do remember to wear the most appropriate combat gear, to make sure the Patrol is properly attired, and clearly distinguishable from enemy convoys. Looking forward to see you tomorrow. At ease !!!

Thanks @DP1011. What amazing research you've done!! You certainly are named the official archivist of the LRDG. Of course, in order to best describe the Group's adventures, you'll have to show up at the earliest opportunity, and be part of the next patrol. Your "nom de guerre" will be Major Guy Lenox Prendergast !! Welcome to the LRDG.

My dear Popski @PETELCZYC PAJERO - luke. We'll randevousz just beyond the fuel pump at Qudra's resting post: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BmX6exFCP6U3iQoF7 See you and the fellow patrols tomorrow morning. A short mission briefing will follow shortly.

Hello @Ahmed Wagdy. Sorry to hear that. Hope your son gets well soon. You'll be recruited for the follow up mission 🙂

Dear Desertnauts, @PETELCZYC PAJERO - luke - Major Vladimir 'Popski' Peniakoff - Demolition Team, @Faraz94 - Captain Michael Crichton-Stuart, Combat Unit G, @Ben Lee - Captain Edward 'Teddy' Cecil Mitford, Combat Unit W, @Ahmed Wagdy - Captain P. J. D. McCraith, Combat Unit Y, @Richard Franks - Captain Patrick Clayton, Combat Unit T, @Bjoern - Captain Donald Gavin Steele, Support Unit R, @Alphin Aloor - Captain Travers John Durrant Birdwood, Combat Unit P: In welcoming our new LRDG member, @Johannes Roux - Major Kenneth Henry Lazarus of the Rhodesian Squad, I would like to ask all of you to go along this cosplay idea and come to the drive wearing whatever military clothing you may have in your wardrobe. The idea is to take a nice group photo at the end of the drive, like this...

..... THE LONG RANGE PARTOLS The Indian Long Range Squadron or ILRS was a unit of the British Indian Army during World War II. It was formed by asking for volunteers from the 2nd Lancers, 11th Cavalry and the 18th Cavalry all part of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade.[1] It was originally formed to patrol the borders between the Soviet Union and Persia and Afghanistan. The ILRS was trained by and performed some missions with, The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). With this little introduction, let's welcome the newest member of the Group who will join us for the drive: @Alphin Aloor - Captain Travers John Durrant Birdwood, Combat Unit P See you on Saturday.

..... THE LONG RANGE PATROLS (Continued) The LRDG vehicles were mainly two-wheel drive, chosen because they were lighter and used less fuel than four-wheel drive. They were stripped of all non-essentials, including doors, windscreens and roofs. They were fitted with a bigger radiator, a condenser system, built up leaf springs for the harsh terrain, wide, low pressure desert tires, sand mats and channels, plus map containers and a sun compass devised by Bagnold. Having recapped a bit of the LRDG's origin and organization, we'll proceed to create expectation, and a playful atmosphere for the drive, by assigning to each participant a name and a Unit that belonged to this original group of desert experts and explorers. Hence, we'll be riding as: Yours truly - Major Ralph Alger Bagnold @PETELCZYC PAJERO - luke - Major Vladimir 'Popski' Peniakoff - Demolition Team @Faraz94 - Captain Michael Crichton-Stuart, Combat Unit G @Ben Lee - Captain Edward 'Teddy' Cecil Mitford, Combat Unit W @Ahmed Wagdy - Captain P. J. D. McCraith, Combat Unit Y @Richard Franks - Captain Patrick Clayton, Combat Unit T @Bjoern - Captain Donald Gavin Steele, Support Unit R More to be discovered about the LRDG actions and paraphernalia in the next few days. Prepare yourselves to go back a few decades, and re-enact the heroic gestures of the glorious LRDG.

ABOUT THE LONG RANGE PATROLS The unit, initially known as the No.1 Long Range Patrol Unit (LRP), was founded on 3 July 1940. Bagnold wanted men who were energetic, innovative, self-reliant, physically and mentally tough, and able to live and fight in seclusion in the Libyan desert. The Long Range Patrol comprised a 15-man headquarters with Bagnold in command. Initially there were three sub-units: 'R' Patrol commanded by Captain Donald Gavin Steele, 'T' Patrol commanded by Captain Patrick Clayton and 'W' Patrol commanded by Captain Edward 'Teddy' Cecil Mitford. 'T' and 'W' Patrols were combat units while 'R' Patrol was intended to be a support unit. In November 1940 it was expanded to six Patrols: 'T', 'W' and 'R' Patrols were joined by 'G', 'S' and 'Y' Patrols. in December 1941 the group was joined by the Indian Long Range Squadron. The Indian Squadron was organized with the first two patrols originally known as 'J' (Jats) and 'R' (Rajput) Patrols. In October 1942 two further Indian patrols were formed: 'M' (Muslim) and 'S' (Sikh) Patrols. A Demolition Squadron, nicknamed "Popski's Private Army" and commanded by Major Vladimir 'Popski' Peniakoff, was briefly attached to the LRDG beginning in December 1942. .........

AAAA. We Want You. Looking for speed loving, stealth driving, adventure seeking desert wanderers, to execute this long-range expedition along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border.

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 Etiquette's Emergency details for all off-roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Drive Details Level: Fewbie and above (all levels) Meeting time: 7:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BmX6exFCP6U3iQoF7 Action Plan: The Long Range Desert Patrols are back!! Reviving the 100 Km Challenge tradition, this will be the fourth drive of this kind, aimed at covering the longest possible distance, within the 4 allocated hours. No frills, no play areas, no driving around, this will have to be a fast-paced drive (with a total average speed of 25Km/h, and a much higher moving average), useful to practice overland driving, where concentration, control, stamina and precision will be the skills on which we will rely. Note: The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army during the Second World War. Originally called the Long Range Patrol (LRP), the unit was founded in Egypt in June 1940. The LRDG was formed specifically to carry out deep penetration, covert reconnaissance patrols and intelligence missions from behind enemy lines, although they sometimes engaged in combat operations. Because the LRDG were experts in desert navigation, they were sometimes assigned to guide other units, including the Special Air Service and secret agents across the desert. 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: 11:00 AM P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 10 cars maximum. RSVP will close on Wednesday - 5 PM. 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. Members that do not confirm the terms of the COVID requirements will be removed from the RSVP list. 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 below calendar

Dear Desertnauts in preparation for tomorrow's drive, here are the latest info. As for our meeting point, please reach the third roundabout on the road between Qudra's Last Exit and Solar Park's Innovation Center, drive around it, head back toward Qudra, and exit between the guard rails, onto the sand and gravel track below the pylon line. Google Maps needlessly sends you all the way to the Innovation Center and back. From the meeting point, once deflated, we'll reach a place just before the dunes where we'll hold a technical briefing, to go over the basic principles of off-roading, before we start the actual drive. While we'll enter close to Solar Park, we plan to exit at Lisaili. The convoy order will be the following: @Xavi Moyano in Second Lead @AnasArif at #3 @Issam Atra at #4 @Srilakshman Karthikeyan #5 @DTG at #6 @essam ibrahim at #7 @DP1011 at Center Forward @Shiju Raju at #9 @Jeevan Koshy #10 @Faraz94 at #11 @Ben Williams at #12, and @Mark B in Sweep. We'll pick the appropriate radio channel at the meeting point. Please make sure you can program the channel also manually. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow

Dear @AnasArif, as I believe tomorrow's drive will be your first with Carnity, make sure you watch the video link below. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Dear @AnasArif. Sure you can bring your brother. The meeting point is the following: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3RCPsjFero7NdGqG6 See you tomorrow.

Hi @Mark B. Sure will. I'll add you to Manage. 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 Etiquette's Emergency details for all off-roaders Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities First time with Carnity Off-road Club: Please share your vehicle details - Make, Model, Color, and Year. Do you have any prior off-road experience? If yes, pls share details. Confirm your vehicle has front and rear tow hooks/eyelets. Advise if you don’t have a programable radio and safety flag. MUST WATCH: NEWBIE VIDEO BRIEFING Drive Details Level: Newbie and above (all levels) Meeting time: 7:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3RCPsjFero7NdGqG6 Action Plan: A drive planned to bring back the necessary off-roading skills, brushing off the rust accumulated with a few weeks of summer holidays. Three hours of "class", divided into three parts: the first hour dedicated to bringing back one's feeling with the sandy surface, practice convoy discipline plus some straight crossings, the second hour focused on more technical driving, re-acquiring the finesse needed to navigate some tighter spots, and the third hour to practice side sloping and eventually safe criss-crossing. Before departing, we'll spend some time going over the basic notions of desert driving, with a detailed technical briefing. 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: 11:00 AM P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 12 cars maximum. RSVP will close on Wednesday - 5 PM. 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. Members that do not confirm the terms of the COVID requirements will be removed from the RSVP list. 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 below calendar

Congratulations to @Fabien Monleau, @Bashar Beasha and @salah2u for completing the most technical drive I ever managed to lead. From start to finish, all 40 kilometers, except perhaps the last few hundred meters prior to the exit, nothing else but tight dunes and very soft, powdery sand. Great concentration throughout the two toughest stretches. Just a couple of tricky spots produced a total of 4 tugs, twice with double ropes to allow pulling from the most advantages place. One key take away has been the need to find the optimal, most effective deflation point, to suite the warm hours and the super soft surface (somewhere around 10 PSI or a bit below, based on your type of tires). One more footnote: in the end, the track, navigated mostly without maps, using visual landmarks, ended up matching the drawing of Isengard posted with the drive (The Eye of Sauron marked by the white Waypoint).