Ale Vallecchi

"Water, water, water....There is no shortage of water in the desert but exactly the right amount , a perfect ratio of water to rock, water to sand, insuring that wide free open, generous spacing among plants and animals, homes and towns and cities, which makes the arid West so different from any other part of the nation. There is no lack of water here unless you try to establish a city where no city should be."

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself.”

We request that every member joining this drive 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: 08:00 am (departure time) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eHfFcszn2f8UGJ7e6 Action Plan: Many books have been written about the desert or have been telling stories where the desert has been a protagonist, rather than just a backdrop. There is definitely a top 10 of desert books that we'll try to count down as the theme of our drives. We start with "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey. A former US Park Ranger, he explores his experiences in the Colorado Plateau's region, ranging from vivid descriptions of the fauna, flora, geology, and human inhabitants of the area to firsthand accounts of wilderness exploration, to a reflection against development and excessive tourism in the national parks. The track chosen for this drive, although the farthest from Colorado's deserts, will take us through an aera where the desert has been greatly modified by the presence of humans. While we can still consider the area to be wilderness, there will be occasions to meditate on how mankind and deserts (its geology, flora and fauna) interact, and how we should best approach our experiences with this vast landscape. In an attempt to distil the best of the book, and to build up to the day of the drive, I'll try to post a book's quote each day. Let's try to find inspiration in this Desert Books' Series to truly appreciate our interaction with our favorite element of nature. 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 Desertnauts. In preparation for tomorrow's drive, we'll head to Qudra's "secret dunes", to exploit its pristine white sand cordons, formed in a way that allows to practice all skills with minimum risks and maximum opportunity to train. The convoy, small enough to allow for almost one-on-one tutoring in all aspects of sand off-roading, will line up as follows: @Farook Veettil in Second Lead @AHSANAWAN 123 at #3 @Diego at #4 @Ana at #5 and @Aser in Sweep. Please reach the meeting and deflation point in time for departing at 8:00 AM. The meeting point has also been updated on the drive's post, and is the following: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5sEcggVmiPZD7A5d9 Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Have a nice Saturday evening.

Dear Desertnauts. In preparation for tomorrow's TGIF Rush Hour drive, I have thought that it would be easier, and also more fun, if we focused on the pristine dunes of Qudra's Secret Garden (see meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aDG6FCRXXXB9mb2p6 ). They will be a perfect setting for ridge-riding, side sloping, and criss-crossing, while keeping a rather fast pace, and covering a good deal of ground at the same time. We will proceed from north to south, alternating east to west lines, all across this small patch of clean dunes. The drive should end in time to enjoy the sunset. Those who wish, may prolong their stay in the area by reaching the Hidden Cafe at Lisaili's Fort, just a few minutes from the exit point. The convoy will line up with Fewbie Plus members taking responsibility of the 2 or 3 Fewbies preceding them in the lineup. This will give more responsibilities to each Fewbie Plus, and should guarantee a smooth flow of the convoy. This will be the convoy order: @Jose Luis Campos in Second Lead @Amr J at #3 @Shary at #4 @J-P L at #5 (Center 1) @B.K. at #6 @Nicolò at #7 @Martin M at #8 @Giacomo at #9 (Center 2) @vinayak n at #10 @Mei ling at #11 and @Emanuel in Sweep. See you all tomorrow. Please arrive so that we can actually start the drive at 4:00PM. Thanks

Hello @Sam Selim. If you want I can add you to the convoy. Please let me know. Thanks

We request that every member joining this drive 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 and above - Recommended 5 NB drives or more Meeting time: 08:00 am (departure time) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5sEcggVmiPZD7A5d9 Action Plan: For those Newbies who already have accumulated a few drives and wish to test their budding skills, with being promoted to Fewbie level as their next goal, this drive will provide a comprehensive tutorial of all the off-roading knowledge needed to secure the promotion. We'll work on all driving skills - straight crossings, side-sloping and criss-crossing - on some essential recovery maneuvers - self and assisted ones - as well as we'll make sure that convoy discipline is well understood and practiced (especially referring to the communication skills). As much one-on-one training as possible will be provided. Challenge yourselves to reach the next level, while having fun and share your camaraderie! 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

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: 4:00 PM (DEPARTURE) Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aDG6FCRXXXB9mb2p6 Action Plan: Two hours of faster pace driving, to celebrate the end of the working week, and start the weekend on a positive note of excitement and fun. We'll look for an area of clean dunes, where all skills can be enjoyed, and we plan to finish the drive at a time when we can still enjoy the sunset on the sandy horizon. 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

Dear Desrtnauts. Tomorrow's drive will be a relaxing drive through the northern Emirates countryside. The most likely element of difficulty may come from the duration of the drive, which plans to cover around 80 Km. We'll follow locals' sand tracks, especially at the beginning of the drive, limiting our time to actually undriven sand, as I am expecting a lot of vegetation to make this venturing away from tracks somewhat complex. We'll eventually reach an area characterized by beautiful longitudinal dunes (we'll talk about them once on the spot), alternated by beautiful sabkhas, with an amazing savannah-like vegetation. Finally, once out of the sandy area, before reaching the boundary between red sands and black mountains, we'll re-inflate and start the dirt and rock tracks all the way to Masafi. The convoy order will be a mix of experienced drivers leading each Newbie, with the Support Team members equally spread throughout the drivers: @J-P L in Second Lead @Emanuel at #3 @AHSANAWAN 123 at #4 @Steve Farmer at #5 @Danie at #6 @JC_E at #7 @Aser at #8 @Ana at #9 @Nathan at #10 @khurram at #11 @Mike M. at #12 @Abhilash Kottakkal at #13 @Kirill K at #14 @Sandeep N at #15 and @Andrew John Melvill in Sweep. Find the meeting and deflation point on the drive's posts. Please reach early enough to be able to leave as close to 8:00 AM as possible. See you all tomorrow.

Hi @Ana. You are signed up for the drive. See you tomorrow.

Hello @AHSANAWAN 123. Will post by saturday, with the drive's briefing. It would be past Al Dhaid, close to RAK itself. @Mike M. As you are part of the Support Team I can add you as such. Please 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: Newbie and above (all levels) - NO Absolute Newbies Meeting time: 08:00 am (departure time) Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/e18GjMid1txLPXyS6 Action Plan: A relaxing drive to explore a variety of terrains, with red sands gently transforming into savannah like openings, and eventually reaching the foothills of the Adjar Mountains. Planned mostly along farm trails, with occasional climbs to cut across longer longitudinal dunes, before crossing the tarmac near Al Ghayl, and starting our climb toward Masafi. An intriguing farming and grazing landscape, with a huge variety of plant and animal life. Once we'll reach Masafi we can stay and enjoy tea, coffee or lunch at a local eatery, in front of a typical local market. 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 @AHSANAWAN 123, I believe you had signed up for this afternoon's drive. However, as you are still an Absolute Newbie, you do not yet have the rank to join this drive. You will have to sign up to any future Newbie drives before you can proceed with joining higher levels'. In the meantime, I have signed you out, so kindly refrain from coming to the meeting point today, as you will not be able to join the convoy. Thanks a lot for the kind understanding.

@Johannes Roux you are welcome to join. Please confirm. Thanks

Hi @Johannes Roux. Can you stand by a couple more hours to see if there are any dropouts?

Dear Desertnauts A quick briefing before tomorrow's drive. We'll be leaving from Tawi Nazwa's farms, just north of Pink Rock, which we'll aim to reach through an area of interesting cordons, ideal for crossings, and to get used to a slightly faster pace. From Pink Rock to Big Red (and another tall star dune just before Big Red), then across the highway, and into Badayer proper, following the string of star dunes that will eventually take us to Super Bowl. Climbing is the purpose, so get ready to go up and down slopes at a whim. The more the better. The meeting, deflation and starting point will be: https://goo.gl/maps/2TNmooLCBv9xyYeg7 We'll try to start as close to 3 PM as possible, with the following convoy order: @lucas amat in Second Lead @Humi at #3 @B.K. at #4 @vinayak n at #5 @Mei ling at #6 @Senthil Kumar at Center @Martin M at #8 @Nicolò at #9 @Vijaya Kumar Doppa at #10 @essam ibrahim at #11 and @Mike M. in Sweep Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for a fun start to the upcoming weekend.

Dear @Senthil Kumar, as you are a Support Team member, I'd like to move you to the Manage tab. This automatically frees a spot in the drive for @Vijaya Kumar Doppa (Vijaya please confirm if you wish to participate or leave your spot to the next waitlisted member). 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: 3:00 PM.(DEPARTURE) Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/2TNmooLCBv9xyYeg7 Action Plan: Following in the footsteps of previous climbing challenges, this edition of Vertical Limit will continue the pursue the goal of climbing any dune available between Tawi Nazwa and Super Bowl. This will surely include popular landmarks as Pink Rock, Big Red, Iftar Bowl, ending with Super Bowl. No cumulative climbing objective has been set but the most that has been previously climbed is almost 2,500 meters. Let's get as close to that as possible. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face masks, rubber gloves, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 6:45 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

Yes @Andrew John Melvill. Confirmed at 8 AM. Thanks