Ale Vallecchi

This drive is organized in full compliance with the COVID19 guidelines. We expect every member that joins this drive to go through below information and strictly follow these guidelines in order not to jeopardize someone's health, and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: BAN POST Two Way Radio Guidelines Every Offroader brings his own radio, programmed to the frequencies described in below advice topic. We will not share spare radios or program your radio on the drive. If you need assistance in programming the radio, post a topic on the Carnity website with your questions and we will help you out. Make sure your radio is fully charged. It will be your only way of communication while driving. Before buying, please carefully read below advice so you are informed properly on which model / cost / shops... No radio = No drive. It is an essential tool and you should make sure you bring it on every drive and learn/practice how to use it. Drive Details Level: Intermediate and above When: 12 Sep 2020, Saturday Meeting time: 3:30 PM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Action Plan: IMPORTANT NOTICE - This is an exploration drive, in a little travelled area for off-roaders, on very technical terrain. The pace will be slow, and the skills required will be finesse and control, due to the need to pick the right path through an environment full of vegetation (shrubs first, then trees), with sporadic animal farms, and sets of sand dunes with very little room to maneuver. Differently from the higher speed, bowl swirling rides, we usually do at this level, this drive will test a completely different set of skills. Nonetheless, it will provide a good opportunity to increase your off-roading abilities, making you a more complete desert driver. Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/v57xx8M2HVkbDqqj8 in front of Emirates Motorplex 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), face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 07:30 PM THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. WE WILL END THE DRIVE AT A POINT WHICH IS NOT CLOSE TO AN AIR LINE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPRESSOR, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE. IF YOU ARRIVE AND HAVE NO COMPRESSOR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 8 Intermediate and above drivers. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM. 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. 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 BELOW CALENDAR

Thanks @Biju Abdul. You have shown great improvement, both in your technical skills, as well as in managing your car's potential. Very well done. See you soon again.

Thanks a lot @Desert Dweller. Long time no see 😄 I am looking forward to drive together soon.

Thank you @Tbone. Your passion is great, and your progresses are undeniable and well deserved. Looking forward to our next drive together. Thank you @Shamil. I hope you can sort out your car's problems soon, and you can pick up your climb up the ladder where you left off. See you soon out there.

@Islam Soliman thanks for joining the drive. You are certainly handling the big Yukon with ever greater ease. Unfortunately, as I mentioned in the report, cars' brains are not programmed for off-roading, so that accidents like yours do happen quite often. I hope you can fix the air-bags quickly, and to see you back on the sand soon. You didn't let the incident rattle your driving , which is good (as it wasn't your fault). Also, unfortunately, we were too late to save the gazelle, which had passed away by the time we reached it. I take comfort in knowing we did the best we could under the circumstance, and that probably the little one would have died anyway of its wounds. But thanks for assisting it, and volunteering your car as an "ambulance".

EVENTFUL DAY IN QUDRA BASIN - Bab al Shams' Loop Report Nice drive today in the so called "Bab al Shams" sector of the Qudra Basin. Punctual members, incremental levels of difficulty along the route, and a few adventurous moments. Actually, a couple of these unexpected situations have taken center stage, and have pushed in the background an overall impressive performance by all the drivers. To be specific, and give dues where dues are owed, @Jolly Abraham carried out an impeccable Second Lead, always correcting properly, and communicating smoothly. @Islam Soliman confirmed his skills at maneuvering such an extra-large car. @Lisa Pemberton delivered an impressive performance (extra kudos for making it all the way from RAK). @luwaimncontinued his progress, building up his confidence on the slopes (which will grow exponentially as soon as he'll understand his car's full potential). Likewise @Yousef Alimadadi progressed nicely throughout the day, overcoming some initial hesitance to show very good command and control. @Mehmet Volga and @Heisem handled their backward position, and the sometimes churned sand, without batting an eyelid. Finally @Biju Abdul swept the convoy with precision and flair (as he managed his FJ). Special mention for @Brette, who anchored the convoy and assisted on refusals and stucks, with patience and competence. Now, back to the adventurous moments. In chronological order, the first was the encounter with a very young wounded gazelle. It appeared in front of my car as I was coming down a side slope, hiding in the shade of a small bush. The fact that it didn't move made me suspicious, and decided to take a break from the drive to check it out. Unfortunately, the little one had some wounds on its back (maybe from a vulture?). The convoy agreed to see if we could tend to the gazelle, which we did by providing it with some water, and by calling the Municipality (all animal rescue places were closed). Contrarily to our instinct, to take it out of the desert to Qudra Parkimg, we were told that we should not move it: the area is part of Al Marmoon Conservation Area, and the information we got was that nothing can be taken from it, under no circumstances. The Municipality informed us that someone will be sent to pick the gazelle up, so we left it under some shade, on a straw mat provided by Islam, extra water care of Yousef, and a flag, care of @Srikumar (who had come to aid us from his nearby Newbie convoy) to identify the bush where the little animal was resting. Fast forward to the end of the drive, the Municipality had contacted Heisem (who had called them in the first place) and informing us that they could not locate the gazelle, asked us if we could go back and take it out. After leaving the rest of the convoy at the exit point, we went back, with Jolly, Heisem and Brette, hell bent on our rescue mission (upping the drive from Fewbie to Intermediate 😅). Unfortunately, upon reaching the flag-marked bush we could not do anything else but confirm to the Municipality that very sadly the little gazelle had died from its wounds. Nonetheless we did our best, and learned a lesson in how the conservation area is managed, rightly so, by the laws of wild nature. As for the second surprise of the day, it was certainly one that Islam would have done without. Fact is that most cars are programmed to be driven on flat surfaces, and their computers don't understand their driver's crave for off-roading. It so happened that, coming down from a small slope, just after crossing a low ridge, the big Yukon's electronic brain must have thought it was rolling to one side, and decided to save Islam by exploding its lateral air-bags. A stark, and unfortunate, reminder that all electronics should be switched off (or manually disabled) before going into the desert, so that a rather simple obstacle (Islam didn't seem to have any difficulty at all, navigating the ridge and the descent) doesn't transform itself in a dire problem. Wish Islam will be able to have his car back ASAP. As for the drive itself, after a technical briefing on riding ridges and crossing dunes, and a couple of practices (one driver at the time), it was clear that the whole convoy was able to manage such skills. We progressed from the western part of Qudra (closest to Bab al Shams) in a northerly direction, through a couple of sabkhas, so that we could then travel southward, and back west, and cross the mostly compact, wind-swept side of the longer open dunes, which in this area also offer abundant possibilities of side sloping, as well as some "bowl" areas. In the end, we traveled for 4 hours, including the stops for the briefing, the attempted rescue and the air-bags incident, for a total of 50 Km, at an average speed of 12 Kms/h (and moving average speed of 24 Kms/h). Splendid video @Islam Soliman. Well done!

Hi @Biju Abdul. No worries. That's still OK. See you tomorrow.

Hi @Lisa Pemberton. I always suggest to have the necessary recovery kit from the start (shovel, and recovery rope with soft shackles). I believe it's good habit to be prepared for whatever may happen in the desert, no matter the rank. That's why I always mention these items.We had also invited members to have their own equipment, to reduce the exchange of items during Covid times. Nonetheless, the kinetic rope is not mandatory for Fewbie drives, as seniors will be able to assist and lend theirs. You can come without it for tomorrow's drive (and actually until you are promoted to the next level), but whenever you feel you may look into buying one. They are available at Speedex or ACE stores, at relatively affordable prices (around 350-400 dirhams). See you tomorrow.

Dear Desertnauts In preparation for tomorrow's drive, find below the convoy order @Jolly Abraham will drive in Second Lead @Islam Soliman will take #3 @Lisa Pemberton in at #4 @luwaimn will be in position #5 @Brette will Center Forward the convoy @Yousef Alimadadi will follow at #7 @Mehmet Volga will occupy spot #8 @Heisem will drive at #9 @Biju Abdul will sweep the convoy Be advised that the meeting and deflation point is along a dirt track, turning right on the Road from Bab al Shams, approximately 1 Km in. You may refill at Al Qudra Parking lot ADNOC's station, then take the road toward Bab al Shams. We will meet a little later than in past drives, at 5:30 AM SHARP: the goal is to deflate quickly, have a briefing and depart as swiftly as possible. Once on site, please tune into Carnity Channel 4 (446.081). Make sure all of you have a good shovel (not a "spoon"), recovery rope and soft shackles (metal ones are quite dangerous), a compressor (as we plan to exit e few Km from the nearest station), and most of all front and back tow points in good conditions. See you all tomorrow just before dawn. Have a nice Thursday evening.

Hello @Tero Vallas. Noted. Thanks a lot, and see you soon. @David Ortells thanks for letting me know. See you next time.

What a news!! Sorry for not replying earlier, but I just moved and until this afternoon I did not get my internet back. A huge THANK YOU for yet another unexpected promotion. I have been doing my best to learn, but I strongly feel that the trust and belief that @Gaurav, @Rahimdad, @Srikumar, @Frederic and @Emmanuel have had in me has greatly improved my learning curve. Each time I have been promoted I examined my off-roading skills, and found that I could have been better (now at side-cresting, then at criss-crossing, etc.); nonetheless, being bumped up a rung in the ladder gave me enough belief in myself that, if the Marshals decided for it, I might just as well up my game, and prove them right. So, each time I drove with a little more precision and control, or speed, or instinct, and tried to challenge myself, to deserve the promotion. One step at the time. I am still carrying a healthy dose of "doubts" to each drive, which lead me, each time, to want to be more prepared, and aware of what might be going on out there. I will continue to do so, regardless of the rank, hoping to transfer this desire to improve, and the willingness to learn, to all the members that I will have the pleasure to drive with. A special thanks to the other Carnity Seniors who have accompanied me, and have shared this exiting off-roading path. @Xaf, @Wrangeld, @Jeepie, @Shamil, @Brette, @Javier M, @Mels Wolf, @Vanessa8580, @Desert Dweller, @Foxtrot Oscar: I look forward to more explorations, drives and relaxing moments with you. Also thanks to a the Intermediates drivers that have regularly signed up for my latest drives. @Kalahari, @Chaitanya D, @Febin Frederic, @Najeeb Mohammed, @Colin Jordan, @Tbone, @Rinelle Sanaani, @Michael sammy, @J J: your curiosity and eagerness to be pushed, and learn all different aspects of off-roading, has driven me to improve as a leader. Thanks a lot to the whole Carnity family (which it really is, and feels like one), and hope to see all of you out there, soon.

Thanks @Chaitanya D. Your enthusiasm, and your always encouraging feedback, have been of great inspiration to me. I think one's off-roading growth, besides improving your technical skills, also has a lot to do with the encouragement and energy that comes from other members. Thanks for providing that., Thanks @Janarthan. I look forward to seeing you soon out on the sand.

Thanks Rahimdad. You have made a huge first impression on me for your kindness and friendliness. These are the reasons that have attracted me to the club (before I discovered the competence and enthusiasm of all other Marshals), and have made me want to come back for more. Grateful to all of you in this great group.

Thanks @Emmanuel. It's your "fault" if I have overcome some of my hesitations (which I carried with me into my first Fewbie drive). Thanks a lot for "breaking me in" 😅 Thanks @Shiju Manuel. Looking forward to many more drives together. Thanks a lot @Veedooshee. I am looking forward to leading you in my next drive. Thanks @Asif Hussain. I can't wait to enjoy a drive with you in AD!!

Thanks @Xaf (and Kate). We must go out and celebrate ASAP. First on the sand, than with our legs under a table 🥂

Thanks @Frederic. I will do my best to embody the spirit of those greats of the past 😅. I appreciate your guidance, and your inspiring, tireless, being always available for all members, at any level, on any given day. It makes anyone feel like an important member of this club. Looking forward to our next exploration. Thanks @Wrangeld. I am very glad you and Marjan have been an extremely important part of my climbing of the ladder. I am looking forward to always more explorations and action with you guys. Thanks @Kalahari. Looking forward to sharing more drives and fun with you.

Thanks @J J. I look forward to seeing you soon (and watching your videos afterwards) Thanks @Srikumar, for all your advice, and not least for leading the first Newbie drives I did with Carnity, which got me hooked on this adventure.

Just to clarify to all members on this drive. Leaders have been instructed by Carnity to request that ALL DRIVERS ACKNOWLEDGE, ON ALL DRIVES, THE COVID-19 RULES, ONCE AGAIN. This is due to few, but regretful, situations, where members ignored the safety rules put in place by the Club to comply with the Government's laws still being enforced with matters of congregations, social distancing, etc. These incidents put Carnity, as event organizer, in the potential position to be prosecuted, and heavily fined, for breaching such laws. This may happen not only in the unfortunate case that one member, or guest, be found positive following a drive, but also through monitoring of the internet, in case pictures were posted on the Club's or personal social media, showing the disrespect of current laws (keeping the distance of 2 meters, wearing masks, gathering of not more than 10 people, etc.). It will be the care of leaders to allow drivers and passengers outside the cars, when possible or needed, according to current laws. So please, refresh your acknowledgment of Covid rules before 9:00 PM this Thursday, by clicking once again on the "Totally Agree" icon. The latest date of the acknowledgment will appear next to your name and the "Totally Agree" icon. Failing to do so will imply the removal of the non-compliant member from this drive. Thank you very much for understanding the situation, and complying with our simple request.

Thanks for the information @Mukundan Nair. Enjoy your drive with Jeepie. See you next time.

Dear Carnity Desarnauts. Thank you for signing up in record time for the drive (1 minute it's all it took). Allow me to reward your trust by previewing the drive's main characteristics. The Bab al Shams area (nicknamed because of its proximity to the well known resort) loosely refers to the South-Western section of the Qudra basin. The terrain here is made of fine white sand dunes, rather long and apart from each other. They are mostly lined up in a North to South direction, and are gathered in groups separated by either sabkhas or tighter technical dunes. We will be looking to make a loop that will take us to the more northern, higher and closer dunes, where we may also encounter also a bit of low vegetation, then in a southern direction, toward an area where the sand is sometimes dotted with low, crooked mud formations, and lonely acacia trees. Sabkhas will be our way in and out of these dunes, with some technical areas also to be crossed. As Fewbies, you'll be expected to execute higher side sloping, easier ridge riding and ridge crossing, show good control of your car in tighter technical dunes, and to conduct the drive at a faster pace (while keeping full control of your vehicle), compared to the Newbie excursions. We will have the opportunity to practice all of the above skills, following a detailed briefing toward the beginning of the drive, and under supervision, so that each off-roader will have the opportunity to feel more comfortable, and improve throughout the day. @Biju Abdul, @Jolly Abraham, @luwaimn, @Tero Vallas, @Heisem, @Lisa Pemberton, @David Ortells, @Mehmet Volga, @Islam Soliman, @Yousef Alimadadi thanks again for joining (and @Brette, thank you for managing). Please remember to read and acknowledge the information regarding the Covid-19 rules we have put in place to insure a drive which is compliant with the current (and still valid) legal requirements. Not acknowledging these guidelines by clicking on the "Totally Agree" emoticon will lead to the driver's exclusion from the drive. We'll be in touch toward the end of the week, for more information and instructions.

This drive is organized in full compliance with the COVID19 guidelines. We expect every member that joins this drive to go through below information and and strictly follow these guidelines in order not to jeopardize someone's health, and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: BAN POST Two Way Radio Guidelines Every Offroader brings his own radio, programmed to the frequencies described in below advice topic. We will not share spare radios or program your radio on the drive. If you need assistance in programming the radio, post a topic on the Carnity website with your questions and we will help you out. Make sure your radio is fully charged. It will be your only way of communication while driving. Before buying, please carefully read below advice so you are informed properly on which model / cost / shops... No radio = No drive. It is an essential tool and you should make sure you bring it on every drive and learn/practice how to use it. Drive Details Level: Fewbie and Above When: 4 September 2020, Friday. Meeting time: 5:30 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Action Plan: Long range, white sand dunes, with mud formations and sparse trees. Practice in higher side sloping, principles of ridge riding and crossing, possible controlled driving over technical dunes, overall faster pace. Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/icdeHRxXhk44yBg2A 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), face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 09:30 AM THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. WE WILL STARTING AND ENDING THE DRIVE AT THE SAME POINT, WHICH IS NOT CLOSE TO AN AIR LINE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPRESSOR, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE. IF YOU ARRIVE AND HAVE NO COMPRESSOR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 10 Fewbie and above drivers. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM. 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. 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 BELOW CALENDAR

DUBAI CROSSING - THE LONGEST DRIVE It was designed to be a long drive, and long it was. A streamlined convoy of 4, with @Kalahari starting as Second Lead, with @J J following (ready to take up second place throughout the drive) and @Javier M sweeping, started at 5:11, passed the camel track (and the training camels), followed the pylons until the entry point, and after a short technical area broke free into the long range dunes of Al Lisaili, at the break of dawn. We started calmly, warming up for the first half hour, then picked up the pace, targeting the longer and more open dunes of the southern part of Lisaili (avoiding the tighter technical area to its west), before heading back toward Solar Park, which we reached after 1 and half hour (and one stuck in a soft bowl, resolved by Javier's precious winch). From there we proceeded crossing the tarmac and the bike track, reached the heart of Qudra, then turned south toward the Bab al Shams area, and its white sand dunes, dotted with clay formations at their bottom. Upon reaching the exit track, the convoy's thirst for driving had not been quenched, yet, so that it didn't take much convincing to agree to the drive's extension, and gingerly headed back north-east, toward Qudra Lakes' exit. With only one stuck, and perhaps a couple of refusals, we completed the crossing by 9:20am, after 4:09 hrs of driving, covering 92.1Km, at an average speed of 22Km/h (27 Km/h while moving). Well done to all the drivers. See you soon somewhere on the sand.