Sai Baskaran

On 12/25/2020 at 10:28 PM, Rahimdad said:

So I'm well known to be the most boring guy when it comes to my drives. Straight in, find my way around obstacles and straight out without any fuss. Today was the day I decided to change my image and deliberately drove towards more challenging area which Newbies can negotiate safely and this convoy was at the brunt of my change.

Morning started with a bit of a confusion with another convoy nearby. After deflation and putting my flag up I went back on foot to get all our Carnity members to join me further up near the farm wall. After doing a quick attendance and radio check we found @Sai Baskaran missing. So its fair to day we turned out to be the lucky 13 on a Friday. A quick brief from @Janarthan and falling into our convoy positions announced by @syed salman raza we were on our way. I started on a fairly easy track and started deviating to the right with every little chance I had to raise the challenge. Although I felt bad in the beginning that this Newbie group had to learn the hard way, but the feedback was they were enjoying emevery moment and learning from every little to medium dune we conquered. Surely there were a few refusals, but what a positive vibe I felt through this amazing batch of off-roaders who wore their biggest smile on every challenge.

Slowly but surely and with some very many helping hands we cleared one dune after the next as we came closer to Pink Rock play area. The toughest part was the last medium size dune before the Pink Rock play area dawned upon us. But a never say die attitude and some very enthusiastic members we were able to cross this obstacle also. Upon reaching the play area I was surprised to see everybody itching to try out their capabilities with everyone having atleast 2 to 3 tries, every try was better than their last. As everybody had their fill and we moved there was a request to cross the Pink Rock area which I readily agreed to.

I was surprised that although at any given time we had about 3 to 4 convoys in the area which we used to come across but we were never overly bothered by any of them. Going up on Pink Rock was the smoothest in the longest of times I could recall which was also pleasant. The convoy did so well that we were all on top within no time and wonderfully placed not to cover the track and strategically placed for easy movement. So with about 30 minutes left on the clock I gave a choice of moving towards 2nd December Cafeteria or having some play time and unanimous decision was to have some more play time. As we approached some awesome dunes after descending on the back side of Pink Rock everybody was in awe of how we would approach such nice rolling dunes. So we headed in knowing that this area will be full of challenges but will help us to learn and progress to the next level. Once again everybody did an amazing team work and we kept pushing each other to improve our driving capabilities. With a very challenging recovery which meant I had to take over and demonstrate recovery plus rocking (swing/jula) technique to come out of that bowl.

As we were now well past our time to exit we took just 5 minutes to reach 2nd December cafeteria where we all inflated. My satisfaction came when I saw everyone wearing their broadest of smiles and having their story books filled to tell the newer member who are waiting to join our wonderful community. From my point of view it was a tough one where we did not run into the higher kilometer count, but one where we were able to learn and improve our drive styles and push our boundaries at this level.

My second lead @Aus Alzubaidi was amazing and I just felt so comfortable taking everyone deeper and through the tougher parts due to your second lead. You were amazing and your response to my every request gives me more confidence in you. While we were inflating you said some golden words that you totally trust me with the way I drive and are comfortable following me. With experience you'll feel much more confident with many more members and that is what we need at higher levels. Trust. @Sreenath Giridharan your Toyota Fortuner 2.7 liter 4 cylinder reminds me of @Jolly Abraham who has already proved me wrong as to how far the 4 cylinder Fortuner can venture in the right hands. I must say that last week I was in the impression that you still have to learn so much. But watching you through some tough terrain you managed so well that I was pleasantly surprised at your sudden growth. Although there is the gear technique which you caught on to on this drive, but I'm glad you're being much more positive and continuing your learning with a huge smile.  @Thomas Varghese as we learned today your Xterra has loads of power and I'm glad you're taking good care of it. You need to trust the vehicle, improve your line and still need to pick on a few techniques, but I'm glad you bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn on every drive. Loved having you on this drive as you missed out last week. @Abdul Rahman Abdul Kader although you were a few cars behind but don't think I did not have my eyes on you. You quietly progressed in the drive with no assist fro. Anyone around, but I was very please to see you taking the right lines and applying enough throttle to pass the toughest of dunes. Lovely to have you on this drive and I would like to hear more from you.

 @Danish Mohammad I feel blessed to have you and your family on the drive. I understand its only a newbie drive and you need to learn further, but with your tires you need to find that sweet spot of deflation. I had the privilege to give your family some jula and drive them to higher grounds. Your ride is awesome and I'm pleased that you're ready to put in the labour to learn and grow within our structure.

 @Janarthan I'm so glad @Srikumar added you to support me for my drive. Without you brining the sunshine this morning my plans of destroying my boring image would have been a dream. I know you had to work hard, but I love to see you breaking into a sweat. Just can't thank you enough for all your support.

 @Explored Dubai another queit member who dripped in and out of the convoy without much attention. But surely I had my eyes on you as well. I'm impressed with the way you handled your ride and live your cool and calm demeanour.

@Nikola Bozovic your presence with your family brought its own flavour to the drive. Instead of one I was blessed with 4 smiles from your vehicle and as you better understood the deflation options the better you performed. I loved your throttle and steering control and felt proud that with all the girls in the car you were never distracted and kept driving amazingly well.

 @andy_macdxb ots been some time since I last saw you. You have not lost your touch and gave me a feeling you've been practicing those awesome skills of yours. It was a pleasure to meet your missus and her one off scream kept me smiling knowing she is enjoying herself as much as you pushing your Pajero to the limits. Due to Covid19 I'm missing your wonderful stories from the past, but with the vaccines out I can't wait to hear about your adventures in a life before Carnity.

@Kaile Barrameda my kabayan and car full of girl power, and today she demonstrated the girls can do everything better. Sure she has a Rubicon Limo, but it also depends on how the driver handles it. Whoever you've been following on your previous drives has taught you well. Its not many a times when I am lost for words, but your performance today justified your position in the back where you're just making every moment your own. Plus with an infectious smile, that is one infection I would like to suffer with.

 @Nihal17 again another quiet and quite impressive soul, who bring soul to the drive. Its never easy being in the back end of a convoy and we always tend to put better cars with better drivers in the back and you too justified your position. You were another one with the limo and I must say to managed yourself well.

How can I miss out on @syed salman raza who for a second drive in a row got his F150 polished for his sweep duties, and what an amazing assistance I had having him there. He was not alone, it was wonderful having your family witness what a sweetheart you are. Perfectly kept me updated about the convoy movement and kept the convoy moving at good pace. Its lovely to see a few people with the confidence to take on important roles within the convoy and today you proved my decision was right as was my judgement for you to take on the additional responsibilities. Thank you.

For those who have completed their drives at the Newbie level as per our structure can apply for their promotions. Here are some of my pics posted in the Gallery. Enjoy.

https://carnity.com/gallery/category/463-newbie-tawi-nizwa-sharjah-25-dec-2020

Apologies @Rahimdad ...  I was really looking forward for the drive. but I was unable to join . In fact on Wednesday before the drive I has Clicked on leave Event . Once again apologies if  I had kept you guys waiting 

@Srikumar Appologies, will not be able to make it to the drive. I have chicked on leave event

5 hours ago, Srikumar said:

@Ruan van den Heever my mistake, I read your query as roof rackand NOT roof. Sorry

Roof is your choice and I have no comments on it. Just consider that it's a 4 hours drive one way on the tarmac plus a full day drive in the sand. 

Fuel cans can be both metallic as well as plastic. The main criteria is that it' should be designated to store and transport fuel. If not the gas station attendents will not fill it up.

Will the four numbers of 5 Liter cans sold at enoc suffice ??

9 hours ago, Srikumar said:

@Sai Baskaran @Xavier Treasurer @Andrei @Nithin Vaidir @Dr Tariq Mahmood @Omar Al-khoori @Aamir Siddiqui @Syed Hussain @Zed @Goutam @bunty_and_pops  @mikaeel shaik @Lucky sAm @Probir Mukherjee @varunmehndiratta @Pickey Singh @Santhosh kumar Rajasekaran @Anvar Sadath Bekal @GauravSoni @Mus_hus78 

@Ruan van den Heever @sri ganesh @Paul Zeitoun

Thank you and welcome to Liwa 2020 Newbie Drive. To the waitlist of @Anoop joseph @Srijith Gangadharan @Sreenath Giridharan @Niki Patel hang in there as drops out do happen as we get closer to the drive and there is a reasonable chance that you would get an opportunity to taste Liwa with Carnity.

 

Request the following drive participants to confirm the following :

@Santhosh kumar Rajasekaran 

          - Does your RR Sport have a Low Gear

          - Does your EAS suspension let you lift your vehicle by an additional 2- 3 inch 

@varunmehndiratta @Paul Zeitoun @Aamir Siddiqui @Omar Al-khoori @Dr Tariq Mahmood 

           - Confirm that you have or will complete the mandatory drives (1 Absolute Newbie + 2 Newbie) with Carnity before Nov 27

 

COVID19 Test

To those who are coming from Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates please ensure that you undergo the COVID19 test max 48 hours prior to entering Abu Dhabi (which can be on 1st Dec or 2nd Dec). The procedure and centers are mentioned in the original drive post.

 

Drive Preparation

1. Firstly, get lots and lots of rest the previous day on 1st Dec. The more the better as Liwa will not only challenge your vehicle but your mind as well. We would need your complete focus and fatigue due to less rest is the last thing that is needed on such a terrain.

2. Ensure that your 4x4 is well serviced recently and all the lubes and fluids are topped up

3. 20 Liter fuel jerry can. If you have any doubts, please post your query on the drive post and we will assist.

4. A full fuel tank at the meeting point. 

5. Spare tyre should be in goodwroking condition. If not been used recently, ensure that you take it out and check the condition properly. Also ensure that you have the wrench that can be used to remove your tyre (if needed). In the past we have seen that people upgrade their tyres but still keep the the original wrench which is of no use to remove the upgraded tyre. So please ensure that your car has the right tool to remove the tyres (if needed).

6. Air compressor, proper shovel, flag, fire extinguisher, first aid kit,

7. Fully charged radio (tuned to all Carnity Frequencies) with spare battery / radio. If you have a car charger for your radio, please bring it along. 

8. All traction controls, ABS and Air bags need to be switched off. If it requires pulling the fuse, please research before the drive or better still, post your queries on this drive post and we would assist. 

9. Car charger / battery pack for your mobile.

10. Plenty of water, approx 5 litre per person per day. 

11. Bring along your breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc in easy to eat packing. We shall be having breaks in between the drive.

12. Dry food, energy bar, cookies, nuts, crisp to munch while driving

13. Bring garbage bags along to carry your trash. Littering in the desert is strictly prohibited.

Keep checking this list, as it might grow further in coming days. All the above points are Mandatory and your participation on the drive would be refused on the drive day by the trip lead if you fail to comply with the above.

Details of the exact meeting point will be updated on the Original Drive Post and Calendar shortly. Meeting time is 8 AM and we plan to exit out at Moreeb by 3 PM with sufficient breaks in between. There is a plan to have some nice photoshoots at the base of Moreeb dune at the end of the drive along with the Fewbie and Intermediate convoys (subject to everything going according to plan). More details will keep getting updated on this drive post.

Hi @Srikumar, can you please clarify if the  jerry can has to be plastic or metallic 

12 hours ago, Wrangeld said:

The Devil's in the Details

What a great drive. Playful bowls, a great popout, some technical sections, the rat run, wide solar dunes and a little bonus at the end. And that's before we get to see the drone shots.

I'm already quite breathless!

It was an excellent drive. This was a great test for newbie level and it was for the main part well driven. We had problems where I expected, and the drive was scaled up because the convoy did so well.

@Ahab ShamaaSuperb second lead again. Never put a wheel wrong. Hope your radio capitan had fun.

@Pickey Singh you are getting more confident with the FJ, but you need to use the power properly and more often.

@MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQRest assured, driving the jeep will just get more and more fun. Great job today.

@varunmehndirattaok so you did not need the shovel for yourself today. I like the way you are progressing.

@Explored Dubai sorry about the bumper. I don't know a Pajero that has not lost bits of the car on a drive. Less recoveries today and more confidence. For your second outing, great job.

@VipinShetty great drive. Well done with the help you gave. You'll understand a lot more in your own driving by helping others. 

@Derek FernandesFrom what I could see, you really started to enjoy playing with the car this week. Excellent 2nd drive. Really showed what you've learned to the best of your abilities

@Sai BaskaranBaskaran dynasty drives meant we had you this morning and your mastery of the car is showing. Please continue this trajectory. 

@bassel el rafeireally good to see you bring your car to the game ... Although there was some competitive offering with 2 Y62s in your mirrors (must have been terrifying 😂😂😂). You have the power, use it. 

 

@Ken HüüdmaHüüdma your preference might be for slower drives, but you did really well today. I promise to let you know when we have a big technical sections coming in a drive.

@Lorenzo CandelpergherCanCa you do more on a drive? Support, drone flying, popouts. As ever you were the ultimate senior to have on a drive. Thanks. 

As special thanks as well to the radio captains today. You did great too.

See you soon in the sand.

 

 

 

Was a amazing drive, slightly different that what we are used to, loved the way briefing was done, as you said commuNITY, back in carnity. Thank you @Wrangeld

@Lorenzo Candelpergher, thank you for the support, looking forward for your drone footage

5 hours ago, Wrangeld said:

@Ahab Shamaa @varunmehndiratta @Sai Baskaran @Luca Bregni @Pickey Singh @MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ @Explored Dubai @Derek Fernandes @VipinShetty @bassel el rafei @Arshad Roojee @Ken Hüüdma

I for one am looking forward to the drive on Friday. Why - I've been there before with Fewbies and I really like the challenge of bringing newbies into territory that normally would not be used. 

The really good part about this routing is that (at least until 2 weeks ago) there was not a lot of traffic around these routes. In some of the places we drive there are hundreds of cross tracks and churned up sand because the whole of the UAE 4x4 world is driving there (Fossil Rock, Pink Rock and some parts of Al Qudra come to mind). Between Murquab and AL Qudra there is less traffic, which means we are likely driving on some virgin sand and making our way over dunes that few travelled before.

The other reason that I like to come to this route is that we can elevate or raise the level depending on the convoy response in ways that is not so easy in other areas, because there are so many varied challenges. To be sure, there are big wide expanses of sand where we can drive up down and round [if anyone has a drone and it's not a no fly zone, we could have some fun here]. We can also very quickly dive into the technical dunes which are a challenge to many newbies - but which will improve your control and finesse no end.  And the end of the drive has some nice cross overs, higher dunes and lots of pipes and chanels to drive through where getting stuck in the soft sand means a difficult moment for self recoery from a refusal or more challenging recoveries. 

My request to you - if you cannot make it: tell us now. There will be people to fill your space if you don't want to/can't come. 

More to come during the week. 

 

See you soon in the sand. 

Really exited and looking forward for this drive

Hi I wont be able to join for the drive.. all the best to fellow desertronauts

Super Awesome ride @Wrangeld and @Lorenzo Candelpergher. 

I assumed you were doing an elaborate prank when you were briefing us on how to tackle the slip face of of fossil rock.  But what an incredible way to come down. 

Really enjoyed the ride. Looking forward for the next  drive 🚗 .

@Lorenzo Candelpergher thank you so much for the tug out of that nasty pocket.

Removed my name from 29th afternoon drive.

Had the same work done as @Sinol. Thank you. Met a fellow carnitian at the garage. This forum is super helpful

1 hour ago, Wrangeld said:

@Yusuf Esaf @Manjinder Singh @Sai Baskaran 

A special word for you. I understand how frustrating it is not to get on a drive - it's all you want to do on a Friday. 

We aim as a team to add as many drives as we can to accommodate everyone that wants to drive and if we could be in two places at the same time we would be. Sdaly, you missed out this week, but more drives will be posted at 7.10 pm next week. 

As Marshals, safety is our key concern and knowing the terrain on this drive and the fact that it is an exploration, we cannot take the risks associated with adding more drivers. One or two increases the convoy by 100 - 200 meters and potentially adds 30 - 60 minutes on the drive. 

@Wrangeld there is always next time, have a safe ride . All the best to all the desertronauts for tomorrows adventure 

On 10/20/2020 at 1:31 PM, Wrangeld said:

Dear Margham Marauders, 

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to give a little more explanation about what to expect on the drive on Friday. I am including the names of all the waitlisted drivers as well (not to 'punish' them, but because we believe we will find a solution to the waitlist.) 

@DANIEL NOGUEIRA @SyedObaid @Yasas Dharmadasa @Nithin Vaidir @Goutam @Gaurav Soni @Athula Dharmadada @Archibald Jurdi @Karthik Krishnakumar @Kaushal Prithwani @Arda Yagcioglu @Vijaysekhar

@Ahab Shamaa @Manjinder Singh @Mohamed Abo ElKomsan @Yusuf Esaf

An exploration is just what it seems. In some areas we hold drives, we know the terrain very well and have visited many many times. Margham is a new territory for Carnity and we did not yet take Newbies there. An exploration means that as the drive lead I need to find the right tracks for the level of drivers, and the drivers need to expect that the route might not be as simple as on other drives. You will find some parts of the drive more difficult. We will find all the great dunes on which to practice and hone your skills. 

Exploration is normally slower and more careful. Because we do not know the 'way' we take more care in an exploration. Having said that, I know a few areas in this terrain (due to my previous explorations) where there are great dunes for playing and experiementing safely - so don't worry that we will not have a lot of fun. 

Who knows where we will end up? I get that this might seem like I do not know where we are headed. Truth is that the landscape here has a number of options we can chose and if the convoy handles it well we can change our destination based on how well we all perfom. There are multiple entry and exit points that can be chosen. We could end up where we started, or we could end up finding our way (exploring) to somewhere else. 

Teamwork will be absolutely key. Most of the drivers on this drive are not experienced, and have not done much in the way of self recovery from being stuck in the sand. For this reason, we have experienced members who come along to help. Having said that we are all responsible for each other. That might be sitting patiently in your car while we recover someone, that might be being asked to help in a recovery. Or it could simply be that you follow all the instructions perfectly and make the drive easier for other people. 

I am looking forward to the drive on Friday becuase it will be a new experience - and that's what this hobby is all about. Challenging ourselves. Do make sure that you bring your A game to the desert. You will need it.

See you soon in the sand.  

 

 

You missed my name in the waitlist 😅

18 hours ago, Wrangeld said:

• DANIEL NOGUEIRA
• SyedObaid
• Yasas Dharmadasa
• Nithin Vaidir
• Goutam
• GauravSoni
• Athula Dharmadada
• Archibald Jurdi
• Karthik Krishnakumar
• Kaushal Prithwani
• Arda Yagcioglu
• Vijaysekhar

Are the first 12 to sign up. 

Wait listed ... @Ahab Shamaa

@Sai Baskaran @Manjinder Singh @Ranjan Das

@Wrangeld Hope i will get a Slot for this drive.

I would like to sign up for this drive

Awesome drive ... was a good learning experience.. loved the way the team supports one other in the event of refusals or when stuck .. looking forward to many more rides wirh carnity.com 

Thank you @Frederic and @Chaitanya D for you awesome support

@Frederic thank you , it is very detailed and well explained. 

Was an amazing experience.  Was able to understand the driving dynamics and how the car responds in the desert terrain. A good combination of obstacles faces. Awesome experience, special thanks @Gaurav and @Jeepie for being patient and sharing their expertise with us.

Will definitely see you guys next week

@Gaurav I am driving a 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero LWB 3.5 L,

I Have been offroad a few times as a passenger with carnity, I was a passenger in your fossil rock drive a couple of weeks ago. Loved the experience so decided to try it out hands on

I have front and rear tow hooks in good conditions 

Besides i have a flag, deflator, pressure guage, dual cylinder compressor,  a walkie talkie with all the frequencies set

All set to go