JeromeFJ

Noted @Naim Aoun and @Alex T, enjoy your weekend and see you for another drive

Good afternoon @Waqar Sarwar @Ashutosh Garg @Gary F @Bravoecho @Shahid Mehmood @Gertjan @Bjoern @Stumpy Paj @Lawrence_Chehimi @Mike M., thank you for signing up for the drive on Saturday morning.

In preparation for the weekend, please check your agenda and adjust your RSVP in case you changed your plans.

We have currently 3 wait list @Rk ram @Naim Aoun and @Alex T, kindly confirm if you are still interested, I will add you.

I will confirm the final list and indicate the convoy order tomorrow by the end of the afternoon.

DRIVE DESCRIPTION

The intent of the drive is to cross from Al Hayer to Al Ajban, from the E66 to the E16. We will follow the direction of the dune alignments, from East to West, passing from one line to the other to find nice tracks. Expect a bit of exploration, and allow for some rerouting as we might have to bypass a few fenced areas.

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information 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

When:  2 December 2023, Saturday

Meeting time:   06:45 - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fxdxk5HwrCU6p4yKA

Approximate finish time:  11:00 am

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, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Mandatory off-road gears: Tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit, Tow Rope, 2 Shackles and fire extinguisher.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM.
• Please withdraw your RSVP, if you find you are unable to join, so your spot can be taken by others in the waitlist.
• If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, if an RSVP attendee removes themselves, you will be moved from the waitlist to the RSVP list as an attendee.
• A convoy list will be sent out the day prior to the drive.
• Latecomers will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. 
   

PLEASE RSVP ON BELOW CALENDAR

Dear Desert Drivers

Thank you for joining the drive this morning. It was a long convoy, and you managed to keep your focus and concentration whatever your position. No stuck, a few minor refusals, it shows your capabilities, going through the dunes, despite the bums and bushes that are difficult to avoid in this area. 

After a warm up in this nice environment, we reached the long ridges, where the words "control your car" take a specific meaning. As we have all experienced starting on a wide flat ridge is nice and easy, when the ridge becomes sharp and narrow, when its going up, or down, when it is turning,  it becomes another story, and keeping the balance of the the car requires your full skills and concentration.

You did all very well at this, the most important being to keep the control, and to go down safely when you feel you are not making it. We kept enjoying until @Joseph Raju and @Faraz94 got crested (thank you @Cha for the quick tug). it was probably a sign to move to something else.

After a small technical portion, we finished the drive in a nice and easy rolling set of white dunes, before joining the sabkha and looping back to our starting point. Thank you @Joseph Raju for the second lead, @Richard Franks for the sweep (even if you were so far behind, I couldn't hear you on the radio), @Cha for great support from the middle, keeping the convoy together. @lucas amat @Faraz94 @Sreenath G @essam ibrahim @Dan S @Mahesh_  @Stan very well driven, adjusting your driving according to the capabilities of your cars. For the more experienced drivers, @Bjoern, @Waqar Sarwar @Zulfikhar Naiyar thank you for joining and supporting the convoy with excellent team spirit!

54 minutes ago, Mahesh_ said:

Hi Good morning Jerome.  
 

it’s raining, are we still on for the drive?

Yes,  no rain here for now

Dear Desert Drivers, 

@Richard Franks @lucas amat @Faraz94 @Benjamin @Sreenath G @essam ibrahim @Bjoern @Dan S @Cha @Mahesh_ @Stan @Waqar Sarwar @Zulfikhar Naiyar @Joseph Raju

Last updates for tomorrow morning.

Meeting at 06:45 at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/jCBBdP6rFmQJ9F9E6

The convoy order will be 

Unfortunately, I cannot accept the remaining wait list. 

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 4

Enjoy the evening, take a good rest, and see you tomorrow morning

2 hours ago, Cristian said:

Is the convoy confirmed and the waitlisters are out? 

Hi @Cristian, yes unfortunately, I cannot accept you in the drive. Sorry about that. See you next time

13 hours ago, Mike M. said:

Hi @JeromeFJ, I’m removing myself from the waiting list. Making room for others. Enjoy and see you on the next one 

Hi @Mike M., see you soon hopefully. Enjoy the weekend !

Update for the drive on Saturday.

I have extended the attendance to 12 cars, and we have a few drop outs. So currently:

@Richard Franks @lucas amat @Faraz94 @Sreenath G @essam ibrahim @Bjoern @Dan S @Mahesh_ @Stan @Waqar Sarwar @Zulfikhar Naiyar @Joseph Raju, you are included in the drive.

Please let me know or adjust your RSVP in case you do not intend to come

@Mike M. @Gary F @Frans M @Issam Atra @Cristian @Gurcharan Mehta @DTG, still in the wait list.

I will update again tomorrow during the day, and publish the convoy order by the end of the afternoon.

Good afternoon all, 

You can see there is a very high demand for this drive as we have a limited number of events for this weekend.

@Dan S @Waqar Sarwar @Mahesh_ @Ashutosh Garg @Joseph Raju @essam ibrahim @Bjoern @Zulfikhar Naiyar @Sreenath G @lucas amat

You are already confirmed. No action required from your side, but PLEASE, in case you changed your plans, let me know or remove your RSVP in advance, to allow your friends from the wait list to step in.

@Richard Franks @Stan @Faraz94 @Mike M. @Gary F @Frans M @Deepak Eswar @Issam Atra @Cristian @Shahid Mehmood @Gurcharan Mehta

You are in the wait list in that order. Keep watching You will be signed in automatically when a spot becomes available, and I may extend a bit the number of cars. I will keep the convoy list open until Friday night to accommodate last minute changes.

Stay tuned !

DRIVE DESCRIPTION

Faqa area can offer everything, from high long range dunes to technical portions. We will compose a nice mix, according to the sand condition of the day !

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information 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

When:  25 November 2023, Saturday

Meeting time:   06:45 - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/jCBBdP6rFmQJ9F9E6

Approximate finish time:  10:45

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, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Mandatory off-road gears: Tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit, Tow Rope, 2 Shackles and fire extinguisher.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM.
• Please withdraw your RSVP, if you find you are unable to join, so your spot can be taken by others in the waitlist.
• If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, if an RSVP attendee removes themselves, you will be moved from the waitlist to the RSVP list as an attendee.
• A convoy list will be sent out the day prior to the drive.
• Latecomers will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. 
   

PLEASE RSVP ON BELOW CALENDAR

Congratulations to all Leads, Participants, Support and Organizers !

1 hour ago, Tareq Al Turq said:

Dear @JeromeFJ, 

I am writing to sincerely apologize for missing the drive yesterday. I was unfortunately unwell and had a high fever, which prevented me from attending. I know I missed out on a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and camaraderie with everyone, and I deeply regret my absence.

Please accept my heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment my absence may have caused. I value our shared passion for driving and wish I could have been there to share in the experience.

I hope everyone had a wonderful time, and I look forward to joining you on future drives. 

Thank you for your message @Tareq Al Turq, get well soon. The dunes are still there, we will have other opportunities!

Dear Desert Drivers, thank you for joining the drive today. Wet conditions always offer a lot of surprises, as the behaviour of our cars in the wet sand can be very different from normal conditions. We saw that from the very beginning when leaving the track my car was like sucked into a pocket of heavy sand. 

We made our way quietly in the initial medium size dunes, taking our chance from time to time to a higher ridge or crossing, and we realised rapidly that the conditions were challenging, and once a few cars have churned the track, it was becoming very slippery for the next cars. I was focused on choosing lines avoiding tight changes of direction, and you were concentrated keeping these lines leaving a suitable track for the next car.

After some minor refusals, and a close encounter of @Rk ram with a bush behind a ridge, we reached an area of higher dunes and a large bowl. Our 2nd Lead @Zulfikhar Naiyarhad hesitated on a high crossing, and got crested, giving us a first opportunity of intense shovelling. The first loop around the bowl was superbly executed by each of you, with excellent control of your cars. The second loop to cross to the opposite side was more challenging,  and @Zulfikhar Naiyar had the second difficult moment of the day ending up at a weird angle close to a bush half way in the slope. The situation was solved with a combination of careful shovelling and self recovery. 

We exited the bowl from the opposite side, and continued with a nice set of clean dunes and nice ridges, very well handled by every one, until @FERNANDO SYRIO became a bit too enthusiastic on a ridge and lost the control of his car to end up crested. This was the last shovelling effort of the day.

Thanks again @Zulfikhar Naiyar for the 2nd Lead very well managed, with the required anticipation. @Deepak Eswar, @Rk ram @FERNANDO SYRIO @Frans M @Alphin Aloor, very well handled the challenges in the difficult conditions today, keeping control of your car in most situations. @Hugo @Bjoern, you face any difficulty with calm and smiles, you are a precious support in a convoy. Thank you all for the teamwork during recoveries.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend !

Dear Desert Drivers, 

@Zulfikhar Naiyar @Deepak Eswar @Rk ram @FERNANDO SYRIO @Frans M @Tareq Al Turq @Hugo @Alphin Aloor @Bjoern

Last update for tomorrow morning. (Expect chilly conditions at the start)

Considering the sand will probably still be wet, you can deflate a bit less (1 PSI) than your normal set-up. (Meaning if you usually go to 11 PSI, you can start at 12 PSI). And we will adjust during the drive if needed.

Meeting at 6:30 am at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/ARUPrUFVMhhMWHPi7

Convoy order will be 

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 4

Enjoy the evening, take a good rest, and see you tomorrow morning !

Good morning 

@Zulfikhar Naiyar @Deepak Eswar @Rk ram @FERNANDO SYRIO @Frans M @Tareq Al Turq @Hugo @Alphin Aloor @Bjoern

Thank you for signing up for the drive tomorrow. Hopefully the sun will dry the area in the afternoon before we reach. Driving on wet sand is not always "easier" as one might think. We will see the conditions and adjust accordingly.

I will confirm the convoy order by the end of the afternoon. Let me know before that in case you changed your plans.

Stay tuned !

Congratulations @Waqar Sarwar, continue to enjoy !

DRIVE DESCRIPTION

From the small city of Nahel (Abu Dhabi), we will travel North in the direction of Faqa (Dubai). Expect medium size dunes on Abu Dhabi side, and higher long range dune around Faqa, with a few technical patches here and there.

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information 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

When:  18 November 2023, Saturday

Meeting time:   06:30 - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/ARUPrUFVMhhMWHPi7

Approximate finish time:  10:30

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, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Mandatory off-road gears: Tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit, Tow Rope, 2 Shackles and fire extinguisher.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 12 PM.
• Please withdraw your RSVP, if you find you are unable to join, so your spot can be taken by others in the waitlist.
• If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, if an RSVP attendee removes themselves, you will be moved from the waitlist to the RSVP list as an attendee.
• A convoy list will be sent out the day prior to the drive.
• Latecomers will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. 
   

PLEASE RSVP ON BELOW CALENDAR

Dear Desert Drivers, I enjoyed a lot driving with you this morning. It was a short convoy, and the conditions were perfect to enjoy the desert. The nice rolling dunes at the beginning as a warm-up were gradually increasing in height, and after the first half hour we could start pushing our engines a bit more. Crossing a sharp ridge, we had the surprise of entering the Ghafeteen bowl; it remains a nice place, even if it is not smooth and regular as before.

Exiting the bowl, a challenging technical portion was waiting for us, small narrow dunes and soft patches, and we went through progressing at steady pace, keeping just enough momentum to cross one dune after the other. Then was the "desert life moment" when Joji spotted some locals calling for support. In exchange of some air for their tires, we had a private falcon show!

Then after a small portion of track, we entered an area of high dunes, and the last hour was just as a dream for off-roader, empty dunes, almost no tracks, high climbs, endless roller coaster from on side to the other, a few bowls to cross, with the views on the sabkha and farms on one side, and the small city of Nahel on the other side. 

@Zulfikhar Naiyar, thank you for the second lead, you have corrected my lines when needed, and could anticipate when I was going to get stuck !

@Mahesh_congratulations for your first Fewbie drive. Very well handled. The few crossings where you got stuck are not an issue. you will gain confidence with the number of drives and cross easily. Just remember the cars before you went through, so you can do it also. Remember also to control your speed in the turns and descend, so that your car remains stable. I hope your family enjoyed the ride !

@Waqar Sarwarvery well driven, the jeep remains in control in every situations including the crossings. Check how you can improve your efficiency in the long climbs (slightly lower tire pressure, more gas (progressively), manual gears, better line...) probably a mix of all this.

@Joji varghese, thank you for watching the convoy in the back, you are a reliable support and it's always a pleasure to drive with you.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and see you soon. Don't forget to post your best photos in the gallery !

49 minutes ago, Alphin Aloor said:

Hi sorry i have an issue with my compressor and have to drop out. 

Noted @Alphin Aloor, see you next time

Dear Desert Drivers

@Zulfikhar Naiyar, @Mahesh_ @Waqar Sarwar @Alphin Aloor @Joji varghese

Last indications for the drive tomorrow

Meeting at 6:30 am at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/XqZc3rydA9G1fASv5

PLEASE LOOK CAREFULLY THIS IS NOT THE INITIAL MEETING POINT

Convoy order will be 

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 4.

Enjoy the evening, take a good rest, and see you tomorrow morning !

2 hours ago, Mohammad Sayawoush Azad said:

I will not be able to join the drive tomorrow as unfortunately the garage where I had given my car to fix the skid plate could not do it in time. 

Sorry about that @Mohammad Sayawoush Azad, thank you for informing me.

2 hours ago, Pacific said:

@JeromeFJ, I got emergency surgery tomorrow so won't be able to make it. Only in case if it get postponed, I will join , else consider me out. Have fun guys.

Sorry to miss you @Pacific, you can still join if you become available

@Hisham Masaad Thank you for the inspiration and learning, it was always a pleasure to drive with you

All the best !

23 minutes ago, Mahesh_ said:

Hello Jerome. 
am game as I had canceled the other rsvp and this is the only confirmed drive for now. See you on Saturday. 

Thank you Mahesh, see you on Saturday

Dear Desert Drivers

@Zulfikhar Naiyar @Mahesh_ @Mohammad Sayawoush Azad @Pacific @Waqar Sarwar @Alphin Aloor @Joji varghese

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE

There is a professional off-road event this weekend Dubai Baja International taking place in the area of Qudra - Solar Park - Faqa. Not sure of their exact track, but for sure they need space, and I don't want to have one of them flying into the convoy from behind a dune. 

I will relocate the starting point further South, close to Nahel

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XqZc3rydA9G1fASv5

It is a bit further away from Dubai, but it is a very nice area where we can approach bigger dunes.

However, I totally understand if it doesn't match your plans for the day, and I will not blame you if you choose another drive or remove your RSVP. 

Please acknowledge reading this post by reacting or sending a message.  Thank you for your understanding.