JeromeFJ

Dear Desert Drivers, 

@Stumpy Paj @Tharun Kumar V @Abdul Basit Khan @Krishna R @Pascal @Gurcharan Mehta @Zed @Benjamin @KAMALIO @Amr Aydin @Ale Vallecchi

You are all on the list for the drive tomorrow. I will issue the convoy order by the end of the afternoon.

Please let me know before that in case you changed your plans.

55 minutes ago, Gary F said:

@JeromeFJ Need to remove myself from this drive due to a conflict. 

Noted @Gary F, thank you for informing early. See you next time

@Abdul Basit Khan, you are next in line, please confirm

@Benjamin, you have been added to the drive for Sat morning. Kindly confirm during the day tomorrow when your car is back from the workshop. Thank you.

2 hours ago, Deepak Eswar said:

Dear Jerome, in fact, it was an error, and not intentional; I'm sorry. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Wishing you all a pleasant and safe drive.

Thank you @Deepak Eswar. See you soon in a next FB drive!

Dear Desert Drivers,

Thank you for signing-up for this FB+ drive on Saturday.  This area South of Nahel offers beautiful dunes, generally empty. Sharp ridges, deep bowls, high climbs, it has everything, and beautiful views in addition. Some faces are steep, and it can be quite impressive in some occasions. Be sure you come fully awake, with a car in top condition.

Current confirmed attendance @Stumpy Paj   @Amr Aydin @Gurcharan Mehta @KAMALIO @Gary F @Krishna R @Tharun Kumar V @Zed @Pascal @Ale Vallecchi

Wait List @Benjamin (1) @Abdul Basit Khan (2)

@Deepak Eswar, this is a Fewbie Plus drive, and you current level is FB, I'm sorry, but you cannot attend or be on the waitlist.

@Paolo Pellegrini, your registered level is FB+, but you have not yet driven at this level with @Carnity, and your last drive with us was 5 months ago. I will ask you to do at least one FB drive, before attending FB+. This is to ensure you can enjoy and remain comfortable with the drive level. The grading structure has been recently updated accordingly. https://carnity.com/forums/topic/16479-off-road-club-grading-structure-v30/#comment-125525

Thank you for your understanding

Congratulations @Gary F !

Well done @Joseph Raju ! Congratulations !

Welcome to the team @Imteeaz !! Nice addition to the Support group !

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquettes and responsibilities.

MUST READ AND COMPLY

• 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

When:  08th April 2023, Saturday

Meeting time:  7:00 AM - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point:  https://goo.gl/maps/xJ4Nzi7tNNkxNWXE7

Action Plan:  High dunes and sharp ridges in Nahel.

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.

Recommended off-road gears: Walkie-talkie radio and off-road flag (MANDATORY), plus tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit and 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 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 CALENDAR

Dear Friends, we had an amazing drive today. This small group configuration, with experienced drivers knowing and trusting each other was perfect to cruise the area at steady pace, going from one challenge to the other. 

A few amazing runs in the first portion (Nahel), almost no tracks, deep bowls, soft sand,  high climbs with stunning views, and deep drops below ! My only regret  was to have both hands on the wheel and focus on the ridge and not being able to take photos. 

Then a bit of track and a nice portion of virgin dunes, before a sabkha run. the technical portion leading to the Ghafeteen Bowl was disappointing due to the seismic exploration stuff, the bowl itself was cut in pieces. After a small rest in the shade, we reached to Nagra Dune. One side was totally virgin also, which is very rare. We could climb and loop around, crossing the dune itself for an impressive drop. And to finish with a fluid run until reaching the exit point in Sweihan.

Great driving from all, @Joji varghese @Rajiv Sam @Chris Wing @Ranjan Das, it was a great pleasure to have you today, thank you for making this drive possible. Enjoy the rest of the weekend !

@Joji varghese @Ashutosh Garg @Rajiv Sam @Sam K @Imran Kashif @Chris Wing @Ranjan Das

Last updates for tomorrow. 

Meeting at 06:15 am at  https://goo.gl/maps/xJ4Nzi7tNNkxNWXE7

For the convoy order, I kept it simple, the Xs, the FJs, and the remaining Jeep

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 4.

Enjoy the evening, have a good sleep, and see you tomorrow morning !

2 hours ago, Anoop Nair said:

Hi Jerome @JeromeFJ I will have to bail out. Kids have holidays and wifey made different plan to head out to Al Wathba for 2 days. Catch up with you next time definitely.

Sorry to miss you @Anoop Nair and and enjoy the weekend. Family time is key !

53 minutes ago, Ignacio Quindós said:

Hi @JeromeFJ. Unfortunately my car is at the workshop and they just told me it won’t be ready for tomorrow, so I’ll remove myself from the drive. Have a nice one!

Sorry to miss you, see you next time!

Dear Desert Drivers,

For tomorrow we have a strong group of experienced drivers, weather conditions still enjoyable, and a vast area with a lot of possibilities to explore. So perfect conditions for a nice morning drive.

@Ashutosh Garg @Joji varghese @Anoop Nair @Ignacio Quindós @Rajiv Sam @Sam K @Imran Kashif @Chris Wing @Ranjan Das

I will issue the convoy order by the end of the afternoon. Just let me know before that in case you changed you plans.

For those who could not do it before, use this time to program your radio with the 10 Carnity channels. It will take you 20 min max, and then you don't have to worry about it anymore.

• Two Way Radio Guideline

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquettes and responsibilities.

MUST READ AND COMPLY

• 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

When:  01st April 2023, Saturday

Meeting time:  6:15 AM - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point:  https://goo.gl/maps/xJ4Nzi7tNNkxNWXE7

Action Plan:  From Nahel to Sweihan, through dunes, bowls and sabkhas

Approximate finish time: 10:30 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.

Recommended off-road gears: Walkie-talkie radio and off-road flag (MANDATORY), plus tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, compressor, walkie-talkie radio, off-road flag, shovel, first-aid kit and 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 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 CALENDAR

Thank you all for attending the drive this morning. @Ishak made already a very nice summary with pictures. Thank you and congratulations for your first FB+ drive, very well executed. What to add? All of you have driven very well, concentrated in the bushy and technical areas, keeping you balance and momentum on the long ridges, without being distracted by the height or the view. Also you remained focused up to the last technical portion, after the long sabkha.

A few refusal are always happening in the convoy, and 2 drivers were lured by the white sands, touching a sand wall, resulting into a pop-out and a deflated tire. Minor incidents for a terrain that was not easy, the wind of the last days having left some steep sand steps and sharpened crests. 

Thank you @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler for the support, always attentive to the front of the convoy and precise in your guidance. @Mehmet Volga thanks for watching the 2nd part of the convoy. the back was silent most of the time, but always catching the line. @Charbel, thank you for the support as 2nd lead. @Ishak @Tharun Kumar V @Krishna R, nice to see your enthusiasm and camaraderie, @Bjoern @Pierre de Maigret @Joseph Raju @Ignacio Quindós nice meeting you again, it is always a pleasure to have experienced and reliable drivers in the convoy. 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and see you soon !

Dear Desert Drivers,

@Ishak @Tharun Kumar V @Krishna R @Charbel @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler @Bjoern @Pierre de Maigret @Joseph Raju  @Ignacio Quindós @Mehmet Volga

Last updates for tomorrow

Meeting at 6:15 am at  https://goo.gl/maps/WbWFK5iwurzey1dF8

The convoy order will be 

We will use Radio Channel 4

Enjoy the evening, take as much sleep as you can, and meet you tomorrow morning !

Good morning all, 

@Ishak @Tharun Kumar V @Krishna R @Charbel @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler @Bjoern @Pierre de Maigret @Joseph Raju @Naim Aoun @Ignacio Quindós @Mehmet Volga

Most of you have already driven in this area, so you know what to expect. Some portions of technical dunes as a warmup, progressively changing to long range high dunes perfect for ridge riding. Exit will be either looping back to the starting point, or on the E14, Abu Dhabi side.

I will prepare the convoy order, and will issue latest details for the drive by the end of the day. Just let me know in case you changed your plans. 

2 hours ago, Stumpy Paj said:

Hi Jerome, sorry I can’t make it. I have removed myself. 
 

have a good drive

Noted Nathan, have a nice weekend !

24 minutes ago, Ignacio Quindós said:

Hi @JeromeFJ thanks for asking. I depend on my roster. If no duty is assigned, I’ll be more than happy to join the drive. I’ll know it by tomorrow at 1800 max…

No problem @Ignacio Quindós. Currently there is no waitlist behind you. You can let me know tomorrow end of the day

Nathan @Stumpy Paj, you have been added to the drive, please confirm you are still motivated.

@Ignacio Quindós, I can also add you, please confirm.

2 hours ago, Benjamin said:

Apologies @JeromeFJ something has come up this weekend so I’ll have to cancel this Saturday  enjoy the drive everyone 

Noted @Benjamin, thank you for informing me early. See you next time

Congratulations @Ishak ! Continue to enjoy driving, and to take nice pics !!

We request every member that joins this drive to go through the below information and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquettes and responsibilities.

MUST READ AND COMPLY

• 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

When:  25 March 2023, Saturday

Meeting time:  6:15 AM - Sharp (Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point:  https://goo.gl/maps/WbWFK5iwurzey1dF8

Approximate finish time: 10:30 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 and fire extinguisher and rated elastic recovery rope and 2 soft shackles
 

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

• This drive is limited to 10 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 2 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

Dear Desert Drivers, 

Great day today, and lots of leaning for all of us! We had a good start in the cold morning. These dunes close to Nahel are beautiful, and the clean sand, still a bit humid was perfect for a quiet warm-up. Soon reaching higher slopes, we could push a bit our engines to climb higher, and enjoy the views around. The convoy was moving well despite some intermittent Temp High on the Jeep of @Deepak Eswar.  We were continuing on this nice section of high dunes and sharp ridges, when I underestimated the soft part of a ridge, and had no other choice than going down into a deep bowl, taking with me the first cars of the convoy. There we where, 6 cars grouped against each other at the bottom of this bowl where it was barely possible to make a U turn. 

Clearing some  space, reversing as high as possible, then climbing the other side, avoiding tracks from the previous car, one by one, the cars went out. Was remaining the little blue Jeep. Almost after each attempt, Transmission Temp was coming high, and we had to let it rest. Deflating to 9psi improved a bit, but still, the ridge was too high. 4L was bring the Temp light almost immediately. I tried myself without more success. While the car was cooling down, and I was thinking of another winding line to try, @Bjoern remembered that he had a winch ! I took the car as high as it could, 3/4 of the bowl, and then, with the winch + 2 ropes, step by step, we managed to take the Blue Jeep out of the bowl.  It has now a name !

After some rest, for the car and the drivers, we left this area with a majestic dive to the sabkha. Timing was against us, and I had to forget the initial plan to reach Sweihan through Nagra dune.  We will be back! Through the sabkhas, and crossing two challenging technical portions, and a nice area of virgin dunes, we reached the track leading to the exit point on the E95. Amazing driving of the whole convoy in the technical portions, great team work from everyone during the recoveries.

@Yaseen87 excellent drive, thank you for the second lead, @Rk ram, great drive for your 1st FB, apart one fishtailing at the beginning, good control of your car in the climbs and in the technical portions, @Ishak getting comfortable at FB level, very well done, @Deepak Eswar, for your 1st FB, it was an experience. Try to improve these temp problems before the summer.  Do not hesitate to do a few NB drives also to become more confident and fully enjoy FB level. @Bjoern, you saved the day with your winch, you are now confident in driving in most of situations. @Federico Galbieri, very confident driver also, it was nice to see your guests enjoying the drive.  @Beide Worku, @Chris Wing, thank you for the great support my friends, always a pleasure to have you in a drive.

Waiting for your pics and feedback, enjoy the rest of the weekend !