JeromeFJ

Dear Desert Drivers, 

@Wilfredo Perez @jinoy @Giacomo @Victor Socaciu @Benjamin @Rajath Shetty @Walter Palk @nithish468 @Adam Black @Joji varghese @ChrisW @Ozgu @Martin M @Ahmed Farouk @Julian Patterson @Gary F

Last updates for tomorrow morning.

We will meet at 6:00 am at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8nSRBXb24ryGTvm8

We are a big group, please make an effort to be there a bit ahead of time not to delay the whole group.

Reaching to the meeting point, you will see a gate, just reach slowly to the gate, and it will open by itself. Once you reach the group, you can start deflating your tires and installing your flag. Support members will assist you if needed.

The convoy order will be

We will use Carnity Radio Frequency 5.

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

2 hours ago, Zubail said:

@JeromeFJ good evening, will not attend this ride need to finalize airbags details

Noted @Zubail. Thank you for informing early

Hi @Victor Socaciu, thank you for your confirmation.

For the radio, we recommend the Motorola/Crony MT777, Crony CN888, or Baofeng UV-5R. I have the Motorola. and the post indicated by Sunil is very valuable information. Worst case, I can lend you one for this first drive.

Please have a look at the towing points, sorts of hooks or rings that you should see, in the front and in the back. They will be used in case your car is stuck, to pull you with another car. It is a simple and easy procedure, but can become difficult or dangerous if the car doesn't have proper towing points.

Thank you. You can DM me at 05 88 62 09 42 if you have questions.

28 minutes ago, Martin Schwaiger said:

I am waitlisted but I most likely cannot join due to other commitments at the same time so you can give my slot someone else

Thank you @Martin Schwaiger, I hope you will have another opportunity very soon.

@Victor Socaciu, If I'm correct, this will be your first drive with Carnity. Can you please

• indicate if you have previous off-roading experience.
• watch and confirm the video "Absolute Newbie Briefing" (link on top of this post),
• check and confirm that your car has tow points front and rear
• confirm that you have flag and radio, and a shovel

Any specific question, let me know, thank you.

Good morning, 

Thank you for signing up for the drive on Saturday morning. We have a lot of attendance including the waitlist and unfortunately, I will not be able to accept everyone. If the convoy is too long, it becomes more difficult to have all cars running together, and if we have more issues, or more cars stuck, it takes more time for the whole convoy.

So... this is what I will do

@Giacomo @ChrisW @Wilfredo Perez @Ozgu @Adam Black @nithish468 @Joji varghese @Rajath Shetty @jinoy @Zubail @Walter Palk @Zubair @Gary F, you are confirmed. No action from your side, but let me know or remove your RSVP if you changed your plan.

@Victor Socaciu @Benjamin, first 2 in the wait list, I'm adding you to the drive. Please confirm your attendance.

@Martin Schwaiger @Julian Patterson @Martin M @Ahmed Farouk, you are in the wait list, in that order. If before Friday 7:00 pm, one of the  above indicates he is not coming, I will add you.

Thank you for your understanding.

I will communicate by the end of the afternoon tomorrow the convoy order and radio channel. Stay tuned!

14 hours ago, Renier Venter said:

Oops , I accidentally clicked on manage. Didn't know that was an option. I have a curious phone finger. Don't see how to un-manage myself from this trip. 

Good morning @Renier Venter, someone removed you already from "Manage". If you want to attend, you can add yourself to the wait list. We are still at the beginning of the week, so you have your chances. 

Level:  Newbie and above (all levels)

Meeting time: 6:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8nSRBXb24ryGTvm8

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, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Approximate finish time: 10:00 AM

P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE:

• This drive is limited to 12 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 6 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

Definitely a memorable drive today ! Nice sand conditions, a group of determined and very capable drivers, and a beautiful play area.  A few of us were still sleepy during the briefing, but after the first 5 min of the drive, everyone was fully awake. The tall dunes of Sweihan were a perfect warm up, straight into the action. 

From one big bowl to the next high dune the convoy was flowing. Stay in the move, Don't break the flow, Watch your lines were the motives of the day. You all did really great, and I used this opportunity to really let you experience the thrill of a drive at higher speed, when we have to use the terrain and  the shape of the dunes to progress faster.

As you have seen, this also requires a very accurate driving, and understanding the dynamics of the car, as any mistake will immediately take you out of the game. Nothing major occurred,  but we had a tricky situation with 2 cars stuck one above the other with a steep incline, (one with a pop-out)... and rocks below! 

We managed to reach the top of the Old Lady dune,  and to enjoy the other set of high dunes close to Al Ain Airport. Very well done @Luke K P @Aser @Shaun J @Julien Recan @msa @Rk ram @Cristian @Frans M, this was really a FB++! Waiting for feed back and pics in the gallery (I see already a first batch), enjoy the weekend, and see you next time.

51 minutes ago, Robk said:

Hi @JeromeFJ unfortunately will have to pull out this week as well, kids have caught a virus from school 😕

Enjoy guys.

Sorry to miss you @Robk. Take care of them.

Dear Desert Drivers

@Luke K P @Aser @Shaun J @Julien Recan @msa @Robk @Rk ram @Cristian @Frans M

Last updates for tomorrow

Meeting at 06:00 am at  https://maps.app.goo.gl/r5LPyKms6XuG5Un58

The convoy order will be 

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 5.

Take a good rest, and see you tomorrow morning !

1 hour ago, Cristian said:

Hi @JeromeFJ, are we still planning to be out by 10? Thank you.

@Cristian The plan is to be out by 10:00 am at this location https://maps.app.goo.gl/YJ2QEhA8pcmkukQJ6

@Luke K P @Aser @Shaun J @Julien Recan @msa @Robk @Rk ram @Frans M @Cristian

Good morning all, 

In preparation for tomorrow, please ensure that your car is ready, and any unnecessary item is removed. We will have high dunes, and will try to maintain a steady pace, you don't want to be disturbed by things moving around.

The exit point is a bit far from Dubai, consider sufficient allowance if you have a program for lunch or in the afternoon! 

I will issue the convoy order by the end of the afternoon, stay tuned.

17 hours ago, Mohit Gurnani said:

Hi @JeromeFJ dropping out of this one as I’ll most likely be busy on Saturday afternoon, so don’t want to hold up a spot.

Have a great one!

Noted @Mohit Gurnani. Thank you for informing early. See you next time

Congratulations @Ishak ! Continue to enjoy 

DRIVE DESCRIPTION

Starting from the big dunes of Sweihan, reaching the Old Lady Dune, continuing behind Al Ain Airport, for an exit to the E22. A long and challenging drive where the high dunes and tall ridges will require all your concentration.

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 Plus and above
When: 11 May 2024, Saturday
Meeting time:  6:00 AM - Sharp
Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r5LPyKms6XuG5Un58
Approximate finish time: 10:00 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.

RECOMENDED 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

Hi @Zak_, not very good indeed, but if it is only one drive, and only one clip open, it is unlikely that a large quantity of sand went into the intake pipe. The filter box is still reasonably tight. It is indeed a good practice to check the filter and clean the sand box every 2-3 drives. Doing so, if you (or the person washing the car) use compressed air be sure to block the intake pipe opening with a cloth of something. Sand might be blown into the pipe during the cleaning. Maybe the sand you noticed was there from the previous cleaning...

If it was checked at the garage, I'm pretty sure it will be ok. FJs are strong cars !

Thank you all for joining the drive today. The sand was still very compact from the rain in the previous days, so the conditions were generally favourable for the climbs and the ridge riding. the drawback was that the dunes were becoming slippery after a few cars, making the track a bit more difficult for the back of the convoy.

The first portion offered high dunes with long ridges, perfect terrain to practice ridge riding, sometimes a bit impressive with the deep void on one side or the other. Concentration and precise steering were key, as a wrong line was immediately inducing fishtailing. Crossing the sabkha, we climbed that massive dune, with a succession of small bowls, step by step until the top. Everyone was focused, getting the required momentum for the next climb, and the 12 cars reached without refusal, a nice performance! The rest of the drive was a long run going West, crossing a large portion of desert staying high on the dunes as much as possible to avoid the bushes. with open dunes and white sands, until we reached the exit on the E75.

No stuck, a few refusals, great driving for all of you, including the 1st FB+ drive for @Stan and @Mahmut. Still we could see a lot of fishtailing and uncontrolled ridge riding. We have discussed this on the sand, so you where to improve. It will come with practice. 

Thank you @Mohit Gurnani for the SL, correcting my lines, @Mark B for anchoring the convoy from the middle, and @Zulfikhar Naiyar for watching the back, @Shaun J  @Stan @Mahmut @Julien Recan @Rk ram @Deepak Eswar @Cristian @Ishak thank you for excellent spirit and participation. 

We can program the same drive at the end of June, to add heat and soft sand for a more complete desert experience !

Dear Desert Drivers, 

@Mohit Gurnani @Shaun J @Stan @Mahmut @Julien Recan @msa @Mark B @Rk ram @Deepak Eswar @Cristian @Ishak @Zulfikhar Naiyar

Last update for tomorrow

Meeting at 6:30 am at https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJFZW3efvbMw73629

The convoy order will be 

We will use Carnity Radio Channel 5.

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

Noted @Frans M, see you next time

@Zulfikhar Naiyar, I have added you

2 hours ago, Robk said:

@JeromeFJ Hi Jerome, unfortunately I can no longer make the drive. Dropping out now. Be safe everyone and enjoy!.

Sorry to miss you, see you next time. Thank you for advising early.

Good morning all

Getting prepared for tomorrow's drive

@Mohit Gurnani @Shaun J @Stan @Julien Recan @msa @Robk @Rk ram @Deepak Eswar @Frans M @Cristian @Ishak @Mark B

You are confirmed. Please let me know in case you changed your plans. As we have still 2 wait list members a no show would be very disappointing. 

@Zulfikhar Naiyar @Mahmut, you are still on the wait list for now, let's see during the day how it goes.

The itinerary for tomorrow may be a bit long (80 to 85 km), be sure your car is ready, and refuel not too far from the meeting point to avoid stress at the end of the drive. (the next petrol station is about 20 km after the exit point).

I will issue final attendance and convoy order by the end of the afternoon

DRIVE DESCRIPTION

From  the outskirts of Sweihan on the E16, drive West along the dune cordons, pass the Tilal area, cross the sabkha to the South, and continue West on the high dunes, try to find the Sweihan Pond, continue on the white sands of Fayah and exit on the E75 side.

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 Plus and above
When: 04 May 2024, Saturday
Meeting time:  6:30 AM - Sharp
Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJFZW3efvbMw73629
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.

RECOMENDED 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 Desert Drivers, 

Thank you you joining the drive today. As expected, the desert was still showing the effect of the rains of last week. Starting with the meeting point, still totally flooded. Once everyone reached, we drove on the tarmac a few km and entered a bit further.  The sand was generally still very compact,  offering a good grip beneficial for the high climbs. The crossings were also generally facilitated, but the edges were sharper than usual, requiring a perfect accuracy for the driving line. A few other traps in the form of steeper pockets than usual, salt crust remaining from evaporated water ponds in the flat areas, water or sludge on the flat sabkhas.

All this did not prevent us to enjoy fully the area. We had our share of high climbs, steep descents, ridge riding and crossing and beautiful desert views. The first portion with bigger dunes, more thrills and sensations,  the second portion more technical with totally virgin dunes.

Very well driven all of you. @Shaun J, @Aser excellent focus and control for your first FB+, @Julien Recan @Deepak Eswar you had one crossing a bit hazardous, but well done for the rest, @Luke K P @msa @Robk @Frans M, excellent control in both portions. Special thanks to @Luke K P as Second Lead, and @Deepak Eswar for the Sweep, both of you very reliable today.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and see you soon!

Good morning all, 

@Luke K P @Shaun J @Aser @Julien Recan @msa @Robk @Gautam Banka @Frans M @Cristian @Deepak Eswar @Amr A

In preparation for tomorrow's drive, please ensure your car is ready and anything loose or unnecessary is removed from the backseat and trunk area. All your offroad gear shall be securely strapped.

We will see how is the desert after the rains of last week. There might be water remaining at the starting point. Please assess to avoid getting stuck in the mud. If there is too much water, just wait before crossing, and we will enter from a different place.

The convoy order will be 

We will use Channel 5.

Please let me know during the day in case you changed your plan.

See you all tomorrow !