Last out of 4

[Ely]

Dear fellows Almosters,

An unexpected 10+ drive led by Solmaz and organized by Giorgio who added a 10- convoy led by Bu Salem.

We were announced on the chat to take our white pants… and you know what they say… don’t trust the chat-box… and in case you didn’t know about it : definitely don’t trust the chat-box!

I came to that drive with great joy and excitement… (although the mention of white pants had me skip a beat) and no expectations except than the one from the title… last out of 4… guessing this would be similar to the latest drives we experienced… but you never know at which sauce you gonna be eaten with Almost . And this drive was a prelude of more spicy drives ahead.

It’s when you think you’ve got it that you get surprised with more skills to master although you already know you are still just a newbie… it’s like an endless leveling up…

This drive was a bit of that… arches, higher dunes to climb (thanks to the wet sand), some switching, and baby side cresting (if we can call it this way…?) along with a good pace. I was honored to be second lead. Ahhh Second lead… a tricky position to hold…and a big responsibility! I think I did an average job at fulfilling the role… luckily nobody died behind me .
I did try my best to multitasks, between looking at the track, getting on the right one (at least trying), checking the movement of Solmaz’s flag, checking my rear mirror, thinking of my driving… keeping the right distance… there’s a lot to think about…! And I got surprised! Sometimes I didn’t stay long enough on the crest before the switch… sometimes I saw Solmaz effectuating some kind of arches, or baby side cresting (?) and she made it look so easy!!! But when it’s my turn… hehehe not the same outcome ! I wasn’t on the edge but I was focused at every second… and to be fair no choice because the only time I lost sight of her was the moment I lost the track and went the wrong direction!!! (You know these little toddlers that have a cute little angel face but the second you turn your eyes away from them they have already ran so far away…? yep…) I also had my chair of second trial. I think overall this was a really good drive to practice all the skills we have learned so far! And the fact that we stopped several times showed that this was challenging enough…

Solmaz is definitely a free bird… hard to catch and an incredible Marshal… who can actually be so at the same time…

Thank you all for this amazing drive @Giorgio, Solmaz, Bu Salem, RashidJass, Mbubaker to all the support team & intermediates and crew for the video !

Until our next sandy escape…
Take care

[osman]

Hello Almosters,

I missed the initial enrolment of this drive at 6PM, because the app did not refresh the screen, then by the time I restarted it and entered my details, the support convoy was already full before the time was 6:01. That was my second miss after the previous week. But few days after, by pure luck, I tried the app again and voila!, then checked the chat group and found out that @giorgio extended the drive to 10- only a few minutes before. Such a nice surprise to be back on the sand with the people I enjoy to be with. My last drive was with @Solmaz at the same area under a drizzling rain six looong weeks ago.

The organizer was @giorgio and after taking the attendance he said he would take two intermediates (@Ehab and myself) to 10+ convoy, passed the lead to @Solmaz and he asked all the other members to join @alshamsi_m's lead. @Rashidjass to join us later on somewhere in the desert. @Solmaz did the briefing and more nice surprise come to me as the first time I experienced/heard the intermediates to float along the convoy with @giorgio. I was also responsible for the sweeping role - but wait, more to come...

The drive had a nice pace, at times pushing the boundaries, few disconnects and reconnects, one pop-out and if not mistaken, two assisted recoveries. But for me, floating was another challenge, observing and guessing the direction, checking out how to climb side dunes without disrupting the convoy and also being aware of other cars or convoys, as they (or you) may end-up being dangerously close. I was wandering around, @giorgio was doing the same but in very much smart way, choosing the strategic and much more challenging high points and paths and instructing the drivers what to do.

At some point nearing the end of the drive, my sweeping duty somehow slacked by the attraction of the dunes that were not exactly on the convoy's path. Then, where the hell is the convoy? I drove and drove but not a single car at sight. Luckily, I was still at the radio's reach so I rejoined them initially using Solmaz's directions, later on locating Ehab's car on a high dune. Every drive teaches you something....

Thanks so much to our founder, marshals and fellow members for another great day in the desert.

[Msharhan]

Dear Almosters,

Off-roading gives me a thrilling escape from my usual routine. It’s a freedom to explore almost any type of terrain and challenges, especially if you’re trained with this club. That’s the reason I fell in-love with Almost 4X4. and I always try to get into any open spots available, thnx for notifying @Paddy even if it's the last hour fill'ins

Falling under the lucky batch, we are privileged to have back-to-back drives, and a big shout-outs to @giorgio for his time and dedication. Arriving at the meeting point, realizing the sand is still wet and to be careful ahead, so I started with 9psi, expecting the heat would balance it on the journey.
And the 10+ lucky team is ready to start with @Solmaz, where @giorgio & @Rashidjass are floating and @Ehab & @osman sweep and support.

As the name hints, it was the last drive from the @giorgio master-planned series that underwent various hurdles. The best part is, you will know the exact learning points and opportunities we missed, and we love and appreciate your energy behind it. Thanks once again for all the guidance to @Solmaz, @Rashidjass, and @giorgio. Looking forward to driving again with you.

[Rooies]

First of all, big THANX to uncle @giorgio for making more seats available, really appreciate it.

I was second at the meeting point, @Ely was first there, music pumping getting ready for the day . Slowly the convoy started growing & got bigger & bigger, there were a lot of cars. Saw some people I have not seen in a very long time, @Mabubaker got some new wheels, very very nice .

The briefing was done, I was in the 10 - convoy, @alshamsi_m was leading with @Mabubaker & @orlantsev floating.

The drive was very nice & flowing, think about 2/3 second tries in total & not one stuck. Really enjoyable. The inters got a chance to play a bit, was nice to wipe of the cobwebs & let Asterix run a bit .

Overall it was a very nice enjoyable drive, following distances was good, radio comms as well.

Thank you @giorgio for planning the drive & @alshamsi_m for a very nice drive, also the rest the newbies & inters for making it a nice drive.

Till we meet again, stay safe.

Greetings
Rooies