H.H Marwan Al Muala championship
Trip Report PART A
The track was rough in most places, but not terribly challenging from a technical point of view. @
ALKHATIB dropped us off one at a time at each of 13 rally points shortly before the race began. Being at Rally Point 10, it was quite some time before the first vehicle showed up at my location. I was using the headlights of the car to light a small area on the track so that I could read the numbers on the car. Being that the race could last 5 hours, I kept the engine running (did not want to run the battery down). After the first two cars went by it was evident that the dust was fine and hanging in the air. I usually at least one window down when the keys are in the car in case I accidently lock the doors, but as it was dusty, I closed all the windows.
The first race ended, and I sat with my chair and ice box enjoying the calm and cool of the night. Many race participants did not finish the first round. Second round a few more dropped out of the race or at least did not finish the second round. We broke for dinner after the second round.
During the third round I set up in the same spot. Got my chair out, ice box out and for most of the race sat back recording car numbers and time, enjoying the desert night. Somewhere near the end of the third round I was sitting there quietly when I heard a “Click”. Not just any click, but the click that the Jeep makes when the doors are locking. I got up and sure enough the Jeep was locked with the keys inside, windows up and cell phone on the armrest charging. What could I do. I kept recording cars and time till the end of the race. @
alshamsi radioed us to pair up and drive out. I call in… “Shamsi, I am in trouble.” @
alshamsi reorganized the work crews, sent @
ALKHATIB out to my location and within 10 minutes my station was swarmed by marshals, advanced drivers, intermediates, newbies and club members. Tools came out, work started immediately and within 75 minutes, the Jeep was dismantled, doors opened and reassembled.
The thing that stands out most for me was when you’re are in trouble, so long as you can communicate, the club will swoop in, help you solve the problem and escort you out. I have seen it many times. I have participated a few times. But, this is the first time being the recipient. It truly is heartwarming. Even the guys out at the road. The rest of the group had to wait till the rescue was complete. Middle of the night, no one was put out. Quite the opposite.
Trip Report PART B
After driving the track and watching the race, you soon realize that what Almost4X4 teaches you, truly makes you a good and safe driver. I believe that anyone with 5 drives or more could have driven that race. And, we all would have come out and out safely. One truly does not appreciate what one has learned until you see other people doing the same thing, but from a different path. If you have stared with this club, and you are wondering if it is the right club, then you have made the right decision. It is. If you are impatient and want to hurry through the ranks, don’t hurry. Your teachers know when you are ready and they will advance you. If you can volunteer to put back into the club, do so. It is immensely gratifying.
Thank you for the rescue…
Mark