Lead My Way - 2nd October 2020
Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 3:52 pm
Drive: Lead My Way - Club Member training and drive to Fossil Rock - 2nd October 2020.
Highlights:
-really nice vibe
-1 x 2nd attempt
-1 x stuck with rescue
---
Hello! This was my first ever drive with ALMOST 4x4 and I could not have had a better one (well, unless it was 10 degrees cooler #BlackWranglerSoftTopProblems).
Thank you to all the marshals as well as the support crew (~20 cars) for organizing a very safe and fun drive.
So, how did it all start?
We gathered at the deflation point (just off Al Batayeh road) at 8am sharp. What really surprised me is that virtually all participants reached the location before time. Flag up, tyres down and then quick chit chat to get to know one another (masks on, 2m distance maintained).
At circa 8:31, @alshamsi_m welcomed us in a circle and began the attendance check as well as the convoy split (we were split into 3 convoys today, to be exact). As a person who appreciates a good chuckle in the morning, I was in for a treat as alshamsi_m had brought his a-game, which helped bring the spirit level up.
Time to line up into our convoys (I was following @Abu Jimmy's convoy) before gathering once more for a comprehensive theory training. As temperatures reached mid 30s, @alshamsi_m made it on point and interesting. Admittedly, I had looked up his video some time back, but still managed to learn something new. One thing for sure, safety is something that this club takes very seriously (perhaps second only to good vibes!).
Time to move and put some of that theory into practice. The marshal and support crew led us safely to our first stop point (just beyond the "Big Dune" if I'm not mistaken). Shortly before, I had to take a second attempt, as I had not maintained enough momentum when trying to cross a dune (thank you for all your advice at that moment, @Barish).
The second part of the trial seemed more challenging and ended with us reaching what I believe to be the top (Fossil Rock). There was one specific moment that I'm likely to remember forever i.e. getting stuck for the first time. How, you might ask. Poor decision making + lost momentum. I was approaching a dune before noticing that the two cars in front of me had each taken a different track.
Here is roughly what was going on in my head at the time: "Must maintain my place in the convoy. The car in front of me seems to be taking a different track. Or is it the car in front of him? Damn... I'll go with the car in front of him. NO! Follow your spot in the convoy. WHOOOPS, I'm bogged down.". It took a few moments of indecision to be stuck. Nothing to worry about though as @Barish and co came to my rescue. Quick chat and a short pull and I was on my way (though admittedly with a slightly shaken confidence for the first few minutes!).
After watching the experienced crew having fun at the top, exchanging a few words and taking some pics, it was time to return. We lined up in a single convoy and - after a quick descend - rejoined the road and gathered at the inflation point (petrol station). Since I had all my tools ready, I asked @Abu Jimmy for a check up - thank you! After the check up, I reached what I hope to be many achievements with ALMOST 4x4 i.e. being bumped up to a Newbie level, which should allow me to join the future drives. Tyres up, quick chat & a wave goodbye and off we were towards our next destination.
In conclusion, I experienced exactly what I was expecting out of this drive.. plus a little more. What I didn't quite anticipate was such a welcoming atmosphere. Being in the UAE (or specifically Dubai) long enough, I'm used to the "people come and go" mindset. When it comes to ALMOST 4x4, this however could not have been any further from the truth.
Thank you very much to everyone and I hope to see you all next week!
Slydubai, Black Wrangler TJ.
, but unfortunately the change of seasons often brings colds
. And I was no exception. But in everything you need to look for a bright side, so I'm on sick leave
and I have plenty of time to thank and express my delight for another incredible experience
. 
. Also, a special thank you for the opportunity to be the second car in the convoy under the leadership of @alshamsi_m. Despite the fact that I drove a big enough car for a girl with not very good visibility, nevertheless, I managed to overcome my fears and continue driving regardless of "what is there on the other side?"
I also realized my mistakes, first of all, problems with speed and a hard brake during the drops, which haunts me and I look forward to next Friday to work them out and get a new dose of adrenaline. 
.