Liwa Marathon - Ghost Ride

[alshamsi_m]

Hello Everyone

Arriving at the site excited for the long weekend, it was nice to start the camp with friendly faces and have some chitchat. Nevertheless, this game is about saving energy so I had to leave and go to sleep earlier than usual.

Although chitchatting around the fire is one of the best activities I couldn't miss looking at the stars in one of the cleanest of light pollution in UAE.



Also You shouldn't stay late and miss the beatufil sun rise in Liwa




The rest of the day was action pack by @Mabubaker and the super star @Scorpio flouting around with Jimny .

The drive finished a little bit later than expected but as long as everyone is safe and sound that what really matters.

I'm keeping the floor for the members to share their experience in the beautiful LIWA .

See you soon in LIWA festival
Cheers
Shamsi

[Ely]

Hello everyone !

I love Liwa.

It’s a place I have been looking forward to go back to since last December. I can’t believe it’s been already a year!
What I love about it, it’s all the package that comes with it, from the excitement of packing for some kind of expedition, to the 4 hours drive to reach there, taking the 160km/h road… having good use of my sound system and gazing at the landscape on my way ! The camping part of it as well, seating around the fire and waking up to admire the sunrise with an incredible view, being surrounded with absolute silence and feeling the peace. It’s all these small things that make it so special.

So it all started, when I took the road on Friday afternoon, and met with Moustafa in Madinat Zayed. We then drove together to the camp and found there Orlantsev already preparing a full meal! It was very windy that night but he managed to start his own barbecue ! While preparing the fire, we already started to speculate about the drive cause we were the 3 of us extremely surprised about the location of the camp : it was too easy to find… so we thought we shall be on our guard as Abubaker must have been baking a pretty tough drive… The rest of the crew started to join and light conversations began. Jokes were flying and we had a great laugh.
I have learned so much about animals, we have got some members very knowledgeable about their wildlife. It was very interesting !

The next day started beautifully with that incredible view I mentioned earlier. The colors in the sky were just breathtaking and it was fascinating to see the different shades of changing colors evolving on the dunes as the sun rose up. After packing my tent and getting a good wash, I joined the breakfast area, met with everyone, prepared some coffee and hop we went.



During the briefing it was announced that this will be a challenging drive, due to the particularities of the terrain: chains of dunes with lots of very soft sand and unforgiving ditches. And what a fun it was ! What I liked about it is that once you start entering these chain, it’s like a combo: you can’t stop until you exit it. It was such a thrill ! So the rule was simple: you must keep greater distance to the point of not seing the driver in front of you, at some point it felt like I was driving alone...
And indeed, if you see the driver before you, then you are cooked and you have mostly secure yourself a recovery! That’s how I got stuck once during the drive on absolute flat ! The sand was deadly soft, I was trying to avoid someone and finally ended up burying myself by attempting a self-recovery. So great radio communication is essential in these kind of drives to avoid creating more victims.
I also loved when we challenged the buggy dunes, last time I was there I was a mere spectator ! This time it was going to be my turn to give it a try !!! And out of my 3 trials I did touched the balcony on my first attempt !! After that I lost my mojo and I couldn’t find the right track anymore… it was extremely bouncy, my car took a good hit on that one and it was difficult to keep it straight. Abubaker and Ehab made it look like it was easy and landed a few times on the balcony like two eagles watching over us.



On a more technical note : I won’t hide that I was glad to have a paddle commander and to do a good use of my Low gear at times during that drive. It made my way much easier in some dunes and specific areas. I know there is this ultimate debate about the H and L and their use but in the end… if they both exist it’s to be used ! I don’t understand why is there so much tabou to talk about it here. In my opinion what we learned we shall share, if of course it is reliable and not based on speculations. There isn’t one and only way/technic, like there isn’t one and only driving style. That goes along with learning. There are many ways to learn. « One fit all » doesn’t exist any longer.

On a more lighter note, I would like to end this report by thanking @Mabubaker for the whole Organization and the beautiful tracks he gave us to drive. It was a lot of fun and I had my share of challenges. Oh and I was about to forget you @Scorpio ! Bless you for driving such a small car in these crazy softy dunes of Liwa without AC most probably ! And the long drives coming and going back that took you ages… also all my thanks to our advance team and their support: @Ehab and @orlantsev (who took one for the team by leaving his car behind… , hope it’s all sorted for you now!). And finally to all my fellows inter, I was so happy to share this camp and great laugh with you guys @Mghoneim , @Ahmed M Hassan Al , @Aljamhi , @Moustafa @mpodroid , @aknigge ! And thank you @Moustafa as always for being so caring and offering his help.

I must say, @Rashidjass our goat mountain, @Paddy and @Msharhan were dearly missed during that epic drive.

Guys, it’s been a pleasure !
See you all soon inshallah on the sand

[Ehab]

Its this time of the year when we visit the stunning landscapes of Liwa, located in the UAE’s portion of the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter. Known for its towering sand dunes and tranquil beauty, the region offered a mix of adventure, cultural exploration, and unique natural phenomena. This trip was particularly special as it coincided with a new moon night, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities, my eldest daughter decided to join me due to this and she was amazed. Liwa remoteness and the absence of moon light made an incredible night under the stars, free from light pollution.

Despite the extensive planning of our marshals, Liwa always comes with surprises, this year was no different.

The night before the drive, and with no moonlight, the desert sky was a breathtaking expanse of stars. This magical moment under the new moon reinforced the desert’s serenity and natural beauty.

The drive started early morning and the sand in Liwa was exceptionally soft, making driving and trekking a thrilling yet challenging endeavor. Dune bashing on the towering dunes demanded skill, and the experience of navigating this terrain was both rewarding and exhilarating.

Toward the end of the trip, one of our vehicles failed to start. After multiple attempts to resolve the issue, and trying to pull it during the night, we had no choice but to leave it behind and plan a recovery operation for later. Another vehicle sustained a tire cut while traversing the well Known buggy dune. Fixing it proved extremely difficult due to the flat’s unforgiving surface at the bottom of the massive dune. I also faced some challenges specifically in climbing steep and bumpy dunes, after a quick inspection on the next day and as recommended by our marshals, it turned out that my suspension had no gas at all, a quick refill was done and the car is ready for next action.

Despite the challenges, this trip was a memorable and rewarding experience. The issues with the vehicles served as a reminder of the importance of preparation and adaptability in remote environments like Liwa.

The breathtaking landscapes and magical stargazing moments outweighed the difficulties, making the trip a remarkable adventure. Looking forward to drive there again soon.

[Mghoneim]

Dear Almosters

Liwa season is here, and it is kicking off with an intermediate drive organized by @Mabubaker , supported by @alshamsi_m and @Scorpio as floating marshals, @Ehab as a second lead & @orlantsev as a sweeper.

I managed to reach to the camp late, but still had lots of laughs around the fire with @AhmadHasan @Ely @Moustafa19 & @Aljamhi before the rest arrives.

The weather was really nice which made the sleeping enjoyable. Next morning we gathered for breakfast followed by the briefing and we kicked off the driving furhter south towards the border where we were warming up in an interesting patch of soft sand before we go and start the original track which is heading to moreeb dune.

The track was amazing, although this kind drives is carving our stamina and endurance for desert drives, nevertheless @Mabubakr found many interesting climbs for us along the way. We stopped for lunch on top of the buggy dune and after lunch we went down to challenge the buggy dune.

I think this was the turning point for the afternoon, @Moustafa19 cut his tyre and it took some time to change it as the terrain was a bit challenging, and then @orlantsev's car decided that it need more time with the buggy dune so it didn't start. We tried all possible ways to start it but it was stubborn.

We gave it a few more tries of towing it out but we were surrounded by high dunes and the way out was full of high drops that towing it out would be dangerous. The verdict was to leave the car there and come back the next day for it. The drive just got upgraded , its another 1 hr of a liwa night drive till we reached moreeb.

It was too late for me to drive back to dubai as I was going to Abu Dhabi the next morning , so @alshamsi_m invited me to the newbie 10+ camp and I was ready to have another liwa camp.

Thanks @Mabubakr for the organization and design of this experience.

Thanks to All of the supporting marshals and advanced drives, and to my fellow intermediate.

till the next drive

[orlantsev]

Hello all,

The trip report for the latest Liwa adventure is long overdue, but for the reason you will understand after you have finished reading.

Not without trouble I signed up to 2 days of driving (intermediate and Newbie 10 +).

As usual I left early on Friday to catch the sunset. I took the last work call from the petrol station at Madinat Zayed. I did not want to buy whole big bag of charcoal since I only planned to grill on 1st night, so I asked the shop if there was a smaller bag. They gave me one which according to them was self-igniting and did not require any starter. As expected, I was first at meeting point. It was very windy, so made no sense to fight with a tent, so I just sat and relaxed. The charcoal promo was a trap as I spent half of the box of matches and some gasoline from jerry can until I managed to ignite and keep the fire alive. In the end the packaging box did a better job than the charcoal itself.

Slowly other members arrived. There was no lack of food. When you have @Aljamhi , @AhmadHasan and @Moustafa in the camp you should fast one week and come on empty stomach.

It was a usual drill in the morning with words of caution not to pile in one area, keep longer than usual distance. As soon as we moved into bigger dunes some problems started to arise (stucks and 2nd tries), but all expected in challenging Liwa conditions. At one point there was a pop-out which needed an anchor car. We had late lunch on top of the buggy dune and proceeded to climb it from the bottom. My recent car changes have improved the ability to climb, but still not to the point to make me 100% happy. Especially after I have seen a local heavily modified Patrol climbing the dune straight with ease. One car did not manage the descent well and cut the tire and this is where my other part of the trip report begins….

Realizing that it would take a bit of time to change the tire (car was on hard flat soil), I switched off my engine. When I came back the car did not start. Faulty starter was diagnosed as the reason. After hitting the starter with all metal objects, we could find without the desired outcome the remaining solution was to tow the car. Ehab pulled me as far as possible before darkness descended on us.

There was one chain of dunes which separated us from the road, but it appeared to be too risky to do the drops in the dark without break and proper steering. The car was left behind and I jumped into the car with @aknigge . Luckily, he was returning to Abu Dhabi and I hope I made his return journey slightly more entertaining. Unfortunately, this delay meant that people missed the opportunity to report to the next camp early. Already from the inflation point @Mabubaker called the garage in Abu Dhabi to check if they were available to support the recovery, but it being late and public holiday there was no commitment that it could happen fast enough.

Upon returning home I was advised to try the app UAE rescue. People from there called me, but they were also busy with National Day events and would only become available towards the end of the week. So realistically not much could have been done.

I started to make plans to return to Liwa on Saturday and use the help of UAE rescue group, when @Aljamhi called me and said they already coordinated with Rashid to go to Liwa on Saturday with a mechanic from the garage and necessary spares. It was very kind and generous offer considering the distance and time it would require. In the end the mission comprised of @alshamsi_m in Jimny, @Aljamhi, @AhmadHasan, @Rashidjass with 2 mechanics and @Paddy who kindly offered me a ride from Abu Dhabi. Night before the mission I had a nightdream that I forgot the car key which I only discovered upon reaching Liwa.

The whole job took not more than 15 minutes and indeed it was the starter. Upon finishing it @alshamsi_m led us to the Moreeb dune exit while helping a group of stuck locals along the way. We then had a wonderful lunch in Mezairaa.

I cannot describe how thankful I am to all who participated in this recovery. I have been driving in the desert for 8 years and statistically such accident had to happen. Unfortunately it happened in one of the most remote and unforgiving places. Perhaps no amount of car maintenance and care can save you from this experience. You just need to have a great bunch of generous and kind people around you to help in these occasions. This is why Almost4x4 is and will remain the best off-road group in UAE.