New beginnings || - Abu Dhabi Edition
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Vika
- Intermediate
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:15 pm
- Has thanked: 305 times
- Been thanked: 271 times
Hello everyone! 
Since I likely joined today’s event as the very last one, allow me to write my trip report first.
For me, from the very beginning of my time with ALMOST 4x4 club, the CM Drive has always been the most exciting event. It is always about new people who are eager, curious, and striving to take their first steps in the desert. It is also an opportunity to meet all the existing members of the club, including all the marshals, intermediates and advanced drivers.
And, of course, arriving late to avoid interrupting the official part of the event, I tried to slip in unnoticed and stay at the back of the event. I was incredibly happy to see beside me, without exaggeration, my backbone—the people who have given me probably the greatest moral support throughout my entire adventure with the desert and off-roading, recently promoted members of the club, from Intermediate level to Advanced, @David and @Carlos
It is also a great pleasure to see all the club members, including my batch. Unfortunately, I could not even greet you, guys, because you were on the other side of the tent, but nonetheless, I am always happy to see you and all the marshals. I want to apologize in advance for not having the opportunity to greet all the marshals and the founder, @Solmaz and @alshamsi_m , who were also sitting on the other side of the tent
The event was organized incredibly well, considering the weather conditions. A pace was set to ensure shade and the ability to stay and listen to all the necessary information. The presence of our sponsor was also valuable, offering the opportunity to purchase all the equipment needed for safety and participate in future drives of our club.
The presentation was conducted by one of our marshals, @Mabubaker , the organizer of this event, who provided all the necessary and comprehensive information to ensure that we understand how to take our first steps correctly and, most importantly, safely.
All participants of the event were divided into two convoys. I was assigned to convoy number one, led by @Daggerfall . The support team included @Scorpio , @Rashidjass , and @Agalon as marshals, as well as advanced members and intermediates.
As for our convoy, I was honored to be the second lead behind @Daggerfall. At one point during the drive, I thought, "Oh my God, can I really catch up with @Daggerfall ?" And I can confidently tell you, yes, I can catch up, but still only during CM drive
. Who knows what does it mean, will understand 
Next, I want to highlight a few things about our convoy and the drive. Guys, of course, I can't know all of your names, but I can confidently say that the convoy completed the drive successfully. Yes, unfortunately, we lost one car, but we have a rule: what happens in the desert stays in the desert. What I want to add is that radio communication is very important, especially when you do your first steps. It's not just about safety, it's also about fun and team spirit. This is very important.
Furthermore, the more often you participate in the club's drives, the more you'll understand what I was talking about. The club is truly fascinating, and all its members are so fun, and interesting. You never know when or how you might meet someone in this club. Someone could become your friend, someone could become your mentor, someone — your teacher, and someone might even become an integral part of your life.
I want to thank Jimny, who followed me and was the most positive and active participant in our drive. I hope everyone will join in and actively participate in future club drives. I look forward to see all of you again. And thank you for making this event happen.
It was a great afternoon!
Thank you all!
With big respect.
Vika
Since I likely joined today’s event as the very last one, allow me to write my trip report first.
For me, from the very beginning of my time with ALMOST 4x4 club, the CM Drive has always been the most exciting event. It is always about new people who are eager, curious, and striving to take their first steps in the desert. It is also an opportunity to meet all the existing members of the club, including all the marshals, intermediates and advanced drivers.
And, of course, arriving late to avoid interrupting the official part of the event, I tried to slip in unnoticed and stay at the back of the event. I was incredibly happy to see beside me, without exaggeration, my backbone—the people who have given me probably the greatest moral support throughout my entire adventure with the desert and off-roading, recently promoted members of the club, from Intermediate level to Advanced, @David and @Carlos
It is also a great pleasure to see all the club members, including my batch. Unfortunately, I could not even greet you, guys, because you were on the other side of the tent, but nonetheless, I am always happy to see you and all the marshals. I want to apologize in advance for not having the opportunity to greet all the marshals and the founder, @Solmaz and @alshamsi_m , who were also sitting on the other side of the tent
The event was organized incredibly well, considering the weather conditions. A pace was set to ensure shade and the ability to stay and listen to all the necessary information. The presence of our sponsor was also valuable, offering the opportunity to purchase all the equipment needed for safety and participate in future drives of our club.
The presentation was conducted by one of our marshals, @Mabubaker , the organizer of this event, who provided all the necessary and comprehensive information to ensure that we understand how to take our first steps correctly and, most importantly, safely.
All participants of the event were divided into two convoys. I was assigned to convoy number one, led by @Daggerfall . The support team included @Scorpio , @Rashidjass , and @Agalon as marshals, as well as advanced members and intermediates.
As for our convoy, I was honored to be the second lead behind @Daggerfall. At one point during the drive, I thought, "Oh my God, can I really catch up with @Daggerfall ?" And I can confidently tell you, yes, I can catch up, but still only during CM drive
. Who knows what does it mean, will understand Next, I want to highlight a few things about our convoy and the drive. Guys, of course, I can't know all of your names, but I can confidently say that the convoy completed the drive successfully. Yes, unfortunately, we lost one car, but we have a rule: what happens in the desert stays in the desert. What I want to add is that radio communication is very important, especially when you do your first steps. It's not just about safety, it's also about fun and team spirit. This is very important.
Furthermore, the more often you participate in the club's drives, the more you'll understand what I was talking about. The club is truly fascinating, and all its members are so fun, and interesting. You never know when or how you might meet someone in this club. Someone could become your friend, someone could become your mentor, someone — your teacher, and someone might even become an integral part of your life.
I want to thank Jimny, who followed me and was the most positive and active participant in our drive. I hope everyone will join in and actively participate in future club drives. I look forward to see all of you again. And thank you for making this event happen.
It was a great afternoon!
Thank you all!
With big respect.
Vika
"The most effective way to do it, is just to do it"
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David
- Advance
- Posts: 195
- Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2020 12:15 pm
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 733 times
- Been thanked: 796 times
Just a quick message to welcome the new members that attended the CM yesterday.
Couple of quick notes:
No matter what your objective is, from basic desert driving to developing high level skills, be sure you are in the right place, you will learn how to become a confident independent offroader while making lifelong friends in the process.
In the next 8 weeks I am sure there will be many 5- drives, make sure you catch them, otherwise afterwards you will see how most of the drives will be for 5+ and 10+ and you might have to wait until the new CM batch to progress with your learning, so if tools inspection not completed yet coordinate with a Marshall to get it done during the week via the phone so you can join next week's drive.
Finally many thanks to all of the Marshall's that attended the drive, specially Abubaker for organizing and all the support that also joined to make it possible.
See you on the sand soon.
Couple of quick notes:
No matter what your objective is, from basic desert driving to developing high level skills, be sure you are in the right place, you will learn how to become a confident independent offroader while making lifelong friends in the process.
In the next 8 weeks I am sure there will be many 5- drives, make sure you catch them, otherwise afterwards you will see how most of the drives will be for 5+ and 10+ and you might have to wait until the new CM batch to progress with your learning, so if tools inspection not completed yet coordinate with a Marshall to get it done during the week via the phone so you can join next week's drive.
Finally many thanks to all of the Marshall's that attended the drive, specially Abubaker for organizing and all the support that also joined to make it possible.
See you on the sand soon.
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Mabubaker
- Marshal
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:21 am
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Has thanked: 191 times
- Been thanked: 199 times
- Contact:
Hello Almosters!
A great afternoon in the desert with a mix of new club members, returning club members, intermediates, advanced, crew, media, marshals and a founder.
While the crew among the early bird members were setting up the tent and shaded area, new members were arriving. The action started earlier, as few of them got stuck around the area and support team gave help as needed.
At around 4 pm, I started the 101 offroading briefing providing the new members some basics about the driving style, safety measures, types of obstacles and followed by convoy assignment and attendance.
We split the drivers into two convoys, the first was led @Daggerfall, supported by @Rashidjass, @Scorpio, @Agalon in addition to advanced and intermediate support.
I led the 2nd convoy supported by @alshamsi_m, @Solmaz , @Barish and sevel Advanced and intermediate members.
While heading towards Nagra famous dune, some of the new members, founder and marshals noticed some saftey issues so we called for another briefing, which bu salem did.
We continued driving towards Nagra, however, we couldn't stay there as sunset time was approaching and we had to take the members out before darkness.
Thank you for all the new members who joined this drive, we look forward to seeing you in the newbie level drives! And if you're interested in joining us in Liwa at national day, make sure you attend the necessary drives until then.
Thank you almost4x4 support team, crew, media, intermediate and advanced! You are amazing
Thanks Bu salem and marshals for supporting the drive and making it happen!
See you soon!
M Abubaker
A great afternoon in the desert with a mix of new club members, returning club members, intermediates, advanced, crew, media, marshals and a founder.
While the crew among the early bird members were setting up the tent and shaded area, new members were arriving. The action started earlier, as few of them got stuck around the area and support team gave help as needed.
At around 4 pm, I started the 101 offroading briefing providing the new members some basics about the driving style, safety measures, types of obstacles and followed by convoy assignment and attendance.
We split the drivers into two convoys, the first was led @Daggerfall, supported by @Rashidjass, @Scorpio, @Agalon in addition to advanced and intermediate support.
I led the 2nd convoy supported by @alshamsi_m, @Solmaz , @Barish and sevel Advanced and intermediate members.
While heading towards Nagra famous dune, some of the new members, founder and marshals noticed some saftey issues so we called for another briefing, which bu salem did.
We continued driving towards Nagra, however, we couldn't stay there as sunset time was approaching and we had to take the members out before darkness.
Thank you for all the new members who joined this drive, we look forward to seeing you in the newbie level drives! And if you're interested in joining us in Liwa at national day, make sure you attend the necessary drives until then.
Thank you almost4x4 support team, crew, media, intermediate and advanced! You are amazing
Thanks Bu salem and marshals for supporting the drive and making it happen!
See you soon!
M Abubaker
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vdrakopoulou
- Newbie
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2024 10:27 am
- Been thanked: 11 times
Dear Almosters 4x4 Club,
I wanted to take a moment to extend a huge thank you to everyone at Almosters for being incredibly supportive during my recent off-roading adventure with you all. As a newbie, I have to admit, I was a bit terrified when faced with those steep downhill dunes. If you noticed someone creeping along at a snail's pace during the first part of the drive, well, that was probably me!
Transitioning from a BMW w run flats to a 4x4 while trying to figure out what a Trolley Jack is, has been an absolute blast—though I’m still getting used to the whole "going down steep dunes without feeling like I’m on the edge of a cliff" part! Your patience and encouragement made all the difference, and I’m thrilled to be embracing this new off-road adventure.
Now, here comes the burning question: Maria with the Pathfinder, how on earth were you cruising so fast down those downhill dunes? It was like watching a pro in action!
Looking forward to learning your secrets (and maybe speeding up a bit myself next time).
Thanks again for everything,
Violet w Gray Rubicon
I wanted to take a moment to extend a huge thank you to everyone at Almosters for being incredibly supportive during my recent off-roading adventure with you all. As a newbie, I have to admit, I was a bit terrified when faced with those steep downhill dunes. If you noticed someone creeping along at a snail's pace during the first part of the drive, well, that was probably me!
Transitioning from a BMW w run flats to a 4x4 while trying to figure out what a Trolley Jack is, has been an absolute blast—though I’m still getting used to the whole "going down steep dunes without feeling like I’m on the edge of a cliff" part! Your patience and encouragement made all the difference, and I’m thrilled to be embracing this new off-road adventure.
Now, here comes the burning question: Maria with the Pathfinder, how on earth were you cruising so fast down those downhill dunes? It was like watching a pro in action!
Looking forward to learning your secrets (and maybe speeding up a bit myself next time).
Thanks again for everything,
Violet w Gray Rubicon
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Haidy79
- Newbie
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2024 11:16 pm
- Has thanked: 7 times
- Been thanked: 21 times
as my first drive in the sand it was extremely intense putting all your driving knowledge and expertise behind , starting using your mind in different ways putting your trust in people you've just met but they treat you like family....which thank you won't be enough...how dedicated each one of them starting with Mr: Shamsi @alshamsi_m with his important brief about head lines followed by marshal @Mabubaker talking about important rules to keep us safe ..special thanks to marshal @Solmaz for here understanding and her sweet nice smile with a lot of encouragement all the way....the journey was not that long but it was full of basics 
so we can move to the next step...Many spcial thanks to marshal @Barish for saving me at on point when I lost track ...
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brett
- Crew
- Posts: 247
- Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2019 10:08 am
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 1642 times
- Been thanked: 978 times
Dear Almosters
Firstly, a big welcome to all the new Club Members who took the step to become newbies joining the Almost4x4 family.
Next a huge thank you to the founder and marshals who graciously volunteer their time and energy to make these events possible. Thank you also to the Crew and Media for their efforts to set up the location with the shade tent and helping the CMs to deflate and get ready for their first experience with Almost4x4. To 4Wheel for attending with an array of tools and equipment on display.
The theory introduction and safety briefing was headed up by the organizing marshal @Mabubaker supported by our founder @alshamsi_m . after the briefing the group was split into 2 convoys to ensure the necessary support and guidance for the Club Members.
I was appointed in the middle of the convoy lead by @Daggerfall with @Victoria as 2nd lead. Swarming around us we had endless Marshal and Advanced driver support as well with @Rashidjass driving (like he stole it) in @Paddy white FJ, we had @Agalon who appeared everywhere in his jeep proving a jeep is very capable in the hands of an expert driver. We had @David always on hand to give guidance and encouragement to the new drivers, @Ehab with co-driver @nidal78 covering the media aspect of the drive ensuring a digital record for the CM’s to look back on one day and see how far they have come as they develop their skills under the guidance of the best off road club in the region.
Our drive was relatively uneventful with only a couple of stuck cars that were mostly self-recovered. No crested cars or popouts – but these will come as the learning progresses. We did have one car that was relieved of a few plastic parts (they are not needed anyway).
Yes, some of those short but steep drops are unnerving for beginners, but once you learn the safe way to approach these and other obstacles in the desert – the excitement remains but the nerves stay calmer. All the experiences that were so raw and new will be come second nature, making the ability to manage everything happening around you like speed, following distance, radio communication etc than much easier.
At the end of the drive there were mostly smiling faces and many drivers lining up to have their tools checked in order to achieve their first star and move forward in their journey with Almost4x4.
I look forward to seeing all the eager “Newbies” at the upcoming drive.
Firstly, a big welcome to all the new Club Members who took the step to become newbies joining the Almost4x4 family.
Next a huge thank you to the founder and marshals who graciously volunteer their time and energy to make these events possible. Thank you also to the Crew and Media for their efforts to set up the location with the shade tent and helping the CMs to deflate and get ready for their first experience with Almost4x4. To 4Wheel for attending with an array of tools and equipment on display.
The theory introduction and safety briefing was headed up by the organizing marshal @Mabubaker supported by our founder @alshamsi_m . after the briefing the group was split into 2 convoys to ensure the necessary support and guidance for the Club Members.
I was appointed in the middle of the convoy lead by @Daggerfall with @Victoria as 2nd lead. Swarming around us we had endless Marshal and Advanced driver support as well with @Rashidjass driving (like he stole it) in @Paddy white FJ, we had @Agalon who appeared everywhere in his jeep proving a jeep is very capable in the hands of an expert driver. We had @David always on hand to give guidance and encouragement to the new drivers, @Ehab with co-driver @nidal78 covering the media aspect of the drive ensuring a digital record for the CM’s to look back on one day and see how far they have come as they develop their skills under the guidance of the best off road club in the region.
Our drive was relatively uneventful with only a couple of stuck cars that were mostly self-recovered. No crested cars or popouts – but these will come as the learning progresses. We did have one car that was relieved of a few plastic parts (they are not needed anyway).
Yes, some of those short but steep drops are unnerving for beginners, but once you learn the safe way to approach these and other obstacles in the desert – the excitement remains but the nerves stay calmer. All the experiences that were so raw and new will be come second nature, making the ability to manage everything happening around you like speed, following distance, radio communication etc than much easier.
At the end of the drive there were mostly smiling faces and many drivers lining up to have their tools checked in order to achieve their first star and move forward in their journey with Almost4x4.
I look forward to seeing all the eager “Newbies” at the upcoming drive.
Last edited by brett on Mon Sep 16, 2024 2:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Until the next Adventure
Brett
Red Baron
Brett
Red Baron
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CARLOSS
- Advance
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 2:10 pm
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 870 times
- Been thanked: 1033 times
Hi old and new Almosters,
It was a great day with plenty of new faces eager to kick off their new journey in the off-road world. I was assigned to @Mabubaker convoy who did an excellent job, as usual,
with no issues at all.
My only pieces of advice for those willing to continue driving with Almost:
1) Pls do not get surprised when you eventually realize that have joined (by a chance or intentionally) the best-off road club in the UAE.
2) Pls do not blame anybody from the Almost’s family for getting eventually addicted to this amazing hobby => This is to be understood as a serious warning and in due time you will understand why
In the meantime, I hope I will see most of you soon in the next drives
Carlos
It was a great day with plenty of new faces eager to kick off their new journey in the off-road world. I was assigned to @Mabubaker convoy who did an excellent job, as usual,
with no issues at all.My only pieces of advice for those willing to continue driving with Almost:
1) Pls do not get surprised when you eventually realize that have joined (by a chance or intentionally) the best-off road club in the UAE.
2) Pls do not blame anybody from the Almost’s family for getting eventually addicted to this amazing hobby => This is to be understood as a serious warning and in due time you will understand why
In the meantime, I hope I will see most of you soon in the next drives
Carlos
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alshamsi_m
- Founder
- Posts: 904
- Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:29 am
- Location: Al Hamriyah
- Has thanked: 1211 times
- Been thanked: 1161 times
- Contact:
Hello Everyone
First, thank you to all the marshals, crew, media, and all who joined to support our new batch of members.
The event was very well organized considering the hot weather. Also, the terrain was chosen well to give our club members a test of what is upcoming !!!
I was supporting @Mabubaker and he gave us a very nice track and also took us back safely on time before sunset
We are excited about the new season and looking forward to driving with you all.
Till next time, keep the sand flying.
Cheers
Shamsi
First, thank you to all the marshals, crew, media, and all who joined to support our new batch of members.
The event was very well organized considering the hot weather. Also, the terrain was chosen well to give our club members a test of what is upcoming !!!
I was supporting @Mabubaker and he gave us a very nice track and also took us back safely on time before sunset
We are excited about the new season and looking forward to driving with you all.
Till next time, keep the sand flying.
Cheers
Shamsi
Adventurous League of Mountains, Oceans and Sand Thrills
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Ely
- Intermediate
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Mon Mar 27, 2023 12:34 pm
- Has thanked: 151 times
- Been thanked: 176 times
Almosters,
Club members drives are always a fun time, you get to meet new faces and future fellows.
This one was no different, organized and led by @Mabubaker, all marshals and regular members were presents ! It was nice to see you all!
The CM structure is as per the following : meeting, greetings, deflating, then an extended briefing to receive all the basic informations regarding « desert off-roading » so a comfortable seat and some refreshments are strongly advised ! As usual, lots of very valuable information are shared with the new members and for older members it is always good to have a reminder.
This time, one of our sponsor was present, so new members could have a chance to purchase some items from their wanted list to catch their first star
! Lucky them !
Afterwards, we were split into two convoys and the drive started. I was lucky to be with the new ladies
it would be good to have more of us joining this adventure more regularly ! Hopefully some of them will stick around 
!
Thank you to the crew team for setting up the place and being helpful, as well all the marshals and supporting members.
See you all very soon,
Bisous
Ely
Club members drives are always a fun time, you get to meet new faces and future fellows.
This one was no different, organized and led by @Mabubaker, all marshals and regular members were presents ! It was nice to see you all!
The CM structure is as per the following : meeting, greetings, deflating, then an extended briefing to receive all the basic informations regarding « desert off-roading » so a comfortable seat and some refreshments are strongly advised ! As usual, lots of very valuable information are shared with the new members and for older members it is always good to have a reminder.
This time, one of our sponsor was present, so new members could have a chance to purchase some items from their wanted list to catch their first star
! Lucky them ! Afterwards, we were split into two convoys and the drive started. I was lucky to be with the new ladies
it would be good to have more of us joining this adventure more regularly ! Hopefully some of them will stick around 
! Thank you to the crew team for setting up the place and being helpful, as well all the marshals and supporting members.
See you all very soon,
Bisous
Ely
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Barish
- Marshal
- Posts: 233
- Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:54 am
- Has thanked: 18 times
- Been thanked: 97 times
Hello everyone,
As I always say and observe for each CM drive, CM drives are for ever exciting since we have new drivers, new excitements, new experiences.
We had a very straightfwd briefing in Almost4x4 way focusing the introduction of basic concepts and safety rules to the new members rather than the drive itself as usual done in these drives.
Welcome again to our club and congrats for your stars; dont forget: changing is good as soon as you improve.
See you next time.
Barish
As I always say and observe for each CM drive, CM drives are for ever exciting since we have new drivers, new excitements, new experiences.
We had a very straightfwd briefing in Almost4x4 way focusing the introduction of basic concepts and safety rules to the new members rather than the drive itself as usual done in these drives.
Welcome again to our club and congrats for your stars; dont forget: changing is good as soon as you improve.
See you next time.
Barish
