Desert Stars IV – Newbies

[massaleh]

It is Sept 13, 2025 – Sewihan ..

We joined the CM Day drive, and it instantly brought back memories of my very first day how I was anxious about the meeting point, curious about the people I’d meet, and filled with all the emotions that come with starting a new journey.

Our convoy was a group of 10+ , led by the brave heart Abo Baker, with Ahmad Hasan as the second lead, supported by Pavan and Marco, and our eagle eye Optimus.

The drive started off smooth and easy, but soon our leader raised the challenge. We began climbing higher, forming a beautiful arch until we reached a very technical dune that required a climb a sharp turn and then a straight crest, this is were I had a second try and finally got crested at the top.

Later, we took a break at Al Nugrah, where most of the other convoys gathered. Thanks to Ahmad Hasan, my guest passenger got a special treat, he was taken to the top of the dune and was absolutely amazed.

We wrapped up the drive around 6:30 PM.

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Mostafa’s warm welcome and his signature watermelon.

Thank you all for an unforgettable drive

Mohammad Assaleh

[Minhaj]

Hello Guys

I reached the meeting point around 2:30 PM. The sun was blazing, but the heat was manageable, and the excitement of the day made it easy to forget. I spotted Brett waiting with his red FJ, gleaming brilliantly under the sun.

Today’s drive was a mix of a CM drive and a newbie drive, and it was amazing to see row after row of big rigs and cars, all geared up for adventure.

Barish kicked things off with a detailed briefing on off-roading basics and club rules. It took me back to my CM drive in April with Marshal Scorpio — those memories came rushing back. After the briefing, three convoys were formed, and I joined Abubaker’s convoy for a 10+ drive.

The drive itself was a blast — desert safari–style, full of twisting dunes, sudden dips, and stretches of soft, tricky sand. I got briefly stuck on one patch, but the crew guided me through smoothly, and I was back on track in no time.

I followed Mr. Ahmed in his red Xterra, carefully tracing his line across the high, curvy terrain. Paddy stayed right behind me, offering quick tips at every stop — a perfect support system for the adventure.

Towards the end at Al Nagrah, we stopped at a small sit-out and savored the famous Mr. Shamsi’s coffee. It was the perfect way to unwind, soaking in the desert vibes before heading to the exit point.

Big thanks to Abubaker, Rashid, and Optimus for leading the drive, and to Ahmed and Paddy for guiding me along the way. It was an exhilarating ride from start to finish, and I can’t wait for the next adventure to hit the dunes.

[David]

CM combined with Newbie drive in Sweihan, very hot start during the briefing but much nicer later on.

Barish organized the drive and was in charge of welcoming the new Members as well as taking care of the initial briefing.

Drivers were afterwards divided in several convoys, I was assigned to Shamsi´s newbie convoy that was supported by Scorpio.

Very enjoyable track with clean lines that the convoy navigated well in general terms. We also have time for a coffee break with great weather and views as well as joining the other convoys in the shadows of Nagra.

I also had the company of Sid from the Media Team so trying to get him into good positions for videos and pics while still keeping an eye on the convoy and trying not to interrupt its course (not that easy when you want pics from "the front" with the convoy coming towards you).

Another beautiful day with Almost that went smoothly without complications.

Many thanks Barish for organizing, Shamsi for leading the convoy I was in, the great number of Marshalls that attended the event and all of the members that made it possible.

Quick final note to the CM attendees, get your tools checked so you can get your first start that will give you access to the next weekends drive!!!

See you on the sand soon!!!

[mrwkassem]

It was a hot and humid afternoon—despite our hopes that summer was ending. I reached the meeting point at 2:30 pm to find the crew already gathered (thanks to them for setting up some much-needed shade).
Our marshals kicked things off with a safety briefing for the new club members, and the excitement was evident all around. We then split into three convoys:
• Convoy 1 (CM level) was led by Marshal @Barish , the event organizer.
• Convoy 2, consisting mainly of the ladies newbies members, was guided by Marshal @alshamsi_m .
• Convoy 3, where I joined, was a Newbie 10+ drive led by Marshal @Mabubakr , with Marshal @Rashidjass and Marshal @optimus floating in support.
The pace was brisk, and the focus was on keeping distance and maintaining momentum. Along the way, we tackled high side arches and a few crest switches. Everyone handled the challenges really well—just a couple of second attempts, one stuck on a straight crest, and nothing too serious. The only notable issue was one car overheating, but the driver continued as a passenger with Marshal Rashid to enjoy the rest of the trip.
We later regrouped with the second convoy at Najrah, where we enjoyed tea, coffee, and cookies before making our way out of the desert, just in time to beat the sunset and avoid driving in the dark.
A big thanks to Marshal @Mabubakr for the fantastic track, to Marshals Rashid and Optimus for their support, and to the rest of the supporting team @Ahmed M Hassan Al , @Paddy & @marco —for making the day smooth and memorable.
Looking forward to seeing you all again soon out in the sand!

[brett]

Dear Almosters
It was a hot afternoon in Sweihan as the members arrived for another Club Member drive.
Although there were only a few New Members we had a large number of Marshals, Advanced, Intermediates and Newbies on hand to welcome the newcomers.
The introduction and briefing for the CM’s was presented by The General @Barish .
The drivers were then placed in 3 different convoys. I was placed in the convoy for the new club members set to experience their first drive with almost4x4. We had the master @Daggerfall to lead, @msghoneim at 2nd lead, myself and @Victoria mid convoy for support and recovery, @mustafah sweeping. @nidal78 covering media towards the back. We had amazing floating support from @presa and @Ehab so the new members were nestled in the safety coverage by an extremely experienced team.
What could possibly go wrong? well of course Nothing! we had a very pleasant drive with a good flow and very few situations a few 2nd tries, a couple of self-recoveries but overall, it was uneventful.
There were a couple of instances where some of the basics were not yet being applied with regard to following distance and radio communication – but these things will improve and become 2nd nature at the drivers’ progress in their journey with Almost4x4.
Some basics to remember for communication – only the driver is to use the radio not passengers, in the early stages of your development, turn the music down ! this allows the driver to hear the sound of his car and what is being said over the radio. It’s really important to understand the instructions being given. Keeping your place in the convoy at all times, slot back into your original position after restarts.
Looking forward to seeing our new Star holders in the coming drives