Hello Almosters!
I was very lucky to start my adventure with the Club during the CM drive last Friday. It was great fun, despite all the teething challenges
I still cannot remember all the names and cars of the Marshalls, Rescue Team, and other ensuring our safety, so apologies if I miss/mix-up anyone in the write-up below…
I got to the entry point (very precisely marked in the PM) slightly ahead of time, managed to deflate and chat with a few Almosters (we were a vast majority there), then proceeded to the meeting point a little deeper in the flats.
It was a very hot and windy day, so the tarpaulins which were already set up there helped to stave off some of the heat. For this very reason
@presa kept his briefing short and sweet, we then quickly got divided into 3 convoys (ours was led by
@Booy ) and headed off to face the adventure.
The beginning was somewhat technical, i.e. “challenging” (mind it was my 2nd day try on the sand, ever; with the first one being just next to the road so not sure if that counts), but I managed to clear first 2 of the “bowls” without major problems (second one with a bit of radio/directional support), only to get stuck on an underwhelming (unnoticed?) small drop.
@Rashidjass helped me out there (for the first, but not the last time, as you will see
).
We then continued to a bit more flattish areas, and the pace increased. Finally, we started to challenge the dunes, climbing across a few crests. First two went quite nicely, but the 3rd (and I would continue to express the view, tallest and most steep) has proven to be my nemesis, with 3 tries not enough to beat it (
@Rashidjass helping me out again, one time after another; with
@Booy and the rest of the convoy, witnessing it patiently
- thank you and sorry – promise it will get better!).
Luckily, from there on it all went smooth, and I have gotten a few more crests under my belt without any issues. Last few km were really fast, with a bit of fun drifting in the softer areas.
In total, we were driving for some 2h, and covered 20km.
At the final stop in the Last Exit parking space I got my equipment checked by
@Booy, and, as it all turned out to be OK, got my first star!
I personally had A LOT of fun (also judging by the amount of sand on me and inside my car), even though getting slightly stressed (or maybe self-frustrated , rather) at a few moments. Definitely to be continued – I already managed to secure a spot in the New Beginnings drive!
@presa ,
@Booy , Marshalls and Rescue Teams, thank you for your time organizing and securing this drive, it was fantastic!
Piotr
I still cannot remember all the names and cars of the Marshalls, Rescue Team, and other ensuring our safety, so apologies if I miss/mix-up anyone in the write-up below…
).