COOL STARS VII
Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2023 11:12 am
Dear Almosters,
Thanks to @Barish (the General) and our Founder @alshamsi_m for arranging and supporting this drive in the amazing Nahil area.
As it was a 10- drive my wife agreed to join – expecting a fairly relaxed drive. Driving to the meeting point was interesting as we were chasing the storm. When we arrived, the heavens opened, and the wind picked up. A couple of the first newbies arrived and asked if the drive would still take place due to the weather, should they install their flags etc. due to the wind! My response was “I guess so”.
Soon enough everyone was assembled, the rain had passed and @Barish gave the briefing and set the convoy order. @Alshamsi_M would lead in Linda with @Barish floating marshal. We had @Ely in her Jimny as 2nd Lead, intermediates and advanced drivers distributed throughout the convoy for support, we had @Petr @Mghoneim , @orlantsev , and myself towards the rear. @Aljamhi was to be our sweeper.
It is amazing how the characteristics of the sand change with a little bit of rain – wet and compact on top but the soft dry sand remains underneath – so as the convoy passed through the dunes the terrain and track was challenging in different ways depending on your position in the convoy – breaking through the top wet layer for those up front, controlling your car in the partially wet and partially dry spots for those in the middle, and then bashing our way through the completely chewed up tracks for those of us at the rear of the convoy.
Linda may look unassuming from a distance but as with any vehicle – put the master of the dunes - @Alshamsi_m behind the wheel and nothing is impossible. The drive was a lot faster than the 10- Newbies had ever experienced before – Safari style with some small and medium arches, climb and cross and then some nice straight steep high climbs. Mostly the convoy were able to complete the challenges presented to them, with only a few 2nd tries or changes to the original track required.
Overall, it was a very quiet day for the support team with the Viking Rope only needing to come out on one occasion.
This drive highlighted some important aspects to be remembered and developed by the newbies as their development continues.
- Tire pressure, start with the right pressure for your car, check the pressure when you get the opportunity during the drive, as it will increase during the drive, causing you to struggle to make climbs and loss of traction on arches etc.
- Listen to your car and learn how it will react on climbs. Arches, descents etc.
- Try and stay focused – the last 30min of the drive is when mistakes happen due to fatigue, loss of concentration and possibly increased tire pressure.
- Radio communication – the radio is for relaying important information about your situation – not for general chit chat.
The weather is now fantastic for driving in the dunes, get ready for more drives and prepare yourself for some “All Day” Drives, where concentration and stamina will be needed to enjoy long hours of driving at faster pace.
Thanks to @Barish (the General) and our Founder @alshamsi_m for arranging and supporting this drive in the amazing Nahil area.
As it was a 10- drive my wife agreed to join – expecting a fairly relaxed drive. Driving to the meeting point was interesting as we were chasing the storm. When we arrived, the heavens opened, and the wind picked up. A couple of the first newbies arrived and asked if the drive would still take place due to the weather, should they install their flags etc. due to the wind! My response was “I guess so”.
Soon enough everyone was assembled, the rain had passed and @Barish gave the briefing and set the convoy order. @Alshamsi_M would lead in Linda with @Barish floating marshal. We had @Ely in her Jimny as 2nd Lead, intermediates and advanced drivers distributed throughout the convoy for support, we had @Petr @Mghoneim , @orlantsev , and myself towards the rear. @Aljamhi was to be our sweeper.
It is amazing how the characteristics of the sand change with a little bit of rain – wet and compact on top but the soft dry sand remains underneath – so as the convoy passed through the dunes the terrain and track was challenging in different ways depending on your position in the convoy – breaking through the top wet layer for those up front, controlling your car in the partially wet and partially dry spots for those in the middle, and then bashing our way through the completely chewed up tracks for those of us at the rear of the convoy.
Linda may look unassuming from a distance but as with any vehicle – put the master of the dunes - @Alshamsi_m behind the wheel and nothing is impossible. The drive was a lot faster than the 10- Newbies had ever experienced before – Safari style with some small and medium arches, climb and cross and then some nice straight steep high climbs. Mostly the convoy were able to complete the challenges presented to them, with only a few 2nd tries or changes to the original track required.
Overall, it was a very quiet day for the support team with the Viking Rope only needing to come out on one occasion.
This drive highlighted some important aspects to be remembered and developed by the newbies as their development continues.
- Tire pressure, start with the right pressure for your car, check the pressure when you get the opportunity during the drive, as it will increase during the drive, causing you to struggle to make climbs and loss of traction on arches etc.
- Listen to your car and learn how it will react on climbs. Arches, descents etc.
- Try and stay focused – the last 30min of the drive is when mistakes happen due to fatigue, loss of concentration and possibly increased tire pressure.
- Radio communication – the radio is for relaying important information about your situation – not for general chit chat.
The weather is now fantastic for driving in the dunes, get ready for more drives and prepare yourself for some “All Day” Drives, where concentration and stamina will be needed to enjoy long hours of driving at faster pace.