Almost4x4

SONIC

The “SONIC” drive, held in Remah, was designed for new intermediate members. I carried the energy from the morning drive into this exhilarating experience. During the briefing, Marshal Abu Baker mentioned that while the drive was tailored for new intermediates, it would also challenge old members. This announcement fueled the team’s excitement.

With Marshal Abu Baker at the helm, supported by EHAB, Carlos, Olansive, and Petr, we lined up and set off. The drive was remind of a “catch me if you can,” featuring fast-paced maneuvers and thrilling jumps from dune to dune. The primary skill required was maintaining control of the car with precise momentum.

High dunes and strategic switches kept us on our toes, making the adventure both challenging and rewarding.

Dear All,
This was my first Intermediate-level drive (not counting the exam), so I did not exactly know what level of challenge were I getting myself into - driving to the location was a mix of excitement and apprehension ;)

The briefing (held by Mabubaker in 44 degrees of scorching heat) was brief - remember your lessons, keep the distance, don't take risks, if you are not sure you are making it go for 2nd try, keep the comms fast and clear.

And off we went. The pace was high, as we threaded the needle between various chains of middle-sized dunes, going from one side crest to another, oftentimes taking climbs that for a former Newbie looked almost impossible to accomplish :) We had a number of second tries (myself authoring quite a few), but this generally this did not stop the flow - unlike in Newbie-level drives once you drop out of the convoy you need to catch up (close to impossible!).

The track was challenging, but not brutal - requiring full attention but also "enjoyable" and rewarding - a smile did not come of my face for the duration of the drive.

Massive thanks for Mabubaker, Rashidjass and the support team - it was a fantastic drive!

Overall we covered 88km in 3:15h (2:30 moving).

See you in the sand soon!

Piotr

Hi everyone!

Very nice drive we had thanks to @Mabubaker leading and eagle eye @Rashidjass looking after the convoy.

Nice flow and impressive playground in Rimah which is becoming one of my favorite places in the range of one hour or so from Dubai.

Convoy did well with some second tries and minor interruptions but decent performance I would say.

And I did my "thing" going from one place to another keeping an eye on the convoy from the distance for not getting too much disconnected.

From time to time, I secretly followed Rashid to discover his secrets and I believe I got some for me...but dont tell anybody, pls.

Everybody was happy at the end of the drive and we all came safe back home...what else can you ask for a June evening with forty something degrees?

See you soon in the frying pan

Carlos

Hello Almosters,

Every time I found myself in Sweihan I always have the same thought… how much I was missing that place ! It is so mesmerizing!

We started our journey nearby Ramlat Sweihan (further south than our usual destination…) and crossed all the way to exit from Tilal Sweihan.

Mbubaber was our leading marshal, with Nidal as second lead, Rashid the GOAT was floating with our advanced team (Orlantsev, Petr, Ehab) and Carlos was our sweeper.

During the briefing Mbubaker stated that he will give us “a real intermediate level drive”… and that we shall all focus on our radio communication, to communicate faster any second trial, mentioning our name so other members will be able to know who is having it and where it is happening. He also explained that we won’t necessarily stop every time behind the second trial, it will be depending on the situation, wether it is safe or not (eg can’t stop in the middle of a crest/arches or in danger zone…, need to stop if you can’t see the person if hidden behind a dune, etc) so we will have to make fast and safe decisions. I hold my breath for a second as all information sinked in, and adjusted my mindset accordingly… I was going to be focused on my distance. At the end of the briefing appart from the sweeper, floating team and second lead he didn’t assign any specific placement for us, so I place myself after Aljamhi as car number 6 on the middle of the convoy.

At the beginning of the drive I needed about 5-10min to readjust my body/mind to the fact that I am driving the FJ and not the Jimny… I got surprised once or twice by the responsiveness of my throttle, as well as, the fact that all movement needs to be planned beforehand… so I reduced my paddle control and carefully thought of my turns until I I regain my FJ senses.

And then… the fun began !!!!! The pace was good, fast enough to keep you focused, the terrain gorgeous… crest, crest, crest, switch, switch, switch, arches, arches, more crest… high roller coaster dunes ! “Un régale” !!!!! I added the Giorgio’s touch : a nice rock playlist in the background and hop I went smashing these dunes like a rock star !!! I actually felt challenged at 3 occasions (hence the second trials)… once because I was trying to effectuate a switch on 3rd gear (hahaha I was wondering why is it not going up… the dune was average size only to notice that… yep… it was on 3rd gear)… and I can affirm it really doesn’t work… like driving 2W… anyway… don’t even ask me why .

Honestly… this new level is giving me the time of life!!!!!!!!! And I am so happy to share it with you guys . A huge thank you to our marshals and support team & crew for making this drive happening and insuring our safety!

Sending you sandy kisses with love

Until our next adventure, crest you soon !