Almost4x4

What a fantastic drive!!!

You know it is going to be a great day when the 2nd lead has a 2nd try in the first dune ... Rashid had it all prepared to perfection, he knew what was coming and as Shamsi said before the drive "well, advanced is just not holding back".

I had never seen Rashid in that mood before, it is completely spectacular, the level of speed, intensity, difficulty, ... right on the spot in every change, every approach, ... it was pure joy.

Relatively small area that we covered back and forth several times having a look at the dunes from different angles continuously, probably the only issue that some areas, on the side walls, ended up a bit chewed up making the journey bumpier than ideal, still, adding difficulty which is always good.

I am just glad I managed to get some practice in the morning drive with the interm, otherwise I would not have been able to follow, recommendation for anyone, if coming back after some time off the sand try to do it gradually, it always takes some time to get back to "normal".

Additional reason to celebrate was that Doru "sat" his advanced exam on this drive, he was awesome, a very tough 2nd lead with Daggerfall putting pressure at his rear all of the time, well done Doru, well deserved!!!

To me the key with advanced drives is trust, the leading Marshall needs to trust the convoy will be fine and not to think about anything else other than what is ahead, same goes for everyone in the convoy, you need to trust all of the fellow drivers and they need to trust you too, when this happens is magical, a perfectly oiled machine that crushes crest after crest.

@Rashid, in the trip description you wrote: "I hope there will be more advanced drives in the winter" . I believe I am not talking only for myself if not for my advanced friends, we can NOT wait for the next one!!!, don´t worry, we will wait some time and start poking ...

Little mention to the cars, 9 FJs from different years that were pushed to the limit under very complex weather conditions, not a single "gearbox overheating", "I have a light in the dashboard" ... thank you Toyota for giving us so much fun.

Thank you to everyone that attended and made the drive possible, specially to @Rashid for giving us such an amazing lead!!!

See you on the sand soon.

Hi everyone!

First of all, congratulations to me for my advance baptism drive finalising safe and sound. Not a single scratch.

Secondly, I would like to pay tribute to the Club and their Marshals and Founder for allowing us to keep on growing and developing our skills…for free. Looking back, it is insane the number of hours, drives and sweat spent on this hobby by them and it is the minimum we should do for them: Returning part of our gratitude by supporting newbies and intern convoys and saying many times THANK you all. And from time to time, some lamb chops at camping spots

Thirdly, hats off to @Rashidjass who has been hiding his amazing driving skills only for himself and maybe, a few more, for many years…almost 4 in my case. It is the first time I have seen this genius pushing the pedal to the metal and giving us all a master class on how to drive. It was pure joy with a mix of thrilling moments, surgery technique, fast pace and incredible landscape knowledge…it seems that he was born in the first bowl we did in this secret and sacred place.

Sorry for being a big nostalgic today, but worthwhile to remember how some of us got started…and I am referring to @dorudoru and a few more, driving these third or fourth hand stock Pajeros . How come we have been able to make it till here with that? Very simple, answer is already written in the second paragraph above.

Nowadays, it is a different story driving this mighty Japanese machines!

For finalizing, congrats to our mate Doru for his well-deserved promotion and thanks to all Marshal present in the event @Daggerfall , @Mabubaker , @Scorpio and founder @alshamsi_m .

I cannot wait for the next advance drive…
See you in the sand
Carlos

Hi Almosters,

I have to say, the level @Rashidjass drove at during this advanced drive left some of our newer adv members in awe . But for those of us who have had the pleasure of driving with him for nearly a decade, it was no surprise. That's why I quickly took my place behind the second lead, eager to soak in every moment of what was sure to be an exhilarating ride.

Our marshall has always driven at the level of the members, a principle we've been taught from the beginning. So you will never know what they are capable of until you reach to the adv level or drive at an area where they can increae the level even further It's this approach that keeps our system running with minimal risks and maximum enjoyment. From the early days of cautiously checking the other side of a dune before crossing, to now blasting over it full throttle like there's no tomorrow—this is how we've become the drivers we are today!

A huge thank you to @Rashidjass for another unforgettable drive, and to @alshamsi_m, @Mabubaker, and @Scorpio—everything is so much more fun with you guys around.

Congratulations to our advanced drivers for their stellar performance, and a special shoutout to @dorudoru for earning the 3rd star.

Looking forward to seeing you all out on the sand!

Advanced drives keeps on surprising us with some hidden skills we never knew our marshals has, what an amazing drive and flow, radio silence was a cherry on the cake.

The meeting point was in the largest bowl in the area and the first climb was a combo that we repeated multiple times, different angles, speed and gear combinations.

Looking at the recorded track, we repeated most crests and climbs multiple time but did not feel bored at all, it actually was a training for all of us on how to do the same crest or climb but with less power reducing the load on the car.

No matter what we say or what we record, the real feeling is by driving, but for our memories and to give you an idea on these drives, enjoy watching the video