Earth is flat

[David]

Back to Badayer after a very very long time (years ...), very good starting point for the drive that went very well in my opinion.

Shamsi selected a very well prepared track that combined several elements, the beginning was technical and not easy due to the many tracks that are always found in this area, 2nd part was more the normal bigger climbs and bowls of Badayer.

The convoy did pretty well, I am not mistaken only a couple of recoveries, one pop-out and one car that requested a technical break. Not a bad result for a drive that was not easy and that had very good pace.

Personally I got double enjoyment as not only driving if not also I got the company of my eldest son.

Thank you Shamsi for organizing the drive and thank you as well to everyone that took part.

See you on the sand soon.

[Hisham]

Been sometime since i joined last drive, due to other commitments, and was feeling excited, that's why reached about half hour early. got ready waiting for the team to arrive. all made it on time. Got ready, briefing by @alshamsi_m and adventure started. Being SL, was not much to see, except concentrating to make sure I dont miss our lead, and make sure all good. Could hear few refusals and second attempts, otherwise all did great job. Was a pleasure meeting everyone, special thanks to all supporting team @David @Ehab @Aljamhi @AhmadHasan (apologies if missed few ) and as usual i can not forget @Moustafa for his cold water and watermelon.

Look forward to see you again in sand.
Hisham

[Kuba]

I had really been looking forward to this drive — not only because it had been a while since my last one, but also because it was a great opportunity to test my car after some major repairs.

I arrived at the meeting point almost on time (there was a bit of confusion with the location), quickly deflated, said hello to everyone, and after a short briefing from @alshamsi_m, we set off.

The drive started off very pleasant, with a fairly fast pace. At the beginning, we had a couple of stucks and one pop-out, but after that, it was a smooth and thoroughly enjoyable ride. We even got the chance to tackle some high climbs, which went really well for most — if not all — of us.

Unfortunately, during one particularly high climb, my car decided it had enough and went into limp mode. I had to bail and head back down. A big thank you to @CARLOSS, @David, and everyone else for the advice and support to get me going again.

Luckily, I was able to finish the drive without any more surprises.

Thanks again for an amazing trip!
See you soon in the sand!

[ahmed77moharem]

Hey Almosters,

Long day in Badayer! Scored two trips in one day – passenger in the morning, driver in the afternoon.

Just like our founder @alshamsi_m promised, it was awesome – fast, great arches, crests, and switches.

Quick breaks in the heat with yummy watermelon, thanks @Moustafa.

Big thanks to the rescue team: @CARLOSS, @David, @Ehab, @AhmadHasan, @Aljamhi, @Hisham.

See you soon

[CARLOSS]

Hi everyone.

“Long time no drive” in Badayer but it looked like the same as before: Massive area with nice big dunes and bowls plenty of tracks and not too much vegetation. Perfect playground for newbie level (except for the tracks).

This drive reminded me when I got started back in the day, so it was double joy: Enjoying good memories and catching up with Almost brothers & sisters after a personal break. I still remember both Shamsi and Booy among others taking us same place 4-5 years ago with me riding a third hand stock Pajero. Nostalgia.

Drive’s level was cooked to perfection by master of masters @alshamsi_m l and I do believe that the convoy had a great time with no major issues. Old fellas took care of the convoy at the back, just one pull and a pop out.

It is not so frequent for newbie drivers to go up to big dunes but that’s the beauty of this area, on the top there is always a “highway” waiting for you. A bit bumpy though.

All in all, it was a beautiful Saturday afternoon with friends and good fun so I believe that target was achieved.

Looking forward to the next one.
Carlos

[Minhaj]

I recently had the chance to ride with Mr. Shamshi in Mando, since I wasn’t yet qualified to drive due to level restrictions. I was really curious to see what driving would feel like at this stage, and honestly, it was way more amazing than I expected — there’s so much to learn, practice, and master.

Watching Mr. Shamshi handle the terrain was incredible. It felt like he could see every challenge coming before it even happened. No matter what, he stayed calm and completely in control, all while communicating to the team and teaching me at the same time. Half the time, I was just sitting there in awe.

It was such an awesome experience to ride alongside a real professional — and Mando was just as impressive! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’m really looking forward to learning more, improving, and taking the next steps on this journey.

[Sanadshaikh]

Unusually hot for this time of the year, mercury rising well above normal, BUT, this trip "Earth is Flat" by @alshamsi_m was hotter, juicer, with a generous squeeze of big climbs

A safari style sprinting session led by the founder and supported by @Aljamhi Moustafa @Ehab @CARLOSS David and Ahmed2dxb that was nothing short of constant rush of adrenaline. I was 4th in line with Hisham as 2nd lead and Lapsis as 3rd. Few recoveries and 1 pop out at the start but then a very smooth and rising pace throughout some nice bowls. The shoulder climb was my personal favourite! Views from up there was just stunning, just us and no one else in sight, quite spectacular and lucky to have witnessed this with a quality crew.

Major bonuses with dates, tea, very refreshing watermelon from @alshamsi_m and Moustafa.

[mrwkassem]

Hungry for the sands. good start of the summer season at Al Badayer and the expected temperature was 42 degrees, however, it reached 48 at sometimes. The gathering started at 3 PM, then a quick brief from our marshal @alshamsi_m indicated that the drive would be fast and safari-style. We started the drive, it was fast and smooth. There were no critical stops, just a few recovery, second trials, a pop-out repair for one of the cars, as well as a technical malfunction in another car. It was necessary to check the tire pressure at every opportunity or stop because the pressure increases with heat and with the presence of very fine sand, as well as some elevations, which cause climbing struggle if the tire pressure is not appropriate.
There were towering dunes, and the instruction was always that if you couldn't reach the same height in the arches, then reach the highest possible height and descend safely. Also, there were some side cresting and switching, but the crests were not that sharp.
It was an enjoyable trip, and we practiced the skills we had learned previously. Thanks to Al-Shamsi and the entire support team @alshamsi_m , @Mostafa , @Ehab , @Aljamhi , @Hisham , @Carlos , @David , @Ahmed M Hassan Al .

[Ehab]

I miss spending full day in desert and no regrets, it was great catchup with my fellow drivers and it’s always great to observe the progression of new off-roaders. It was great lead and great location. See you soon.

[Spyda]

During the briefing Shamsi said big dunes allowed today, this certainly got me excited.I have driven at badayer many times and tbh it was not high on the list of my favourite places to drive. What became apparant during this drive was that under expert lead of Shamsi he had a great track for us and we had a nice flow and pace. Best drive ive had at badayer by miles and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Shoulder climb car in front bailed out first attempt, so i followed suit. Second try car in front got to the top just about to get on the ridge then bailed again so again i followed. Went back round for a third try alone and just as i was going to get on the ridge heard Shamsi over the radio "turn down". I did immediately have to follow the marshalls instructions at all times. He explained that the support crew had moved and there was nobody watching me. Safety is paramount always, Badayer was from what i could see the perfect place for us to practice big climbs onto a crest, crests are flattened so flat on top and i understood why this location was chosen.

Convoy got disconnected few times, very tricky with tracks everywhere. Few stucks, 2nd trys and one pop out confirmed the spice level was just right.

Great drive and thanks to Shamsi for leading us and the support team