One shall stand, One shall fall

[Tomvanhouten]

Hello everyone,

This drive was organized by @Daggerfall which always promises something. Finding out at the meeting point, that @optimus would lead it, was even more exciting. Really great job!!!

The challenging dunes of Sweihan to Nahil and a track designed for intermediates (with a good safe twist) were lovely to follow.
Off course, no drive (no matter the level) goes without incidents and let's make that straight; if it was without incidents, we are not being challenged. So also this drive required a bit of support and some delicate handling at times, but we had a great flow and managed to finish on time.

Thanks everyone and see you soon again.

Tom

[Sorin]

Hi everyone!

It’s become a tradition, newbie drives in Sweihan area always rock!

It was a pleasure to join the morning newbie 10+ drive led organized by @Daggerfall and masterfully led by @optimus

I was assigned at the back as sweeper with my partner-in-crime @Tomvanhouten as “pre-sweeper”

The flow was great despite a few pop outs and stucks but these elements represent the salt & pepper of the drives. Learning doesn’t happen if mistakes aren’t made and as part of the support & rescue team, I’d like to say to our newbies to push themselves and learn and we’ll take care of any hiccups with pleasure.

Great to see @Rashidjass & @SINGH joining the fun drive and hoping to see them host a drive just a little further south for us inters

Drive ended on time and with a lot of happy customers

Thank you to the organizers and support and all members who joined!

[Sorin]

Almost forgot, the video report:

[brett]

Dear Almosters,

It was a very early wake up alarm at 4am ! but it was going to be worth the effort for sure !!

Meeting up with @Sorin for the quick sprint down to the meeting point as the sun started to rise. Sorin set a brisk pace - which it turned out as a "warm up" for the drive in the dunes.

Once everyone arrived @Daggerfall @optimus @Rashidjass @Scorpio @Tomvanhouten @Laarni @Jasper @PedroLeal @Deadpool @Preggy @Rathica @Giovanni @mpodroid @SomayaJk and others.

It is a stunning area to drive in - @optimus was to lead (his first lead of a 10+ convoy) It was mentioned that this area was normally an Intermediate area, but @optimus promised to tone it down to a suitable level for 10+

I was given the honour of 2nd lead - @optimus mentioned to me to keep enough distance from him to ensure our safety !! off we went and from the get go there was not too much of a worry of me following too close !! he was off like a rocket - I managed to keep the lead car in sight and the thrill of driving at that pace was amazing (even if not yet as fast as an intermediate drive) but it was quick !

Joining us for the drive was our old foe "gravity" with many instances of turning down and pop outs befalling some of the drivers. after only a few km I took the opportunity during on of the recovery stops to adjust my tyre pressure to the correct level - after which my drive improved 110% - more power, more climb, less slipping and sliding - I was "in the zone" and loving it.

@optimus did many arches, straight crests mixed in with some technical dunes and one HUGE bowl which unfortunately was for "intermediates only" while us newbies sat at the rim of the bowl and watched with envy as the intermediates played.

Yet another pop out was fixed and off we went again.

Unfortunately one driver experienced gear box issues and had to depart early - thank you @Rashidjass for escorting the limping vehicle to the road.

The main point I would like to make about this drive was something @optimus
did, which I feel would be great if we got to do it more, was an introduction to side cresting - he did this on quite low dunes with an easy approach and exit angle, side cresting is something that requires practise to master and the opportuntiy to work on this skill set was greatly appreciated (by me at least)

We ended the drive on time - I quickly inflated and then the dash home to pick up my co-pilot (wife) for the afternoon drive

Thanks again to everyone for arranging, supporting and taking part in what was for me an Awesome experience - bring on the afternoon adventure

[optimus]

Drive : One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall.
Level : 10+
Area : Sweihan-Nahil
Organizer : @Daggerfall
Lead : Optimus
Floating Marshal : @Daggerfall , @Rashidjass & @SINGH
Intermediate Support : @Sorin , @Tomvanhouten @Rathica @Laarni @Jasper , @mpodroid
Convoy : 9 10+ newbies

Hi All,

As a part of my explorer duties I have scouted this beautiful area few months ago. Created a nice intermediate track.

It was my wish to lead my first drive here. Fortunately during one of our marshal meetings, I had put down my request & was allowed by @alshamsi to go ahead with the plan to lead 10+.

Since it’s not easy to lead a newbie convoy, I thought it’s better to prep a plan. One day before the drive, I has a discussion with Rashid and asked him the do’s & don’t’s for 10+.

At the briefing I told the drivers, that even though the track I have is intermediate but I would tweak it to their required level. The drivers were challenged through different maneuvers.

Resulting in 2nd tries, pop outs and stucks. That is part of the game. To the newbies who participated, you all did great, yet played safe.

These stucks & 2nd,3rd tries don’t worry about them. “Fall seven times, stand up eight”. Keep the sand flying.

I would like to thank @alshamsi_m for the opportunity.
Our intermediates for supporting the drive.

Daggerfall for posting on my behalf and your valuable advises & ofcourse my two brothers Rashid & Singh.

Until next time!

[Jasper]

Hello all!

This 10+ drive was led by @optimus and he did an amazing job! Enough challenges to our 10+ newbies and gave the intermediates some walls to play. The challenges resulted in pop outs and stucks and this shows the drivers were pushed but on a safe manner. I'm sure optimus is having a hard time holding back on those beautiful crests!

Proper distance plays a lot to keep the flow and have proper momentum to conquer the obstacles. Overall it was a very enjoyable morning and learning. Thanks @optimus for lead and @Daggerfall for organizing. Also thanks to @Rashidjass and @SINGH for keeping an eye on the convoy and to my fellow intermediates for supporting!

See you on the sand again!

[Daggerfall]

Hi Almosters,

The weather was nice as it was early morning and the area and track selected by @optimus was beautiful . Untouched sand dunes, relatively high walls and a big bowl for intermediate members to Enjoy playing! (Flying )

It was a fast pace drive led brilliantly by @optimus to prepare our +10 Newbies for higher level drives by applying pressure to expose their current weaknesses that they need to work on.

I would like to share some of my observations:

* Communication is vital at a convoy moving fast. Some of the members forgot to notify the convoy about their second tries which resulted overtaking or hanging on the wall sideways which is dangerous. So we need to work on that.

* Never ever stop on the wall if you loose your momentum. Turn down , follow the gravity and try again so you can learn from your mistakes instead of pushing your luck.

I would also like to thank all our members for constant support whenever we encounter any issues. Helping each other with amazing teamwork. That fellowship makes these drives more memorable "adventures"

Thanks to @optimus for the beautiful lead and all members who supported and participated.

See you on the next adventure.

[nidal78]

Hello Almosters

The drive’s name + Daggerfall + Nahil
This equation equals for sure an amazing drive and amazing it was

I arrived early at the meeting point found (as usual) the early birds Brett and Sorin deflating, we chitchat enjoying the sunrise and the amazing weather, then the rest of the fellows started to come one by one
At the briefing Daggerfall surprise us that Optimus is going to be our leader
Optimus mentioned that this area is for intermediate level so he gave us all a good dose of adrenaline before we start our adventure
Off we went and from the beginning I realized that it going to be a fast and fun drive
I will let you enjoy the video report of our drive but before that I would like to thank first Daggerfall for organizing this amazing drive
Optimus for his great lead ( you gave us a blast of joy brother ) really thank you
Daggerfall, Rashidjass and Singh for their supervision and instructions
The intermediate team for their efforts and keeping everyone safe
Last but not least my fellows, thank you guys you did really good
Till next time stay safe and see you soon on sand