Desert Stars IV – Newbies

[massaleh]

It is Sept 13, 2025 – Sewihan ..

We joined the CM Day drive, and it instantly brought back memories of my very first day how I was anxious about the meeting point, curious about the people I’d meet, and filled with all the emotions that come with starting a new journey.

Our convoy was a group of 10+ , led by the brave heart Abo Baker, with Ahmad Hasan as the second lead, supported by Pavan and Marco, and our eagle eye Optimus.

The drive started off smooth and easy, but soon our leader raised the challenge. We began climbing higher, forming a beautiful arch until we reached a very technical dune that required a climb a sharp turn and then a straight crest, this is were I had a second try and finally got crested at the top.

Later, we took a break at Al Nugrah, where most of the other convoys gathered. Thanks to Ahmad Hasan, my guest passenger got a special treat, he was taken to the top of the dune and was absolutely amazed.

We wrapped up the drive around 6:30 PM.

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Mostafa’s warm welcome and his signature watermelon.

Thank you all for an unforgettable drive

Mohammad Assaleh

[Minhaj]

Hello Guys

I reached the meeting point around 2:30 PM. The sun was blazing, but the heat was manageable, and the excitement of the day made it easy to forget. I spotted Brett waiting with his red FJ, gleaming brilliantly under the sun.

Today’s drive was a mix of a CM drive and a newbie drive, and it was amazing to see row after row of big rigs and cars, all geared up for adventure.

Barish kicked things off with a detailed briefing on off-roading basics and club rules. It took me back to my CM drive in April with Marshal Scorpio — those memories came rushing back. After the briefing, three convoys were formed, and I joined Abubaker’s convoy for a 10+ drive.

The drive itself was a blast — desert safari–style, full of twisting dunes, sudden dips, and stretches of soft, tricky sand. I got briefly stuck on one patch, but the crew guided me through smoothly, and I was back on track in no time.

I followed Mr. Ahmed in his red Xterra, carefully tracing his line across the high, curvy terrain. Paddy stayed right behind me, offering quick tips at every stop — a perfect support system for the adventure.

Towards the end at Al Nagrah, we stopped at a small sit-out and savored the famous Mr. Shamsi’s coffee. It was the perfect way to unwind, soaking in the desert vibes before heading to the exit point.

Big thanks to Abubaker, Rashid, and Optimus for leading the drive, and to Ahmed and Paddy for guiding me along the way. It was an exhilarating ride from start to finish, and I can’t wait for the next adventure to hit the dunes.

[David]

CM combined with Newbie drive in Sweihan, very hot start during the briefing but much nicer later on.

Barish organized the drive and was in charge of welcoming the new Members as well as taking care of the initial briefing.

Drivers were afterwards divided in several convoys, I was assigned to Shamsi´s newbie convoy that was supported by Scorpio.

Very enjoyable track with clean lines that the convoy navigated well in general terms. We also have time for a coffee break with great weather and views as well as joining the other convoys in the shadows of Nagra.

I also had the company of Sid from the Media Team so trying to get him into good positions for videos and pics while still keeping an eye on the convoy and trying not to interrupt its course (not that easy when you want pics from "the front" with the convoy coming towards you).

Another beautiful day with Almost that went smoothly without complications.

Many thanks Barish for organizing, Shamsi for leading the convoy I was in, the great number of Marshalls that attended the event and all of the members that made it possible.

Quick final note to the CM attendees, get your tools checked so you can get your first start that will give you access to the next weekends drive!!!

See you on the sand soon!!!

[mrwkassem]

It was a hot and humid afternoon—despite our hopes that summer was ending. I reached the meeting point at 2:30 pm to find the crew already gathered (thanks to them for setting up some much-needed shade).
Our marshals kicked things off with a safety briefing for the new club members, and the excitement was evident all around. We then split into three convoys:
• Convoy 1 (CM level) was led by Marshal @Barish , the event organizer.
• Convoy 2, consisting mainly of the ladies newbies members, was guided by Marshal @alshamsi_m .
• Convoy 3, where I joined, was a Newbie 10+ drive led by Marshal @Mabubakr , with Marshal @Rashidjass and Marshal @optimus floating in support.
The pace was brisk, and the focus was on keeping distance and maintaining momentum. Along the way, we tackled high side arches and a few crest switches. Everyone handled the challenges really well—just a couple of second attempts, one stuck on a straight crest, and nothing too serious. The only notable issue was one car overheating, but the driver continued as a passenger with Marshal Rashid to enjoy the rest of the trip.
We later regrouped with the second convoy at Najrah, where we enjoyed tea, coffee, and cookies before making our way out of the desert, just in time to beat the sunset and avoid driving in the dark.
A big thanks to Marshal @Mabubakr for the fantastic track, to Marshals Rashid and Optimus for their support, and to the rest of the supporting team @Ahmed M Hassan Al , @Paddy & @marco —for making the day smooth and memorable.
Looking forward to seeing you all again soon out in the sand!

[brett]

Dear Almosters
It was a hot afternoon in Sweihan as the members arrived for another Club Member drive.
Although there were only a few New Members we had a large number of Marshals, Advanced, Intermediates and Newbies on hand to welcome the newcomers.
The introduction and briefing for the CM’s was presented by The General @Barish .
The drivers were then placed in 3 different convoys. I was placed in the convoy for the new club members set to experience their first drive with almost4x4. We had the master @Daggerfall to lead, @msghoneim at 2nd lead, myself and @Victoria mid convoy for support and recovery, @mustafah sweeping. @nidal78 covering media towards the back. We had amazing floating support from @Agalon & @Solmaz @presa and @Ehab so the new members were nestled in the safety coverage by an extremely experienced team.
What could possibly go wrong? well of course Nothing! we had a very pleasant drive with a good flow and very few situations a few 2nd tries, a couple of self-recoveries but overall, it was uneventful.
There were a couple of instances where some of the basics were not yet being applied with regard to following distance and radio communication – but these things will improve and become 2nd nature at the drivers’ progress in their journey with Almost4x4.
Some basics to remember for communication – only the driver is to use the radio not passengers, in the early stages of your development, turn the music down ! this allows the driver to hear the sound of his car and what is being said over the radio. It’s really important to understand the instructions being given. Keeping your place in the convoy at all times, slot back into your original position after restarts.
Looking forward to seeing our new Star holders in the coming drives

[siddharthsai]

What a day! I remember my CM drive almost a year back at the same place. Lot of things changed since then. It was great to see the team as usual excited to take a bunch of people who get to see what the sand has to offer. I was with @alshamsi_m and crew as media and as always my partner in crime, the explorer: David.

We had fun following the newbie drive and was able to actually sync very well in terms of media and camera angles.

It was also lovely seeing the women in the club drive so confidently. I barely remember any major refusals or issues. It was a smooth and great line by Shamsi.

After the drive I lost Shamsi's 20L Jerry can as I forgot to take it from the meeting point gathering. Unfortunate but Shamsi gets a new Jerry can

Until the next one
Ciao

[Daggerfall]

It’s always amazing to welcome new faces into our family and share their very first steps in the desert, walking side by side with them on this exciting journey.

After @Barish 's detailed briefing on the fundamentals of off-roading, we headed out to the dunes with our new club members. It was leading the CM convoy. It was a relatively long convoy, but overall, most of them did really well. This allowed us to move smoothly through the drive, even with the obstacles we encountered along the way.

To make a shortcut back to the return track, we had to cross some big dunes—ones usually avoided at this level. But with the amazing support of our Intermediates, Explorers, and Marshals, the convoy rose to the challenge and pushed through together. It wasn’t without its tense moments (a few Marshals may have earned some fresh gray hairs on this track! ), but thanks to teamwork, skill, and a lot of spirit, we all made it through safely.

Thanks to all our intermediates mentioned before and our Marshalls @Agalon , @Solmaz , @Barish , @presa and explorer @Ehab for the amazing support

Another great memory added to our desert adventures!

[ahmed77moharem]

Hi Almosters,,,,,

The energy of that CM event practically jumps off the screen—50+ cars, three convoys,

I joined the 3rd convoy for Newbie 10+ which leaded by Marshal @Mabubakr & floating by Marshal @Rashidjass and Marshal @optimus

@Mabubakr choose amazing track, that pushed the Newbie 10+ drivers just enough to grow their skills while keeping it fun.

High side arches & high climbing with easy crest switches under the full supervision of Marshal @Rashidjass and Marshal @optimus plus the rescue squad @Ahmed M Hassan, @Paddy, and @Marco.

That kind of coordination is what makes these drives not just safe, but unforgettable.

All the convoy perform well.

Also, watermelon in the desert? @Moustafa knows how to win hearts .

See you soon in the sand.

[Vika]

Hello everyone!

Report: CM (Club Member) Drive
Date: Saturday, 13 September
Meeting Time: 2:30 PM
Start Time: 3:00 PM

Another unforgettable CM Drive kicked off on Saturday, 13 September. We gathered at 2:30 PM sharp and by 3:00 PM the adventure began.

The mastermind behind the day was Marshal @Barish , supported by club founder and all club marshals, plus our intermediate and advanced drivers — together making sure everything ran smooth.

Special thanks to the Crew team for thinking ahead: knowing the desert heat does not play games, they set up a shaded spot for our newcomers and first-timers, making the briefing not only informative but also sweat-free (at least for a little while).

This CM Drive was all about inclusivity: newcomers, newbies, and everyone in between got their chance to learn, practice, and feel the club spirit.

Marshal @Barish delivered a full-scale briefing on how to take the first steps in desert driving — correctly, but most importantly, safely. Then it was convoy time. Three groups hit the sand, ready to turn lessons into action.

I landed in the CM convoy led by @Daggerfall , with @msghoneim holding the Second Lead. I teamed up with @brett and @Moustafa right in the middle — our rescue-and-support team, always on standby to jump in when needed. Overhead supervision was provided by Marshals @presa , @Agalon , @Solmaz , and @Ehab , who floated around. At the tail, @nidal78 nailed the Sweeper role and Media Team, catching all the highlights and probably a few “oops” moments too.

The track, carefully chosen by @Daggerfall was, as always, unforgettable. The smooth sand of Sweihan, clear of any greenery or bushes, allowed the entire convoy to flow effortlessly. This was not a gentle ride — far from it. Various techniques and the mix of climbs and drops of different sizes gave everyone a chance to truly feel their vehicles. The combination of all these elements created an opportunity to experiment and enjoy a memorable desert experience.

This track offered all participants a chance to fully enjoy the drive, even if a few needed a second try — which is perfectly normal. Most importantly, everyone finished Safe & Sound, which is always the greatest achievement.

The day brought plenty of action, learning, teamwork, and of course, laughter. Another CM Drive to remember — safe, challenging, and sprinkled with that signature club spirit.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the day was hearing the newcomers express their excitement and appreciation. Moments like these make all the effort worthwhile and leave a lasting impression.

Till the next time
Viktoriia