May the Force be with you -I
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siddharthsai
- media
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sun Aug 18, 2024 10:58 am
- Has thanked: 41 times
- Been thanked: 150 times
CREST FEST.
That’s what I would call this trip in an alternate universe. Carlos came to the meeting point with a smile on his face and appreciating how great the morning was. I was in fact distracted for a bit. I knew something was coming.
@CARLOSS was like a physics professor who got tired of theory and decided to do some practicals with the 10+ newbies today.
Some questions in Carlos’s head today (I’m guessing)
How can they call themselves 10+?
We need to try this crest :D This crest is amazing!
I don’t think this is dangerous?
Is everyone still with me?
Whose bumper was that?
But jokes apart, levelling up at Almost is now in progress. I feel everything we did was leading up to this day. I can probably say this drive was a game changer for everyone who thought the progress is slow. Carlos killed it today.
Today your horses didn’t matter. It didn’t matter if you came with a LIWA modded Patrol or a Bronco with 10 gears. Today was all about precision and control. Wet sand did not make it an easy day for anyone. The last LIWA trip was super helpful for people who came because it was almost the same setting in Nahil today. Today the suspension looked at itself and said “Hmmm, I was not designed to do THAT”.
We started off with some safari style, which quickly turned into cresting smaller and gradually tougher crests. It was fun, challenging and mature. @Warrior12 was my passenger today, although I don’t know if she enjoyed the Pajero’s suspension in hard setting. But she was able to get some nice videos today I’m sure. As it progressed, we had changes to do much bigger crests thanks to the condition of the wet sand. I kept my PSI at 10.5-11 remembering what @alshamsi_m said during Liwa. I’m sure it helped me not getting a definite pop out today. I’m sure it would have been one if I was at 9PSI.
The drive ended on time exactly at 11.
Today was hold your line or hold your shovel. Simple as that.
Every day is a new day at Almost.
Thank you for all the support, intermediates and marshals.
@Rashidjass @Vika and others.
Beautiful day. Like how Carlos said it :P
That’s what I would call this trip in an alternate universe. Carlos came to the meeting point with a smile on his face and appreciating how great the morning was. I was in fact distracted for a bit. I knew something was coming.
@CARLOSS was like a physics professor who got tired of theory and decided to do some practicals with the 10+ newbies today.
Some questions in Carlos’s head today (I’m guessing)
How can they call themselves 10+?
We need to try this crest :D This crest is amazing!
I don’t think this is dangerous?
Is everyone still with me?
Whose bumper was that?
But jokes apart, levelling up at Almost is now in progress. I feel everything we did was leading up to this day. I can probably say this drive was a game changer for everyone who thought the progress is slow. Carlos killed it today.
Today your horses didn’t matter. It didn’t matter if you came with a LIWA modded Patrol or a Bronco with 10 gears. Today was all about precision and control. Wet sand did not make it an easy day for anyone. The last LIWA trip was super helpful for people who came because it was almost the same setting in Nahil today. Today the suspension looked at itself and said “Hmmm, I was not designed to do THAT”.
We started off with some safari style, which quickly turned into cresting smaller and gradually tougher crests. It was fun, challenging and mature. @Warrior12 was my passenger today, although I don’t know if she enjoyed the Pajero’s suspension in hard setting. But she was able to get some nice videos today I’m sure. As it progressed, we had changes to do much bigger crests thanks to the condition of the wet sand. I kept my PSI at 10.5-11 remembering what @alshamsi_m said during Liwa. I’m sure it helped me not getting a definite pop out today. I’m sure it would have been one if I was at 9PSI.
The drive ended on time exactly at 11.
Today was hold your line or hold your shovel. Simple as that.
Every day is a new day at Almost.
Thank you for all the support, intermediates and marshals.
@Rashidjass @Vika and others.
Beautiful day. Like how Carlos said it :P
Last edited by siddharthsai on Sun Dec 28, 2025 6:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Minhaj
- Newbie
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2025 10:56 pm
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Has thanked: 100 times
- Been thanked: 143 times
Greetings Fellow , Jedi & Padawans
This drive was originally planned as a Newbie 10-, but I really wanted to be part of it.
When Carlo messaged the group around 9:50 on the 24th saying the drive was now open for 10+, I didn’t hesitate. I paused whatever I was doing and signed up right away.
On the 27th, the day of the drive, I woke up extra early. I didn’t want to mess things up like last time. @siddharthsai even called to make sure I was awake, which helped. I reached the meeting point at 7:15. At first, no one was there, but slowly people started arriving. After greeting everyone, I put up my flag, deflated my tyres, and got ready for the drive.
During the briefing, Carlo took attendance and mentioned that the drive would be challenging. That made me a little nervous, because when a marshal says it’s easy, it usually isn’t. So hearing “challenging” definitely set the tone.
The group was then split. Newbie 10-, led by @David and supported by @Ehab , @AhmadHasan , and @Aljamhi , and Newbie 10+, led by @Carlo and supported by @Rashidjass , @Mghoneim , @Vika , and @Mostafa . I was part of the 10+ convoy. Once everyone lined up, we were ready to move.
The drive started off smooth and pleasant, but it didn’t stay that way for long. Soon, it became very technical. This drive was completely different from the previous ones. We were introduced to holding the dune crest for long distances, something I had never really experienced before.
At first, I struggled. My muscle memory kept kicking in, and whenever things felt uncomfortable, my instinct was to turn down. I had multiple second attempts just to hold the dune properly, but gradually I started getting adapted to it.
Midway through the drive, we had a quick break where everyone gathered, including the 10– convoy. Sid surprised us with Thai milk tea, which I had for the first time and it was amazing. He definitely should make this a tradition for every drive!
During the drive, there were two recoveries in the convoy. One of them was in a very critical spot, and expert support rushed to the car and recovered it quickly.
This drive taught me something new. It wasn’t about speed or momentum this time, but about balance, control, and maintaining the right pace.
By the end of the drive, I realized I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but at the same time, it gave me a different level of confidence and a whole new level of learning. Overall, the drive was epic and really helped me understand my driving better.
Thanks to Carlo for organizing the drive and helping us Padawans improve. Special thanks to Rashid and Mghoneim for supporting me during my second attempts and guiding me through it.
Force be with us all
This drive was originally planned as a Newbie 10-, but I really wanted to be part of it.
When Carlo messaged the group around 9:50 on the 24th saying the drive was now open for 10+, I didn’t hesitate. I paused whatever I was doing and signed up right away.
On the 27th, the day of the drive, I woke up extra early. I didn’t want to mess things up like last time. @siddharthsai even called to make sure I was awake, which helped. I reached the meeting point at 7:15. At first, no one was there, but slowly people started arriving. After greeting everyone, I put up my flag, deflated my tyres, and got ready for the drive.
During the briefing, Carlo took attendance and mentioned that the drive would be challenging. That made me a little nervous, because when a marshal says it’s easy, it usually isn’t. So hearing “challenging” definitely set the tone.
The group was then split. Newbie 10-, led by @David and supported by @Ehab , @AhmadHasan , and @Aljamhi , and Newbie 10+, led by @Carlo and supported by @Rashidjass , @Mghoneim , @Vika , and @Mostafa . I was part of the 10+ convoy. Once everyone lined up, we were ready to move.
The drive started off smooth and pleasant, but it didn’t stay that way for long. Soon, it became very technical. This drive was completely different from the previous ones. We were introduced to holding the dune crest for long distances, something I had never really experienced before.
At first, I struggled. My muscle memory kept kicking in, and whenever things felt uncomfortable, my instinct was to turn down. I had multiple second attempts just to hold the dune properly, but gradually I started getting adapted to it.
Midway through the drive, we had a quick break where everyone gathered, including the 10– convoy. Sid surprised us with Thai milk tea, which I had for the first time and it was amazing. He definitely should make this a tradition for every drive!
During the drive, there were two recoveries in the convoy. One of them was in a very critical spot, and expert support rushed to the car and recovered it quickly.
This drive taught me something new. It wasn’t about speed or momentum this time, but about balance, control, and maintaining the right pace.
By the end of the drive, I realized I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but at the same time, it gave me a different level of confidence and a whole new level of learning. Overall, the drive was epic and really helped me understand my driving better.
Thanks to Carlo for organizing the drive and helping us Padawans improve. Special thanks to Rashid and Mghoneim for supporting me during my second attempts and guiding me through it.
Force be with us all
Last edited by Minhaj on Sat Dec 27, 2025 7:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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CARLOSS
- Explorer
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 2:10 pm
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 1001 times
- Been thanked: 1174 times
Hi everyone,
“May the Force be with you – I” originally scheduled for our dear Newbie 10-, turned into two convoys 10- and 10+ thanks to Ehab, David and Eagle eye Rashid. So double fun!
@David eagerly offered himself to lead the 10- and I could not say no
, so off we went in a double convoy configuration with @Ehab supporting him, me leading the 10+ and @Rashidjass looking after my convoy. Small number of members due to the Xmas season which was good for the flow.
We visited Nahil and one more time, it did not disappoint anybody. This time with a completely different type of sand (very wet) which was a new experience for some of the members. During the briefing we already warned them about it and made sure that they understood the additional challenges involved.
Due to recent rains and strong winds, we could see most of the crest flatted, flatted and undulated like “ruffle chips”, I would say. But instead of being a challenge, we turned this into an opportunity…(this is cliffhanger, btw)
In the menu, as usual for this level, tons of straight cresting, drops, arches and safari style were planned. However, I decided to spice things up by bringing our dear 10+ members on the top of the dunes from time to time giving them the chance to develop a new set of skills needed if they want to become interm one of these days: Proper steering control, balance, right momentum and entry/exit points are key for surviving on the crest and this is what they practiced with quite positive outcome.
I did not want to finish because I was having a lot of fun in the second dunes chain after the break but due to a previous Explorer’s commitment, we needed to finish on time, so he successfully left the battlefield at 11 sharp and we continued our journey with all members sound and safe, and cars untouched which was a bonus.
Thanks to my fellow Explorers and master Rashid for showing up and continuing with our day duties together, to the interm support (@Vika , @Moustafa , @AhmadHasan , @Aljamhi, @Mghoneim ) and all newbie members.
See you soon.
Carlos
“May the Force be with you – I” originally scheduled for our dear Newbie 10-, turned into two convoys 10- and 10+ thanks to Ehab, David and Eagle eye Rashid. So double fun!
@David eagerly offered himself to lead the 10- and I could not say no
, so off we went in a double convoy configuration with @Ehab supporting him, me leading the 10+ and @Rashidjass looking after my convoy. Small number of members due to the Xmas season which was good for the flow.We visited Nahil and one more time, it did not disappoint anybody. This time with a completely different type of sand (very wet) which was a new experience for some of the members. During the briefing we already warned them about it and made sure that they understood the additional challenges involved.
Due to recent rains and strong winds, we could see most of the crest flatted, flatted and undulated like “ruffle chips”, I would say. But instead of being a challenge, we turned this into an opportunity…(this is cliffhanger, btw)
In the menu, as usual for this level, tons of straight cresting, drops, arches and safari style were planned. However, I decided to spice things up by bringing our dear 10+ members on the top of the dunes from time to time giving them the chance to develop a new set of skills needed if they want to become interm one of these days: Proper steering control, balance, right momentum and entry/exit points are key for surviving on the crest and this is what they practiced with quite positive outcome.
I did not want to finish because I was having a lot of fun in the second dunes chain after the break but due to a previous Explorer’s commitment, we needed to finish on time, so he successfully left the battlefield at 11 sharp and we continued our journey with all members sound and safe, and cars untouched which was a bonus.
Thanks to my fellow Explorers and master Rashid for showing up and continuing with our day duties together, to the interm support (@Vika , @Moustafa , @AhmadHasan , @Aljamhi, @Mghoneim ) and all newbie members.
See you soon.
Carlos
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David
- Explorer
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2020 12:15 pm
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 906 times
- Been thanked: 948 times
Drive organised by Carlos in Nahil for newbie members. He took care of the 10+ members with the support of Rashid while I was given the opportunity to lead the 10- with the help of Ehab.
I ended up with a small convoy, and as we know that "less is more" in the desert that was good news for me. One member also had "plastic removal" issues during the drive so the number was even lower which allowed for us to concentrate on the points that the members required more help with.
Ahmad and Jamhi were also assigned to my convoy so many thanks for the help with taking care of the drive.
Sand hard and wet (I really don´t like it when like this) so that added an extra level of difficulty and care to the drive, members did well, listening to instructions and trying to improve based on the the comments given.
See you on the sand soon.
I ended up with a small convoy, and as we know that "less is more" in the desert that was good news for me. One member also had "plastic removal" issues during the drive so the number was even lower which allowed for us to concentrate on the points that the members required more help with.
Ahmad and Jamhi were also assigned to my convoy so many thanks for the help with taking care of the drive.
Sand hard and wet (I really don´t like it when like this) so that added an extra level of difficulty and care to the drive, members did well, listening to instructions and trying to improve based on the the comments given.
See you on the sand soon.
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Warrior12
- Crew
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2012 9:02 am
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 38 times
- Been thanked: 48 times
I was @siddharthsai passenger as a media crew to film and document the drive.
I woke up late
so I had to speed it up on the road, my speed reached 230km thank god I reached on time with out any crashes 
to take gd footage of the drive. however, i need to set a speed limit to avoid any unwanted situations.
The drive was amazing I loved the track. it was safari style. it seemed hard and not easy but fun though.
Thanks all for the amazing times.
to film and document the drive. I woke up late
so I had to speed it up on the road, my speed reached 230km thank god I reached on time with out any crashes to take gd footage of the drive. however, i need to set a speed limit to avoid any unwanted situations. The drive was amazing I loved the track. it was safari style. it seemed hard and not easy but fun though.
Thanks all for the amazing times.
Best
Warrior
Warrior
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Vika
- Intermediate
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:15 pm
- Has thanked: 365 times
- Been thanked: 333 times
Hi everyone!
Another incredible drive is in the book — led by @CARLOSS .
It is truly impressive to see how dedication and passion turn into confidence, skill, and leadership.
@CARLOSS , watching your progress and the way you responsibly guide the convoy is next-level. Outstanding job and a great drive overall!
All drivers were divided into two convoys.
The first convoy (10-) was led by @David with @Ehab providing support.
The second convoy (10+) was led by @CARLOSS with @Rashidjass as support.
I had the honor of joining the 10+ convoy, and an even greater honor to be the second lead.
Honestly, I am not a big fan of wet sand and off-roading in such conditions, but leading car did everything possible — and even the impossible — to make this drive truly memorable and full of adrenaline.
It was also an excellent opportunity for everyone to gain a lot of valuable practice.
I would like to express my gratitude for the truly unique opportunity — to relive that time when my batch and I were preparing to move to the next level under the strong supervision and dedication of @giorgio .
This drive felt almost the same. What made it especially meaningful for me was how Carlos’s driving style strongly reminded me of Giorgio’s — not identical, but very close in spirit. The same flow, the same confidence, and the same ability to guide others through challenging terrain.
It allowed me to fully dive back into those memories: charging the dune from the very beginning, conquering it, riding along the dune line… sometimes it felt like the dune is about to end, yet you keep balancing. And yes, the dune did end — but you continue, maintaining control and moving forward.
It was an unbelievably intense, beautiful, and powerful experience. Truly something special.
Congratulations @CARLOSS , now you've got your batch of 10-/+ Padawans.
Wish you all the best.
Big thanks to everyone, who made this event happen, @Mghoneim, @Rashidjass, @ and Moustafa for support
Till the next time,
Viktoriia
Another incredible drive is in the book — led by @CARLOSS .
It is truly impressive to see how dedication and passion turn into confidence, skill, and leadership.
@CARLOSS , watching your progress and the way you responsibly guide the convoy is next-level. Outstanding job and a great drive overall!
All drivers were divided into two convoys.
The first convoy (10-) was led by @David with @Ehab providing support.
The second convoy (10+) was led by @CARLOSS with @Rashidjass as support.
I had the honor of joining the 10+ convoy, and an even greater honor to be the second lead.
Honestly, I am not a big fan of wet sand and off-roading in such conditions, but leading car did everything possible — and even the impossible — to make this drive truly memorable and full of adrenaline.
It was also an excellent opportunity for everyone to gain a lot of valuable practice.
I would like to express my gratitude for the truly unique opportunity — to relive that time when my batch and I were preparing to move to the next level under the strong supervision and dedication of @giorgio .
This drive felt almost the same. What made it especially meaningful for me was how Carlos’s driving style strongly reminded me of Giorgio’s — not identical, but very close in spirit. The same flow, the same confidence, and the same ability to guide others through challenging terrain.
It allowed me to fully dive back into those memories: charging the dune from the very beginning, conquering it, riding along the dune line… sometimes it felt like the dune is about to end, yet you keep balancing. And yes, the dune did end — but you continue, maintaining control and moving forward.
It was an unbelievably intense, beautiful, and powerful experience. Truly something special.
Congratulations @CARLOSS , now you've got your batch of 10-/+ Padawans.
Wish you all the best.
Big thanks to everyone, who made this event happen, @Mghoneim, @Rashidjass, @ and Moustafa for support
Till the next time,
Viktoriia
"The most effective way to do it, is just to do it"
On saturday, I had a truly memorable experience as I completed my 10th drive under the leadership of @David with the great support of @Aljamhi @AhmadHasan @Ehab
Due to the recent weather conditions, the desert surface had completely different characteristics than usual. The drive was more challenging because of changing grip levels and sections that required extra awareness. However, David’s calm leadership made everything clear for us — from the briefing to execution. His line choices were spot on, keeping the drive both safe and enjoyable.
A big thank you to all the excellent marshals. I felt safe and confident throughout the entire drive.
We started the 10- convoy with 4 marshals and 3 drivers. After one friend had to exit the convoy due to a technical issue, we continued with 2 drivers, and the drive instantly turned into a private experience with a truly privileged feeling.
As the level stepped up, the drive transitioned into an exceptional flow. The safari wall sections were absolutely amazing.
Looking forward to the next one!
Due to the recent weather conditions, the desert surface had completely different characteristics than usual. The drive was more challenging because of changing grip levels and sections that required extra awareness. However, David’s calm leadership made everything clear for us — from the briefing to execution. His line choices were spot on, keeping the drive both safe and enjoyable.
A big thank you to all the excellent marshals. I felt safe and confident throughout the entire drive.
We started the 10- convoy with 4 marshals and 3 drivers. After one friend had to exit the convoy due to a technical issue, we continued with 2 drivers, and the drive instantly turned into a private experience with a truly privileged feeling.
As the level stepped up, the drive transitioned into an exceptional flow. The safari wall sections were absolutely amazing.
Looking forward to the next one!
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Moustafa
- Crew
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2022 11:15 am
- Has thanked: 565 times
- Been thanked: 238 times
Hello Everyone
It’s clear how is our Explorers are active and giving great time to the club members
the trip was organized by our great @Carlos who was leading 10+ convoy supported by marshal @Rashidjass with 2nd lead @Vika (she was great ) , @Mghoneim as last car and I was in the convoy centre
The 2nd convoy was lead by @David and supported by @Ehab with support team @AhmadHasan and @Aljamhi
@Carlos started with warming up and increased the level after getting comfortable from our 10+ , honestly they had very very good training on how to control the car on the crest, he was choosing long crests carefully
that not sharp or very high for the safety
The convoy was doing good and I am sure with the fun the had also they learned very important skills for the upcoming trips and level
Thanks @Carlos and all support team for the great effort
See you all soon
It’s clear how is our Explorers are active and giving great time to the club members
the trip was organized by our great @Carlos who was leading 10+ convoy supported by marshal @Rashidjass with 2nd lead @Vika (she was great ) , @Mghoneim as last car and I was in the convoy centre The 2nd convoy was lead by @David and supported by @Ehab with support team @AhmadHasan and @Aljamhi
@Carlos started with warming up and increased the level after getting comfortable from our 10+ , honestly they had very very good training on how to control the car on the crest, he was choosing long crests carefully
that not sharp or very high for the safety
The convoy was doing good and I am sure with the fun the had also they learned very important skills for the upcoming trips and level
Thanks @Carlos and all support team for the great effort
See you all soon
Hello All#
Another adrenaline packed drive from @carlos.
We gathered at the meeting point on time with lovely weather and then got the briefing from Carlos and then splitted into 2 convoys.
The drive was overall a technical one where Carlos took some of the technical lines which was a bit difficult for some of the drivers.
The sand was hard due to the rain previous week so the car handling was totally different as compared to the soft sand.
We did some of big dunes and did straight cresting as well and had a lot of fun for 3 hours straight with a small tea break.
Special thanks to @carlos and @rashid for being there as guide and support and to all other supporting crew.
Looking forward for another drive.
Cheers
Nomi
Another adrenaline packed drive from @carlos.
We gathered at the meeting point on time with lovely weather and then got the briefing from Carlos and then splitted into 2 convoys.
The drive was overall a technical one where Carlos took some of the technical lines which was a bit difficult for some of the drivers.
The sand was hard due to the rain previous week so the car handling was totally different as compared to the soft sand.
We did some of big dunes and did straight cresting as well and had a lot of fun for 3 hours straight with a small tea break.
Special thanks to @carlos and @rashid for being there as guide and support and to all other supporting crew.
Looking forward for another drive.
Cheers
Nomi
