Kick-Up-the-Dust II

[Minhaj]

Hello Guys

I couldn’t join the camping on 16th Jan because I had to drop my family at the airport early in the morning. I really wished I could’ve been there I missed all the fun and sahlab prepared by @massaleh

On 17th Jan, I reached the meeting point at 7:30 AM and was the first one there. I quickly deflated my tires, fixed my flag, and got my car ready while everyone else arrived.

Around 8:10 AM, Ehab gathered us for the briefing. He explained how the drive would be technical and challenging, and jokingly said it is nothing personal. I felt a little nervous hearing that.

The drive started with a technical route right from the beginning. Mr. Samshi joined us midway. Ehab led the convoy, @Sanadshaikh was second lead, and I was the third car.

Unlike kick up the dust 1, this drive was not about speed and high climb's . It was all about climbing technical dunes, side cresting, and long lines. Many dunes were long, and there were lots of bumps in between, which made it hard to stay on dune. I had multiple second tries, learning a bit each time. Throughout the drive I kept following the car In front of me fully focused on the tracks .

I kept hitting bumps and went airborne several times. My bumper and skid plate took a hit, a reminder that technical driving really needs control and patience.

Midway, I noticed my car made a noise whenever I shifted into 4H1, especially on climbs. I got a little worried, but I drove carefully, and luckily, the car survived the drive without any problems.

During a break, Mr. David explained us a useful technique for anchoring the dune using two wheels. He also pointed out that keeping a few millimeters of the wheel on the other side helps hold the dune more firmly. Once I applied this, I felt much more confident and in control while driving.

Just when I thought the drive was over, we had another 15 minutes of climbing and technical challenges. At the very end, we drove on a kacha road for about 10 minutes and finally, the drive came to an end.

lessons learnt
1. Anchoring the dune using the two wheels, explained by David
2. While cresting, balance and control is more important than speed, as advised by Solmaz

Overall, the drive was hard, technical, and a crazy adrenaline rush, with a lot of learning and some car bashing along the way.

Thanks to @Ehab for organizing the drive and to @alshamsi_m , @Solmaz , @David , @Vika , and @Mghoneim for keeping us safe, guiding us, and watching over us the whole time.

Looking forward to kick up the dust 3 soon!

[Sanadshaikh]

Kick Up the Dust – Part 2: A Very Different Side of the Same Coin.

I arrived at the meeting point with Kick Up the Dust – Part 1 fresh in mind. During the briefing, it was made clear that this drive would be very different—more technical, with climbs, crests, and precision driving.
I was positioned as second lead. We set off, and within the first 10–15 minutes, the radio crackled alive:
“Second try… stuck… pop out!”

The sand was deceiving. What appeared dry and soft on the surface hid a layer of damp, wet sand underneath—something that became increasingly evident as the drive progressed. Despite this, the convoy navigated the technical sections well, thanks to excellent leadership from @Ehab and strong support from the crew— @David @Solmaz @Mghoneim @Vika and later, founder @alshamsi_m who joined us midway.

The damp tracks added a whole new level of challenge. Crests and switches felt trickier than usual, with bumpy climbs and bushes flanking one or both sides. I personally had two second-try attempts at switches due to incorrect technique. That’s when David stepped in with valuable feedback—especially the importance of committing to the crest and maintaining proper speed control in these conditions. That advice made a noticeable difference, and the improvement was immediate as we moved on to more switches.
The drive picked up pace—higher speeds, slightly bigger climbs, arches, and more switches. At one point, a surprise ditch right after a switch caught the lead car off guard, resulting in a pop-out. After a quick fix, we were back on track, though one JK had to be escorted out due to mechanical issues.
This drive was a potent mix of everything—technical skill, adaptability, and constant learning. A perfect reminder that different conditions demand different driving styles, and sometimes you experience them all in a single drive.

Overall, an excellent drive led by Ehab, backed by a solid support crew, and yet another memorable weekend with Almost4x4.

[nomi4x4]

Hello Everyone,

Okay so this trip felt like another version of Friday the 13th, because of the fact that the area was the same and also the track which Ehab took felt like similar (most parts of it).

The driver overall was a technical one with a lot of technical switches, cresting both side and straight.

We had couple of 2nd tries as expected, which is always safer as compared of driving in a bad position.

Personally i went in the back of the convoy this time so the tracks which i got was mostly chewed on, but still managed to keep with the the convoy.

Overall the drive was fun and also educational as we practiced a lot of small and medium sized switching special thanks to @Ehab .

I would also like to thank all the Marshals @alshamsi_m @David @Solmaz and all the support crew for their guidance and support.

Looking forward for the next drive soon.

Cheers.

Noman

[David]

Great Newbie 10+ drive lead by Ehab in Telal Sweihan.

Very good size convoy that leading car controlled very nicely, after a warm up section he started introducing practice in some more advanced elements as side riding and even some side cresting from hard to flat mainly.

I think it was a very good practice section for the members that attended hoping that not only they enjoy it if not also allow them to improve in their skills.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, specially Shamsi and Solmaz that made the drive possible with their support and the organising Explorer Ehab.

See you on the sand soon.

[alshamsi_m]

Hello everyone


I have a very nice camp the night before and very good breakfast which led by miscalculation for time to reach meeting point in the morning, actually I reached on time but our morning organize took off after finding that all members were there and live location for Marshals to catch up

The drive was really nice with easy warming up the the speed increased with side to flat climbing or flat side drops .

Before we noticed the the time has up and we had to go hope. Thanks @Solmaz & @David for supporting. Also @Ehab for planning and execution.

See you soon
Shamsi

[Ehab]

Hi Almosters,

Arrived a bit early and was pleasantly surprised to meet an old friend, @Sorin . I learned a lot from him in the past, so it was great to catch up, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him back behind the wheel in the desert.

Tilal Sweihan is an excellent area for newbies with 10+ drives. It offers great opportunities to practice not only technical maneuvers but also cresting on small to medium-sized dunes, helping prepare drivers for the next level.

The initial plan was to focus only on the technical areas, but midway through the drive the plan changed and we headed into the paradise of Tilal Sweihan. There, we were able to practice cresting to flat areas along with some nice drops.

Overall, the convoy performed well, and with more practice, everyone will be mastering side cresting in no time.

Thanks @alshamsi_m @Solmaz and @David for the support

See you soon