May the Force be with you - II

[Minhaj]

Hello Guys,

When registration opened on 8th February for Levels -5 and -10, I felt a bit disappointed. I was really hoping it slots would open for 10+ convey like last time. I kept checking the app again and again, hoping a slot might pop up, but nothing did.

After a long, tiring week at work, I really needed this drive. I just wanted to get into the sand, clear my head, and enjoy the desert with everyone. So I requested the organiser to see if there was any chance I could join. When he said yes, I was genuinely happy and very grateful.

I reached the meeting point early on Saturday. @siddharthsai and @Spyda were already there. Deflated the tyres, fixed my flag, and went around saying hello. The vibe was good right from the start. It was great to see such a strong turnout and solid support .

I was placed in Team 2 with Ehab leading, supported by Rashid, Optimus Ahmed, and Vika. We started with some technical straight cresting and gradually moved into smooth, safari-style arches. The convoy flowed nicely very few second attempts, no pop-outs, and a rhythm that just felt right. On one big dune, Ehab let everyone practice the arch a few times, which made it even more enjoyable.

The biggest takeaway for me was ,communication matters. Listening carefully and following the marshal’s instructions keeps everything smooth, safe, and fun for everyone.
Overall, it was a great drive with great people and great energy. Already looking forward to May the Force Be With You III.

A big thank you to @CARLOSS for organising the drive and giving me the chance to be part of it ,I truly appreciate it.Thanks to @Ehab for the well-planned route and steady lead, and to @Rashidjass , @optimus @ahmed77moharem , and @Vika for supporting and guiding us .

[wendellfranco]

3rd drive with the gang and had a blast as usual. Big ups to everyone esp. the Marshals. Thank you for organizing the drive. The take away today? Straight crests can grab you when you least expect it.

Sad that I’ll miss the next couple of drives as I’ll go for my eye surgery. But so looking forward to my next Almost4x4 drive. May the force be with us all!!

Shukran!

[Mariem]

My 3rd day in the desert and with the club! The drive was led by @Carlos , and we mainly practiced Arches (scary Arches ) and straight crests.

I was the only female in the group, so I felt a bit of pressure at first, but everyone was incredibly friendly. The marshals and crew made me feel so comfortable, the support was amazing, and the patience and instructions were safe and on point.

When the marshals noticed me hesitating and escaping the Arches, @Carlos and @David insisted I give it a proper try. Carlos even got in the car with me, demonstrated the right speed and momentum and guess what, Magic! I did it myself!

Sorry @Carlos for all the screaming in the car, and thank you for screaming with me as well

At the end of the drive, I got badly stuck, but @David , @Daggerfall , Ahmed, and Peter were immediately there to pull my car out.

Thank you all for the support and encouragement. Happy Valentine’s Day

[Carlos06]

It was my first newbie drive and really enjoyed it!

We met on time before 8:30 to deflate tires and get ready. I joined Convoy 1 led by @CARLOSS and had a nice briefing before setting off to drive. I liked the pace and the communication. Off course I managed to get stuck at the crest at the beginning and made good use of the Viking rope I had received just 45 minutes before from @rashid! Thanks to @david & @ahmed for helping me and teaching me how to set up the rope and shackles and complete the pull.

Overall I think it went well for me and got more confident with my car's behavior and response.

I think we all felt safe in the good company of the marshals who were always around and ready to help, correct and praise.

Big thanks to @CARLOSS for organizing the drive and to the whole team for the support and guidance. I'm really looking forward to the next one.

Carlos Amortegui

[David]

Morning drive in Nahil organised by Carlos with the members divided in 2 convoys.

Ehab lead the 10- with Rashid and Optimus as support while Carlos took care of the 5- convoy with Daggerfall and myself as support.

Very beautiful track that Carlos put together, challenging but very safe at the same time so members could train straight crest and very basic low arches .

These drives are designed for members to automatically respond without thinking in 2 situations that you will face many many times:

- straight crests. When has exactly the car passed the edge?, there is no secret to it, practice and more practice to understand your car better, the amount of throttle you require and when have you crossed. Remember, no hard breaking, it should feel natural.
- arches. The most important one, as not following it could be extremely dangerous. It is all about entry angle and speed, if you get this right your car will flow effortless, if you do not carry enough momentum TURN DOWN while your car still carries some speed, "a moving car is a safe car" and as long as you get the front of your car facing down you will be safe.

Many thanks to everyone that took part and supported the drive, specially to Carlos and all of the Marshalls that attended.

See you on the sand soon.

[optimus]

Hi All,

I was supporting the drive led by Ehab, he picked some really nice lines keeping the level in mind. The convoy was flowing well with only a few second tries here and there. Overall a smooth & well-managed drive.

Midway through the drive, we had an uninvited driver (-5) who reached late and decided to follow random tracks to catch up with the convoy. Guys, please don’t ever do this, especially at this level. You never know where those tracks lead. We have seen real cases where people went solo in the desert and weeks later only their bodies could be found. This is serious stuff.

I had to escort the driver back to the gatch road.

Quick reminders for everyone:
There’s a lead and a second lead : always follow the second lead. There’s a reason experienced drivers are placed there.
There is no need to impress the marshals. Focus on learning your car & Build your reflexes.
Stick to the basics: don’t fight gravity, keep safe distance and improve your radio communication.

Let’s keep it disciplined & safe.

Until next time!