Cool Stars 06/08/21

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brett
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Dear Almosters,

Cool Stars Drive 6/8/2021
Well it certainly was a “cool” drive ~ even if the temperature was hitting 45C at the meeting point.
As always I arrived early to ‘hit’ the GPS point spot on !

The first ‘stuck’ of the day happened as a hapless driver managed to get stuck on a 2 foot mound of sand before deflating. @Tomvanhouten managed to quickly free him with a pull on the recovery rope. No names mentioned 😜

A quick briefing by @Barish – convoy positions advised. And off we went. Was to be a short 15 -20km drive with some technical stuff for the convoy – made up of drivers with varying drive counts from 1 to 10- with the pace to be decided based on the flow of the convoy.

I would like to thank the organizer @Barish for putting the drive together. We should remember and be very thankful of the work and effort the marshals put in to give us the learning experiences week after week.
Thanks also to the support crew today of whom there were many. @alshamsi_m @Rashidjass @optimus @Arminjune @Tomvanhouten @Gabor

The drive certainly tested the developing skills of the newbies. With several second tries, one driver had the misfortune of several pop outs. And very unfortunately one driver severed a brake line and had to be escorted out by @alshamsi_m

The sand was HOT and very soft – will we ever get some rain ? Ok these are excuses that we all use to “cover” our – whoops when they happen. On 2 occasions today I had to have 2nd tries. Once early on in the drive on a very straight forward climb/cross. Towards the end of the drive in a tricky little technical area – small climb – drop – steep climb. I managed to get crested on top and put on quite a good sand shower show before, – under the guidance of @optimus I managed to self recover reverse out and complete the climb. Now before you all ask why a Newbie with 20+ drives is getting stuck on a relatively easy drive ? It was “staged” strictly for promotion on social media 😜

One 10- Pajero driver may have been seeking fame and fortune of a different kind when He set off up the dune – mistaking the tracks of Cresting King - @Rashidjass as the correct track. We all watched in disbelief and held our breath as he climbed straight up, crested and dropped over the other side. He was safe this time ! But it was nail bitting for those of us watching.

My takeaways :-
Radio communication is the key
Keep the right pace, following distance is important
Pay attention and follow the right track
Gravity is not to be forgotten.

We ended the drive sitting chatting and watching another beautiful sunset with the sight of a lone Oryx standing atop of a dune. A wonderful site only possible with ALMOST4X4 family and the deserts of the UAE.
We also held a very special ceremony where on behalf of ALMOST4X4 Crew @Arminjune was presented with a new flag. His old one will be preseved in the ALMOST4X4 museum as the most tattered flag in existence.
Until the next Adventure

Brett
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Tomvanhouten
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Hello everyone,

After a very wake-up in the morning, to drive in Sweihan, in the afternoon, the newbie -10 drive was on the program to be supported. Initially not many support were registered, so I thought, let's help out and see what the Marshal will decide.
At the meeting point, a lot of senior support showed up, which I think was a good thing, looking at the relative challenging terrain @Barish had chosen.

When driving in approximately the same area a few weeks back with my wife @Laarni , we noticed that these white sands are really soft during this time of the year and during the drive yesterday the same was proven again. The powdery substance, we call sand, got the better of some drivers and although soft, don't be fooled, pop-outs lurk around the corner.

Having a mixed 'level' group as this drive had, naturally anything can be expected and the key for the more experienced drivers is to adapt their pace and distance. Keep looking what is happening in front of you and maybe even more important, listen to the communication over the radio.
That way, you will be able to judge situations better and deciding to 'go or not to go' is easier.
What I saw yesterday that in the front of convoy, second tries appeared, but in the aft, people just kept coming and that's how on some occasions more trouble arose as the convoy train was standing in soft patches and not being able to gain the momentum needed to get moving again.

My advice; look, listen and anticipate.
And always listen to the marshals.

See you next time,

Tom
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Trip Report for Cool Stars drive.
Adventurous League of Mountains, Oceans and Sand Thrills
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xtreeme99
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First of all I would like to thank @Barish for organizing the drive, as well as thank all of the support crew @alshamsi_m @Rashidjass @optimus @Arminjune @Tomvanhouten @Gabor for watching our backs and assisting.

My first challenge was to get to the meeting point, as there was no instruction and only the coordinates. After checking the satellite maps I chose the most flat side to approach, but had to cross the bicycle tracks. After letting the police pass myself and no one around me, I pass the bicycle track and immediately saw familiar cars behind a dune grouping around.
Setup was straight forward and familiar, the briefing felt quick and simple. I felt blessed to have @optimus watch my back during the whole ride.

This was my second "full" drive and I took lesons from previous drive to monitor the car before me and always think where should I stop. When marshals tell you to stop, the initial desire is to stop immediately. Having a spot in mind to park saved me the worry to start from a firm ground when the convoy moves again.
I was lucky to have no recoveries and no second tries, but I did one descent where I buried my left front tyre around 1/3rd and I was sure I'm stuck. Reported on the radio and went outside to assess the surroundings, I was heading to grab my shovel when @optimus explained that all is ok, go back in the car OSMILEY . Just some work with the steering wheel and acceleration was enough to get me going cool
I have noticed I am a bit rough on landing after the crests, so that will be my focus for the next ride.
We had a good opportunity to observe how a pop out happens and how to recover after it.
Overall, this was an enjoyable ride, as always radio communication is key. Listen what marshals are saying, report any issues and observe.
Ehab
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It’s my 10th trip and I think I am addicted.

I arrived early to the meeting point but decided to visit a nearby dune which I use to visit every weekend with my family in winter, unfortunately the dune is not there anymore sad sad sad it’s interesting how desert is changing and I recall @alshamsi_m told us saving many routes is not that beneficial as dunes will continuously reshape with more wind and rain, what we need to learn is how to approach different type of dunes and just be aware of the direction to make sure you are heading toward the right place.

I was surprised seeing @Tomvanhouten who was in Abu Dhabi in the morning intermediate trip, I told him, Tom you are addicted, his answer was, Eyhab you will get there soon, then I realized that I prefer to join this trip and not to attend my MBA graduation ceremony, I am for sure already addicted.

The trip was nice with multiple attempts by @Barish to upscale the challenge level, the area was very nice with mix of small and large dunes which require different techniques. There was a situation where we were going through a technical area which had 2 bowls next to each other, unfortunately the car next to the car in-front of me did not announce the refusal which ended me in middle of 2 pockets, I had to maneuver between @Amer Bin Belal and @brett and safely position my car in a safe incline position which is something I am really proud I learned from almosters, honestly if it was 6 months earlier, I would have ended in a very nasty situation.

Thanks to @Barish and the whole support team for the amazing and safe drive.

Here tis the video
theDanutz
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Dear Almosters,

“Cool star” drive was indeed the Cool-est drive I have been participating in so far! blank

I learned so many new things, also did new mistakes .. but hey I’m improving!... or at least I think I am!

@Barish , thank you a lot for organizing this day for us! thumbsup
Such a nice track, technical parts, safari style for the others, very very enjoyable! Very nice idea to make 2 separate lines on the arches (your car high line and second lead for lower) and let us choose which one we’re confident with! Of course I aimed for the highest..

@Gabor , as second lead is really a pleasure to watch you drive! pacman I was fortunate to come also 3rd car for the last part of the drive .. and had a chance to see you close so that I can try to adjust to your speed and momentum (sorry for the Nissan which had to end the trip a bit early).

@alshamsi_m .. you were everywhere and I had the pleasure to watch you take the Nissan out of the bowl from VIP seats (I was the car behind and stopped on the opposite dune - perfect angle). There is so much to learn when you just stay and watch.. When driving I get to miss some points! Thank you!

For this trip, we were lucky to have with us @optimus , @Rashidjass , @Tomvanhouten and @Arminjune !! Big Kudos to you!! Thank you for constantly watching and guiding us in difficult moments!

It was so nice you on every key points (@Rashidjass always on the side of big dunes, @Arminjune on top of challenging areas..). I was lucky enough to get a bit stuck (in between 2 dunes on very soft sand area, towards the end of the drive), and special thanks to @optimus tips and tricks (also encouragements), I managed to climb back up. No rope this time either.. Experience +! thumbsup

I also did a mistake, when I completely missed the track and went on the floating team track (I lost the car in-front due to a slow start, and followed further the freshest tracks.. which definitely were not for our level). I apologize I didn’t pay enough attention. :innocent:

My takeaways from the drive:
  • always visualize the route, better to stop if in doubt than just follow “fresh tracks”, even if they may seem easy.. :have_a_nice_day:
  • always try to buy branded equipment (even if a bit more expensive), especially for tire gauge.
FYI: I discovered that between my last week gauge (dragon mart brand) and the new one I bought for this week (ARB).. was at least a 5 PSI difference.. which triggered 2 pop-outs back then, when I though I had set my tires to “11”..) :on_fire:
  • stop always with nose down, or reverse if nose is up (even if very small incline)

With this drive, I reached count 7 ++ ( one + is from EIB experience where @Barish spent a lot of time to teach me different tricks to get unstuck – even though I was only audience, and second one from today @optimus ) Man, that EIB saved me at least 3 self recovered crests :)

The drive ended with a beautiful sunset and the usual chit-chat session and coffee, which was marvelous! I can’t wait for working days to pass.. to be back with you, to have fun and enjoy the desert!! Even if it’s summer, the experience is amazing!

Thank you Almost 4x4!!

Best regards,
Danutz

PS: @Arminjune those dates,… wow, were very very nice! I would even... pay for them!! Just send me the bill have a nice day
Last edited by theDanutz on Sun Aug 08, 2021 5:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Tomvanhouten
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theDanutz wrote: Sun Aug 08, 2021 3:34 pm Dear Almosters,

“Cool star” drive was indeed the Cool-est drive I have been participating in so far! blank

I learned so many new things, also did new mistakes .. but hey I’m improving!... or at least I think I am!

@Barish , thank you a lot for organizing this day for us! thumbsup
Such a nice track, technical parts, safari style for the others, very very enjoyable! Very nice idea to make 2 separate lines on the arches (your car high line and second lead for lower) and let us choose which one we’re confident with! Of course I aimed for the highest..

@Tomvanhouten , as second lead is really a pleasure to watch you drive! pacman I was fortunate to come also 3rd car for the last part of the drive .. and had a chance to see you close so that I can try to adjust to your speed and momentum (sorry for the Nissan which had to end the trip a bit early).

@alshamsi_m .. you were everywhere and I had the pleasure to watch you take the Nissan out of the bowl from VIP seats (I was the car behind and stopped on the opposite dune - perfect angle). There is so much to learn when you just stay and watch.. When driving I get to miss some points! Thank you!

For this trip, we were lucky to have with us @optimus , @Rashidjass , @Gabor and @Arminjune !! Big Kudos to you!! Thank you for constantly watching and guiding us in difficult moments!

It was so nice you on every key points (@Rashidjass always on the side of big dunes, @Arminjune on top of challenging areas..). I was lucky enough to get a bit stuck (in between 2 dunes on very soft sand area, towards the end of the drive), and special thanks to @optimus tips and tricks (also encouragements), I managed to climb back up. No rope this time either.. Experience +! thumbsup

I also did a mistake, when I completely missed the track and went on the floating team track (I lost the car in-front due to a slow start, and followed further the freshest tracks.. which definitely were not for our level). I apologize I didn’t pay enough attention. :innocent:

My takeaways from the drive:
  • always visualize the route, better to stop if in doubt than just follow “fresh tracks”, even if they may seem easy.. :have_a_nice_day:
  • always try to buy branded equipment (even if a bit more expensive), especially for tire gauge.
FYI: I discovered that between my last week gauge (dragon mart brand) and the new one I bought for this week (ARB).. was at least a 5 PSI difference.. which triggered 2 pop-outs back then, when I though I had set my tires to “11”..) :on_fire:
  • stop always with nose down, or reverse if nose is up (even if very small incline)

With this drive, I reached count 7 ++ ( one + is from EIB experience where @Barish spent a lot of time to teach me different tricks to get unstuck – even though I was only audience, and second one from today @optimus ) Man, that EIB saved me at least 3 self recovered crests :)

The drive ended with a beautiful sunset and the usual chit-chat session and coffee, which was marvelous! I can’t wait for working days to pass.. to be back with you, to have fun and enjoy the desert!! Even if it’s summer, the experience is amazing!

Thank you Almost 4x4!!

Best regards,
Danutz

PS: @Arminjune those dates,… wow, were very very nice! I would even... pay for them!! Just send me the bill have a nice day
uhmmmm. I was not second lead. @Gabor was.. brigade.baka-wolf.com
theDanutz
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Tomvanhouten wrote: Sun Aug 08, 2021 4:43 pm
theDanutz wrote: Sun Aug 08, 2021 3:34 pm Dear Almosters,

“Cool star” drive was indeed the Cool-est drive I have been participating in so far! blank

I learned so many new things, also did new mistakes .. but hey I’m improving!... or at least I think I am!

@Barish , thank you a lot for organizing this day for us! thumbsup
Such a nice track, technical parts, safari style for the others, very very enjoyable! Very nice idea to make 2 separate lines on the arches (your car high line and second lead for lower) and let us choose which one we’re confident with! Of course I aimed for the highest..

@Tomvanhouten , as second lead is really a pleasure to watch you drive! pacman I was fortunate to come also 3rd car for the last part of the drive .. and had a chance to see you close so that I can try to adjust to your speed and momentum (sorry for the Nissan which had to end the trip a bit early).

@alshamsi_m .. you were everywhere and I had the pleasure to watch you take the Nissan out of the bowl from VIP seats (I was the car behind and stopped on the opposite dune - perfect angle). There is so much to learn when you just stay and watch.. When driving I get to miss some points! Thank you!

For this trip, we were lucky to have with us @optimus , @Rashidjass , @Gabor and @Arminjune !! Big Kudos to you!! Thank you for constantly watching and guiding us in difficult moments!

It was so nice you on every key points (@Rashidjass always on the side of big dunes, @Arminjune on top of challenging areas..). I was lucky enough to get a bit stuck (in between 2 dunes on very soft sand area, towards the end of the drive), and special thanks to @optimus tips and tricks (also encouragements), I managed to climb back up. No rope this time either.. Experience +! thumbsup

I also did a mistake, when I completely missed the track and went on the floating team track (I lost the car in-front due to a slow start, and followed further the freshest tracks.. which definitely were not for our level). I apologize I didn’t pay enough attention. :innocent:

My takeaways from the drive:
  • always visualize the route, better to stop if in doubt than just follow “fresh tracks”, even if they may seem easy.. :have_a_nice_day:
  • always try to buy branded equipment (even if a bit more expensive), especially for tire gauge.
FYI: I discovered that between my last week gauge (dragon mart brand) and the new one I bought for this week (ARB).. was at least a 5 PSI difference.. which triggered 2 pop-outs back then, when I though I had set my tires to “11”..) :on_fire:
  • stop always with nose down, or reverse if nose is up (even if very small incline)

With this drive, I reached count 7 ++ ( one + is from EIB experience where @Barish spent a lot of time to teach me different tricks to get unstuck – even though I was only audience, and second one from today @optimus ) Man, that EIB saved me at least 3 self recovered crests :)

The drive ended with a beautiful sunset and the usual chit-chat session and coffee, which was marvelous! I can’t wait for working days to pass.. to be back with you, to have fun and enjoy the desert!! Even if it’s summer, the experience is amazing!

Thank you Almost 4x4!!

Best regards,
Danutz

PS: @Arminjune those dates,… wow, were very very nice! I would even... pay for them!! Just send me the bill have a nice day
uhmmmm. I was not second lead. @Gabor was.. brigade.baka-wolf.com
correct!!! Thank you!! Sorry, I always confused the 2 yellow Jeeps! My bad! But I think I will have fun with you second lead also! I will update thumbsup
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Zain
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Hello Almosters,

I know I am posting my trip report a tad bit late, time has been a scarce resource lately brigade.baka-wolf.com

My day started when I was approaching the meeting point and took the soft path towards the meeting point. The sand was soft and I was on two wheel, you can guess what happened ORLY . Anyways quickly deflated, switch to 4H and reached the meeting point.

The drive was quite interesting, this was my 10th drive and there were drivers with fewer drives, despite that the lead @Barish kept the track interesting and accommodating for all. Easy enough for the new drivers at the same time interesting enough to keep the drivers with more drives entertained.

Unfortunately I had to leave the drive earlier because my friend @Daiyaan had a break line rupture that caused his brake to fail completely :omg: . @alshamsi_m escorted us out till the main road where we called the recovery truck, I then dropped them back home.

Thank you to @alshamsi_m for escorting us out and sorry you had to leave your drive to help us. Also Thank you to @Barish and the support crew includind @Gabor @Tomvanhouten @Rashidjass @optimus @Arminjune because of whom the drive was made possible.

Kind regards,
Zain
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Hi Everyone!

I wasn't part of this drive until Friday morning!
Since I wasn’t allowed to cross E66 due to the reasons mentioned on my BR III trip report.
I PM’d Barish and requested him if he would allow me to be a apart of the rescue team.
Thank you @Barish for letting me join.

Lately I wasn’t able to attend 10- drives due to my commitment to higher level drives.
But it was really good to see the usual 10- newbie suspects after quite some time.
At the meeting point almost all the members had already arrived.

@Barish called the attendance. Drivers were reminded to follow the basic rules.
I was placed in the middle of the convoy. Bu Salem told me to take care of the first half & he would look after the remaining. cool

@Gabor was given the 2nd lead, @Rashidjass & @Armine were floating around.

The lead car started the drive with medium paced safari style giving the members to practice how to do the arch’s, controlling the car while coming down & how to maneuver in case if they couldn't follow the lead line. :O_O:

We had few 2nd tries, self-recoveries, couple of pop outs & a technical glitch. All these things is a part of learning. All of you are on the right track. Keep coming, keep driving & learning. Everyone performed well! thumbsup thumbsup

I assisted few self-recoveries where the drivers thought they are stuck. But a little bit of motivation and signals, they were able to recover themselves. pacman

Next time when you get stuck, don’t stress yourself, don’t think that you guys are slowing down the convoy or others are waiting. Just relax, calm your nerves! Getting stuck is part of the drive & is a very important learning experience! Remember we say that its allowed to get stuck 29 times!!! Ha ha ha!.

Closing my report in Barish’s Style : If it doesn’t challenge you, it wouldn’t change you! grin

Until Next time!
Optimus
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