Once upon a time in Al Faqa
-
Martin
- Newbie
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:39 pm
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 160 times
- Been thanked: 142 times
Even though I’d been looking forward to this drive all week I someone managed to get the times wrong, so ended up being 30 minutes late. As always the crew were nothing but helpful and understanding. A couple of the guys helped me air down so I could join the convoy without holding anyone up too much. (I just hope that @admin can add me back to the attendance list ;-)
So to the drive. As I said last time I really love the specific challenges offered by this area. @giorgio didn’t disappoint and took us on a route that gave such a good range of practice that I think you can’t fail but improve your over all driving technique.
I’m still getting the hang of my new FJ ride so had a few second tries as well as pop-out and one slightly sideways stuck situation near the end. None of these things offered much trouble though, primarily because of the support from @Barish, @Sorin, @Tom as well as guidance from @Laarni, @Petr, @rapailo and there always welcome oversight from @alshamsi_m
The drive was an epic route from the normal Al Faqa start point and ended up by the cycle track in Al Qudra. Covering almost 80km of a fun, intense and learning afternoon.
More like this please.
So to the drive. As I said last time I really love the specific challenges offered by this area. @giorgio didn’t disappoint and took us on a route that gave such a good range of practice that I think you can’t fail but improve your over all driving technique.
I’m still getting the hang of my new FJ ride so had a few second tries as well as pop-out and one slightly sideways stuck situation near the end. None of these things offered much trouble though, primarily because of the support from @Barish, @Sorin, @Tom as well as guidance from @Laarni, @Petr, @rapailo and there always welcome oversight from @alshamsi_m
The drive was an epic route from the normal Al Faqa start point and ended up by the cycle track in Al Qudra. Covering almost 80km of a fun, intense and learning afternoon.
More like this please.
-
Tomvanhouten
- Intermediate
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:25 pm
- Has thanked: 1078 times
- Been thanked: 1075 times
Hello everyone,
Second shift of the day and what a day it was and was to become!
The temperatures are getting higher and higher, so trying to save the energy for the drive itself at the meeting point, staying in the car and waiting for the Akela to call the briefing.
Briefed, ready to go and instructed to stay in the front of the convoy. Ok, here we go!
In the beginning, not much to do other then a single pull, but then when the time advanced and the drivers were feeling it, double pop-out, single pop-out, cars stuck...Love it, when we have some energy to spend!
All and all, the track was familiar (although the darkness was hiding some stuff) and the drivers did well.
Would only say; try to keep a bit better radio comms, it is really important to call out second tries so that the people behind you and the marshals are aware that something is going on.
Thanks everyone for the lovely drive, and especially @giorgio with a great lead.
See you next time,
Tom
Second shift of the day and what a day it was and was to become!
The temperatures are getting higher and higher, so trying to save the energy for the drive itself at the meeting point, staying in the car and waiting for the Akela to call the briefing.
Briefed, ready to go and instructed to stay in the front of the convoy. Ok, here we go!
In the beginning, not much to do other then a single pull, but then when the time advanced and the drivers were feeling it, double pop-out, single pop-out, cars stuck...Love it, when we have some energy to spend!
All and all, the track was familiar (although the darkness was hiding some stuff) and the drivers did well.
Would only say; try to keep a bit better radio comms, it is really important to call out second tries so that the people behind you and the marshals are aware that something is going on.
Thanks everyone for the lovely drive, and especially @giorgio with a great lead.
See you next time,
Tom
-
Sorin
- media
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2019 8:09 pm
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 291 times
- Been thanked: 310 times
Hello guys,
As @Tomvanhouten mentioned, this was the second drive of the day for us.
Thank you @giorgio for the late registration acceptance.
I have to say that I really missed a 5+ Newbie drive in this area as it reminds me of the days I was learning how to master my temperamental Cherokee under the guidance of our marshals.
Another reason I really wanted to join this drive was because I had zero experience doing straight crests with my FJ Crusier and driving it in small technical areas.
Our leading marshal @giorgio deliverer a great track with technical and small dunes in the beginning, a lot of straight cresting, which now I can say I got the hang of with the FJ, and a second part with more flowing lines and medium dunes.
Under the guidance of floating marshals @Barish and @rapailo we performed a few rescues and pop outs then ended the drive with that traditional rally style high speed dash to Al Qudra area.
@Saeed FJ good to see you again, @Petr as well.
We had a time traveler joining us during the drive and adding his timeless experience to our trip with whom I traded some special tea in exchange for some very special cookies
Long day came to and end but the crew was happy and we owe a big thanks to the organizers and founder and all the support crew.
As @Tomvanhouten mentioned, this was the second drive of the day for us.
Thank you @giorgio for the late registration acceptance.
I have to say that I really missed a 5+ Newbie drive in this area as it reminds me of the days I was learning how to master my temperamental Cherokee under the guidance of our marshals.
Another reason I really wanted to join this drive was because I had zero experience doing straight crests with my FJ Crusier and driving it in small technical areas.
Our leading marshal @giorgio deliverer a great track with technical and small dunes in the beginning, a lot of straight cresting, which now I can say I got the hang of with the FJ, and a second part with more flowing lines and medium dunes.
Under the guidance of floating marshals @Barish and @rapailo we performed a few rescues and pop outs then ended the drive with that traditional rally style high speed dash to Al Qudra area.
@Saeed FJ good to see you again, @Petr as well.
We had a time traveler joining us during the drive and adding his timeless experience to our trip with whom I traded some special tea in exchange for some very special cookies
Long day came to and end but the crew was happy and we owe a big thanks to the organizers and founder and all the support crew.
I approve this message 
-
Vika
- Newbie
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:15 pm
- Has thanked: 234 times
- Been thanked: 224 times
Hello Everyone! 
For me personally, it is always an event, when I can join my second family and play with a sand in a great company, especially after a long break. And when I finally got a chance after returning back from Abu Dhabi and changing my job, I couldn't wait for that day.
Having planned everything in advance, leaving on time, I again and again faced the fact that I needed to get a decent navigator for offroaders
Heading to the meeting point, I realized once again that I was driving along a road where no human had set a foot, seeing that I didn’t have time, freaking out, turned off the phone, intuitively reached the Emarat gas station, where, to my great happiness, I met @AZK89 Following him, I arrived at the meeting point on time. @AZK89 you are my lifesaver, thankyoufortheradio.
After a short brief by @giorgio , I was assigned as the third car. I must admit that it took me a while to get a feel for my golden queen in the technical area as the car is quite large and heavy for that area. The second attempt gave me the opportunity to understand how and what speed to use to overcome straight crest, so as not to hit the wall.
Later, since@alshamsi_m is the one and only man on the planet te Earth who can make my heart stop simply with his legendary phrase "watch out fo a dich", once i heard his voice on a radio, appeared out of nowhere, immediately i got crested
Thanks to @Tomvanhouten for the rescue, we continued the drive. While enjoying the drive, my passenger, my sister, fell sick. Thank you @alshamsi_m very much for saving my passenger
After my passenger was rescued and I was left alone, the most interesting part of the drive began.
The convoy caught the flow and I cannot express my emotions and delight from pleasure. Despite the strong wind and sand, I was enjoying with open windows and my favorite music. I haven't been high in such a long time. Having finished the drive in Al Qudra, I still can’t recover from the pleasure. Thank you so much for the excellent lead@giorgio , for the support and rescue@Tomvanhouten , @Sorin , @Laarni @rapailo @Barish , for an incredible day with the very best.
Thanks to everyone, who made that event happened.
Looking forward to see you soon
Your Viktoriia
For me personally, it is always an event, when I can join my second family and play with a sand in a great company, especially after a long break. And when I finally got a chance after returning back from Abu Dhabi and changing my job, I couldn't wait for that day.
Having planned everything in advance, leaving on time, I again and again faced the fact that I needed to get a decent navigator for offroaders
Heading to the meeting point, I realized once again that I was driving along a road where no human had set a foot, seeing that I didn’t have time, freaking out, turned off the phone, intuitively reached the Emarat gas station, where, to my great happiness, I met @AZK89 Following him, I arrived at the meeting point on time. @AZK89 you are my lifesaver, thankyoufortheradio.
After a short brief by @giorgio , I was assigned as the third car. I must admit that it took me a while to get a feel for my golden queen in the technical area as the car is quite large and heavy for that area. The second attempt gave me the opportunity to understand how and what speed to use to overcome straight crest, so as not to hit the wall.
Later, since@alshamsi_m is the one and only man on the planet te Earth who can make my heart stop simply with his legendary phrase "watch out fo a dich", once i heard his voice on a radio, appeared out of nowhere, immediately i got crested
Thanks to @Tomvanhouten for the rescue, we continued the drive. While enjoying the drive, my passenger, my sister, fell sick. Thank you @alshamsi_m very much for saving my passenger
After my passenger was rescued and I was left alone, the most interesting part of the drive began.
The convoy caught the flow and I cannot express my emotions and delight from pleasure. Despite the strong wind and sand, I was enjoying with open windows and my favorite music. I haven't been high in such a long time. Having finished the drive in Al Qudra, I still can’t recover from the pleasure. Thank you so much for the excellent lead@giorgio , for the support and rescue@Tomvanhouten , @Sorin , @Laarni @rapailo @Barish , for an incredible day with the very best.
Thanks to everyone, who made that event happened.
Looking forward to see you soon
Your Viktoriia
"The most effective way to do it, is just to do it"
-
giorgio
- Marshal
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 4:04 pm
- Has thanked: 684 times
- Been thanked: 485 times
Once Upon a time in AL Faqa:
This 5+ level drive took place on a hot afternoon. The plan was to drive from Al Faqa to Al Qudra. To some members the drive may have looked familiar as it was the same night drive named Desert Gazing.
The panic for the drive started before the briefing even with members ending up in the wrong location or running late.
The convoy was relatively small with plenty of support. It was nice to see @Saeed FJ joining our drive as well as all our Intermediate drivers from the morning drive that came to support the newbies.
A big thank you to all intermediates that are always there to support, practice and assist their fellow drivers.
The convoy started with @PedroLeal as a second lead (thank you. You did a fantastic job). @Laarni as a sweeper. @Tom @Sorin @Petr in the middle of the convoy providing rescue duties, @Saeed FJ floating and @rapailo with @Barish and @alshamsi_m monitoring and directing the convoy with technical comments.
The drive over all had an acceptable flow. In the first part we had the chance to practice straight crests on moderate size dunes, low arches and steep descents.
Following that part we had flat areas until we entered the closed section.
The closed section is one of my favorite areas. This particular part is a mixed skill area that can be challenging for all levels (depends how you will drive it).
It was in this area that we had the pop out festivities and most of the delays and issues.
Unfortunately we ran out of time and we were not able to complete the entire drive so @alshamsi_m had to point out a shortcut to a nearby exit that brought the convoy to a new inflating point just in time.
Lessons learned from this drive was :
Throttle control
radio communication
distance control
Closing my report I would like to thank all the support team which for once more managed to cover 100% of the convoy's needs and all the newbie drivers that tried their best to survive this long drive.
It was unfortunate that @Daggerfall was not able to attend our drive (for a good reason) but I am looking forward to his presence on the upcoming drives.
Until next time drive safely.
See you all on the sand soon .
This 5+ level drive took place on a hot afternoon. The plan was to drive from Al Faqa to Al Qudra. To some members the drive may have looked familiar as it was the same night drive named Desert Gazing.
The panic for the drive started before the briefing even with members ending up in the wrong location or running late.
The convoy was relatively small with plenty of support. It was nice to see @Saeed FJ joining our drive as well as all our Intermediate drivers from the morning drive that came to support the newbies.
A big thank you to all intermediates that are always there to support, practice and assist their fellow drivers.
The convoy started with @PedroLeal as a second lead (thank you. You did a fantastic job). @Laarni as a sweeper. @Tom @Sorin @Petr in the middle of the convoy providing rescue duties, @Saeed FJ floating and @rapailo with @Barish and @alshamsi_m monitoring and directing the convoy with technical comments.
The drive over all had an acceptable flow. In the first part we had the chance to practice straight crests on moderate size dunes, low arches and steep descents.
Following that part we had flat areas until we entered the closed section.
The closed section is one of my favorite areas. This particular part is a mixed skill area that can be challenging for all levels (depends how you will drive it).
It was in this area that we had the pop out festivities and most of the delays and issues.
Unfortunately we ran out of time and we were not able to complete the entire drive so @alshamsi_m had to point out a shortcut to a nearby exit that brought the convoy to a new inflating point just in time.
Lessons learned from this drive was :
Throttle control
radio communication
distance control
Closing my report I would like to thank all the support team which for once more managed to cover 100% of the convoy's needs and all the newbie drivers that tried their best to survive this long drive.
It was unfortunate that @Daggerfall was not able to attend our drive (for a good reason) but I am looking forward to his presence on the upcoming drives.
Until next time drive safely.
See you all on the sand soon .
Last edited by giorgio on Mon May 09, 2022 4:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Wolf is not concerned with the opinion of the sheep
-
alshamsi_m
- Founder
- Posts: 839
- Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:29 am
- Location: Al Hamriyah
- Has thanked: 939 times
- Been thanked: 968 times
- Contact:
Hello everyone
Our organiser and Leader @giorgio gave us a wake call for our fresh newbies. I loved the straight cresting part which made them on their toes
I had to escort a member back to the road due to sick passenger so I spent the rest of drive doing SOLO rally style to catch up with the convoy
Till next time, Stay Safe and see you in EIB
cheers
Shamsi
Our organiser and Leader @giorgio gave us a wake call for our fresh newbies. I loved the straight cresting part which made them on their toes
I had to escort a member back to the road due to sick passenger so I spent the rest of drive doing SOLO rally style to catch up with the convoy
Till next time, Stay Safe and see you in EIB
cheers
Shamsi
Adventurous League of Mountains, Oceans and Sand Thrills
-
brett
- Crew
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2019 10:08 am
- Location: Dubai
- Has thanked: 1314 times
- Been thanked: 830 times
Dear Almosters
After the sprint home from the morning drive to pick up my co-pilot and the dash back down the E66 to the Al Faqa meeting point. There we found @Tomvanhouten @Laarni and @Sorin all resting up after the morning drive.
Drivers started arriving and preparing for the drive. once everyone arrived the briefing was held by @giorgio with the convoy order set @PedroLeal in second lead, @Laarni as sweeper - all others to find a place and lets drive.
We had invaluable support from @Saeed FJ (so nice to have another Yellow FJ in the mix) @Tomvanhouten @Sorin @rapailo @Petr and of course director of operations @Barish later we were also joined by @alshamsi_m to watch over us.
Joining the ranks of the newbies we had @Victoria @mijlee in his New FJ, @AZK89 @galindakis. Unfortunately we had one vehicle leave toward the end due to motion sickness of a passenger and another passenger having to be relocated to a different vehicle due to dizziness. It was a bit of a roller coaster ride in the technical area !.
The track was indeed familiar - however it is somewhat less intimidating in the daylight compared to the night drive. we had our share of second tries and popouts. toward the end of the drive fatigue was starting to set in for a few of the drivers and this resulted in a few unforced errors due to lack of concentration. But overall it was a great drive with the track chosen by @giorgio giving the 5+ newbies the perfect opportunity to hone their skills as they advance on their Almost4x4 journey in the dunes. In summary it was a nice paced drive at a suitable level for everyone.
Looking forward to EIB next weekend - alas only as an observer this time rather than a participant - but it is still and exciting event so it will be a great opportunity for the participants to put their GPS and driving skills to the test.
After the sprint home from the morning drive to pick up my co-pilot and the dash back down the E66 to the Al Faqa meeting point. There we found @Tomvanhouten @Laarni and @Sorin all resting up after the morning drive.
Drivers started arriving and preparing for the drive. once everyone arrived the briefing was held by @giorgio with the convoy order set @PedroLeal in second lead, @Laarni as sweeper - all others to find a place and lets drive.
We had invaluable support from @Saeed FJ (so nice to have another Yellow FJ in the mix) @Tomvanhouten @Sorin @rapailo @Petr and of course director of operations @Barish later we were also joined by @alshamsi_m to watch over us.
Joining the ranks of the newbies we had @Victoria @mijlee in his New FJ, @AZK89 @galindakis. Unfortunately we had one vehicle leave toward the end due to motion sickness of a passenger and another passenger having to be relocated to a different vehicle due to dizziness. It was a bit of a roller coaster ride in the technical area !.
The track was indeed familiar - however it is somewhat less intimidating in the daylight compared to the night drive. we had our share of second tries and popouts. toward the end of the drive fatigue was starting to set in for a few of the drivers and this resulted in a few unforced errors due to lack of concentration. But overall it was a great drive with the track chosen by @giorgio giving the 5+ newbies the perfect opportunity to hone their skills as they advance on their Almost4x4 journey in the dunes. In summary it was a nice paced drive at a suitable level for everyone.
Looking forward to EIB next weekend - alas only as an observer this time rather than a participant - but it is still and exciting event so it will be a great opportunity for the participants to put their GPS and driving skills to the test.
Until the next Adventure
Brett
Red Baron
Brett
Red Baron
-
galindakis
- Intermediate
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2021 1:25 pm
- Has thanked: 143 times
- Been thanked: 218 times
Hi to all,
It was super nice the track designed by @giorgio, straight cresting, technical areas and some pop-outs.
Unfortunately I had to leave because of my passenger feeling sick but I really enjoyed until that moment. @alshamsi_m helped me to reach Al Ain road, thanks a lot.
We had support from @Saeed FJ @Tomvanhouten @Sorin @rapailo @Petr @Barish @alshamsi_m
thanks a lot to all of you and looking forward to seen you soon.
It was super nice the track designed by @giorgio, straight cresting, technical areas and some pop-outs.
Unfortunately I had to leave because of my passenger feeling sick but I really enjoyed until that moment. @alshamsi_m helped me to reach Al Ain road, thanks a lot.
We had support from @Saeed FJ @Tomvanhouten @Sorin @rapailo @Petr @Barish @alshamsi_m
thanks a lot to all of you and looking forward to seen you soon.
-
giorgio
- Marshal
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 4:04 pm
- Has thanked: 684 times
- Been thanked: 485 times
You always find an excuse to do a solo rallyalshamsi_m wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 11:42 am Hello everyone
Our organiser and Leader @giorgio gave us a wake call for our fresh newbies. I loved the straight cresting part which made them on their toes
I had to escort a member back to the road due to sick passenger so I spent the rest of drive doing SOLO rally style to catch up with the convoy
Till next time, Stay Safe and see you in EIB
cheers
Shamsi
The Wolf is not concerned with the opinion of the sheep
-
AZK89
- Newbie
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 9:16 am
- Location: DXB
- Has thanked: 55 times
- Been thanked: 91 times
Hello
It was amazing
The same track was driven at night in Ramadan and after being stuck 5 times, on this day the same track and it did not happen to me what happened at night, thanks God... but what happened was the tire came out the rim twice, thank you @Tom for your support all the time .
In the end I had a problem with the shocks, becaus wrong installation
See you in sand
It was amazing
The same track was driven at night in Ramadan and after being stuck 5 times, on this day the same track and it did not happen to me what happened at night, thanks God... but what happened was the tire came out the rim twice, thank you @Tom for your support all the time .
In the end I had a problem with the shocks, becaus wrong installation
See you in sand
Ahmed Abu Saood 
