Chasing the Sunny

[nidal78]

Hello dear Almosters
Our drive this weekend was in old Sweihan which we used to call it mini Al Quaa and it is one of my favorite spots because of its beautiful and challenging relief
We started our adventure at 3:30 pm under the leading of marshal @Rashidjass @dorudoru as second lead me as sweeper, supported by marshals @Daggerfall and @Scorpio and advance @Arminjune and @orlantsev
As usual @Rashidjass get in business quickly with a fast base jumping from crest to another and of course this causes some second tries to some of us
then we reached the first big bowl (the G bowl)
The most famous way to ride this bowl is to start from the left side with top speed riding the sidewall and end up riding the big ridge on the right, but because of the super soft sand and some pumps in the middle of the sidewall most of the drivers couldn’t make it but the good thing for me as sweeper I had the chance to see everyone movement and learned from it so I decided to take higher line to avoid the pumps and get better angle to ride the ridge and it worked well for me but when I reached the ridge I found it too sharp to control the car on it so I ride it for few seconds and exit from it and I was so lucky that @Daggerfall captured an amazing photo of this moment (thank you so much @Daggerfall )
After the G bowl we attacked almost all the chains and the bowls in the area from different angles which made the enjoyment and excitement at the top level
Of course as usual old Sweihan had to call for it payoff so we had one cut tyer and couple of stucks but overall we all enjoyed this amazing day
Closing my report with huge thank to the organizer and leading marshal @Rashidjass for such an awesome drive, to our supporting marshals @Daggerfall and @Scorpio for keeping an eye on everyone and to advance drivers @Arminjune and @orlantsev for their efforts
Last but not least to all my intermediate friends who played safe and well
Till next time stay safe and see you soon on sand

[orlantsev]

Hello,

after lots of usual struggles with overheat I asked experts for help. Got some instructions from @Mazaaj and went to a particular garage in Al Ain in the morning before the drive.

The garage seems to only do one thing - install Spal fans and in the time I spent there all the cars were Nissan's. So I got my set of two 2,500 cfms. Since the drive was in Sweihan I decided to stay in Al Ain overnight so my wife could also catch up with friends living there.

I can say I am a happy bunny after the drive. The fan really helped a lot and there was never a time that the gauge reached above half. This is despite driving in big dunes mostly using 1st gear in scorching afternoon heat.

For a few drivers it was their first time in old Sweihan, and considering this I think everyone did well. Few more drives in this area and you will be ready for the even bigger dunes in Al Qua, Wagan etc..

[Paddy]

Chasing the Sunny.

Well I joined the drive as a passenger and trust me it was the best drive I have witnessed with the club.

I would like to thank organising marshal @Rashidjass for letting me be a part as a passenger.

All my friends who have already moved to intermediate level were present and performed really well. Specially @Aljamhi he was in full form. @Ely and @AhmadHasan you guys were seriously missed.

This was the first drive where I saw even supporting marshals were following convoys track, so now you can imagine how the drive must be.

Every single one of them performed really well and unimaginable flow was seen.

Looking forward to soon be an active part of the such drive than as a passenger.

See you all on sand soon.

~BR
Paddy

[Daggerfall]

Hi Almosters,

Old Sweihan never disappoints us. The dunes were fresh, the scenery was beautiful, and convoy flow was good despite the fact that we had fresh intermediates

@Rashidjass as usual, provided us a great lead that we also enjoyed following his track

Thanks to all participated and supported

See you on the next drive

[Vika]

Hello everyone!

So, i am in my third Intermediate Drive. After realizing that my car needed some maintenance, I hurried to do everything possible within the week to get my car in order and prepare it for the next weekend. Summer is still in full swing. The heat is absolutely unbearable. Even meeting time is 15:30, and it is supposed to end at 18:30.

The meeting point was - old Sweihan, and that was already a promising start. During a brief session, as even within five minutes we could feel our feet burning from the scorching sand, @Rashidjass , of course, mentioned the differences of this area: the dunes are bigger, the sand is softer, there are several bowls with fairly sharp edges, and we need to be very careful, better to make a few attempts rather than put ourselves in a dangerous situation. @Daggerfall added some invaluable technical advices, which are always practical and appreciated.

@Rashidjass was the leading car, @dorudoru as a second lead, @Daggerfall and @Scorpio are floating marshals along with two advanced drivers @orlantsev and @Arminjune . I was assigned in the end of convoy to be able to try my new tyres and to get used to new maintenance in my car.

Well, what can I say? I’ve heard many times that with good tires, I would feel a huge difference, but I never imagined it would be this colossal. At first, I didn’t realize that it was an aircraft I was dealing with. I mean, the tires somehow, with the slightest acceleration, just let me go up with such ease. And then I encountered a situation where, mentally, with my previous tyres I still had to push hard to climb, to press the pedal all the way to the floor. And on top of that, I had to cream and shout to add some additional power to my car.
So with my new tyres it turned to overspeeding what is extremely dangerous, considering the intermediate level of the drives, specially when you are on the edge.

Without hesitation, I took my time to understand how to approach the top of the dune. I made several attempts to find the right speed needed to perform a side crest properly, without flying or making a critical mistake. And yes, i did it, and my happiness had no bounds. The adrenaline i got made me shaking from the start of the drive to its finish. I remained intensely focused throughout, and members of the convoy came to me asking why i was so calm? My concentration stemmed from a deep understanding of the responsibility I carried—something I’ve always taken seriously.

Earlier, I had watched the Intermediate Drivers with admiration, marveling at how effortlessly they seemed to glide over the dunes. At some point during the drive, I realized that I was now doing the same. There was no time to hesitate or doubt; I simply followed the convoy, and leader’s instructions, and stayed on track.

The memories of learning off-roading in Al Faqaa, so special area to me, provided me with additional confidence. Back then, I felt comfortable only on flat area. When it came time to drive up to the edge of a dune and learn to control the car on that edge—yes, there were moments of getting stuck and multiple second tries —but eventually, you realize that you’re getting the hang of it. We all learn, and the key is to do it right, without letting ego rush the process, and taking your time.


My favorite playlist, the same one I drove to back then, also gave me strength and confidence. This playlist is incredibly important to me, and once again, it didn’t let me down.

In conclusion, I want to say that we all returned from the drive absolutely happy. The most important thing was that we all came back safe and sound, with smiles on our faces. We had time to enjoy some watermelon from @Moustafa19 , take in the beauty of the sunset, and enjoy the company and conversations with all the drive members. It was an incredible experience, and I am deeply grateful to everyone for allowing me to be a part of it.

Thank you @Rashidjass for organizing such a drive and your endless care. Marshals, Advanced for you rescue and support and all the members who made this event happened.

With big respect.

Viktoriia

[Moustafa]

Hello everyone

The Same Marshal in the same area , but totally new track and challenges for all of us

The fun continued with leadership of @Rashidjass ,@Daggerfall and joining of @Scorpio (was happy to see him after some time )

@Rashidjass was the leading marshal and he had shown us hidden paradise in Sweihan and the track was totally deferent from last week trip with new challenges and experience to add more skills and sharps our control and awareness of our cars

@Daggerfall @Red Scorpion was always around us with our advance drivers @Arminjune and @orlantsev with full support

Was amazing drive as usual

Thanks for all my friends who has joined @dorudoru ( our official 2nd lead ) @Paddy as passenger @Rathica @Aljamhi @mpodroid @nidal78 @Vika and @Msharhan

@Daggerfall has showed me the meaning of taking action photos ( I don’t think will be able to take any mor photos )

See you soon

[Msharhan]

Chasing the Sunny

Yes, as the name states, it was a true chase trip led by Marshal @Rashidjass. we explored some of the best dunes in the area. Despite the intense heat, the convoy kept a smooth flow, thanks to the great skills and support from the marshals and advanced drivers.

It was my first time driving in this area which is a smaller versions of Al Quaa, the dunes were steeper and softer, so had to put all skills in place to navigate safely. With help from the support team, all managed to overcome the challenges and enjoyed every moment.

The best part was the teamwork and friendship within the convoy, along with the beautiful desert scenery and sunset. We all returned safely, with big smiles and great memories.

A big thank you to @Rashidjass for organizing the drive and @Daggerfall and @Scorpio for all your guidance and support and everyone else for your good vibes.

Can’t wait for the next trip!