Almost4x4

Nahil Trip
You Can Do It was a great fun drive, learnt a lot of tricks. All the cresting and popout was a new lesson learnt.
The marshals did a great job keeping the convoy together and guiding everyone.

NOTE: Proude moment when the founder said i was doing excellent and improved since the last drive.

Thanks to all Marshals and the founder for the wonderful trip.

It was a great drive at Nahil — probably the most difficult terrain I’ve driven so far. Soft patches, tricky climbs, and technical sections really pushed me

Big thanks to Mr. Shamsi, Barish, Archer, Brett, Ehab, and Piotr for guiding us and creating such a solid learning opportunity.

This drive reminded me how much more there is to learn, and how important it is to stay calm and focused. I’m glad to be part of ALMOST, where each drive helps me become more capable and confident behind the wheel.

Looking forward to the next one — and hopefully earning more stars along the way

Nahil trip report.
Fist trip since May 2024 - definitely not going to wait until May 2026 for the next one.

Really enjoyed it - big highlight was the 'terrace dunes' & first time i had seen a pop-out.

Lesson #1 : find the right speed to cross a dune. too slow and you get stuck, too fast and you will jump (worse than getting stuck). Steady speed & release the accelerator once you feel the crest is behind your seat.
Lesson #2 : if stuck don't try to save it on your own as you will most likely dig deep. wait for tips from the marshalls to try & save it without recovery

Looking forward to the next one - thanks to the founder & marhsalls for a great drive

Hello everyone

Thanks @Mabubaker for beat merciful and didn't cause the rescue team to suffer

Since the weather was hot our leading marshal adjusted the level to give enjoyment for the drivers along with safety .

Although I came from a higher level drive in the morning I still enjoyed the afternoon too.

Thanks @Barish for the extra support.

Cheers
Shamsi

Dear Almosters
You Can do it – You Did Do It !
I was early arriving at Nahil – waiting out is the barren landscape at 40C, but once everyone arrived and prepared for the drive it was obvious the heat was not going to deter the keen Newbies.
We had a range of drivers from first timers after CM to 5th Drives with Almost4x4. Quite a selection of different cars also, this helps to add some spice to the drives as the capability of the cars and drivers creates some interesting scenarios.
@Mabubaker did the briefing with valuable input from @alshamsi_m on what the drivers could expect from the drive.
I was stationed in my familiar 2nd lead position with @Ehab floating support. With @alshamsi_m as floating guardian. And the infamous General @Barish as sweeper/director of operations

It was fun to drive behind @AbuBakar and hearing the restrained roar of the Fortuner – I could tell he was itching to go harder but restrained his speed to the level required for the convoy following. There were some 2nd tries due to the soft sand and climb/crosses that tested the skills of the drivers. The pace was increasing and I needed to hold back on a number of occasions so I could maintain a visual on the car behind me, this also allowed @Mabubakr r to ease off so we could keep the convoy together

At one cross @alshamshi called on the radio I had lost sight of the car following me – I had as he was left crested requiring the recovery efforts of @Ehab to dislodge him from the crest. At one point I had just crossed a straight crest and in my peripheral vision I saw @alshamsi_m coming by at speed on my right – I though for a minute we were in catch me if you can drive, but its important to keep your wits about you on every drive 100% concentration and expect the unexpected, keeping your skills sharp ensures you stay safe and don’t become complacent.

All in all it was a fun drive, I think there were some crucial learning points for the drivers and everyone was able to complete the drive safely with some new skills to refine for future drives

You can do it! drive 03.05.2025

And we certainly did it.
This drive went easy and fun, quite a few rope-rescues. There was a memorable 4-level balcony descent, something I have not seen or done before. Reminded me for climbing Moreeb Dune from the side. There was a descent, a balcony, and the next one, I was truly surprised at the third one, not to even mention the fourth. Of course, I saved the location … get in touch if you want to find it! :)

Things I have learned that day include (1) to build up and maintain just sufficient speed while running up the dune to cross it. Or, (2) I was at the end of the convoy, so at times I moved between tracks when taking a steeper climb. (3) How to dig around the popped-out wheels and fit the jack under the car in the correct position when there is an angle on the terrain where the car had to stop/got stuck. (4) How to estimate which direction to pull the car from if it is stuck half-way on top of the sand dune.

The electricity towers already felt familiar on the way out, and I gave the last miles on the way out a good kick with the desert-rock music I like so much.

Thank you marshals and co for teaching us, thank you for the convoy for sharing the afternoon!

That was a challenging drive for me. The drive started around 3:30 and lasted for 3 hours. I covered a total of 22 km with a moving time of 1 hour and 53 minutes. I was positioned behind the second lead, Abubakar, and Brett was in front of me. These men were just flying and passing smoothly, which stressed me a bit as I tried not to lose visual contact with them.

I had some issues with my car, such as a persistent tailgate open signal during climbs. Also, on two crests, my RPM didn’t exceed 4000, and I couldn’t understand why — though it didn’t happen again. Besides that, I misjudged my speed twice and ended up cresting. Thanks to Ehab for the rope rescues. I got stuck in soft sand and self-rescued twice.

The nature and dunes of Nahil were very beautiful, exciting, and different from the other areas I’ve experienced. Especially the “four balconies” — they were very surprising. Overall, it was a very useful and educational drive for me. Thanks to all the crew, marshals, and founder Shamsi for their support and efforts.

Hello everyone

It was hotter than expected due to exceptional weather conditions during these days. However all drivers were ready on time.

Quick briefing was given by our organizer, convoy order by our founder followed by line up and take off!

We have experienced several type of straight crests and drops. It was a good training how to manage the speed and momentum while approaching and exiting the crest. Popout was a bonus to the training session. We have also seen how important tire pressure is especially during hot days.

Dont forget; change is nothing without improvement.

See you next time.

Barish