Advanced 4 is an excitedly anticipated drive since it marks the end of Advanced training, and the possibility of an upgrade to Offroader level.

Our trainees were ready to show off all the skills that they’d acquired throughout their training, and that is exactly what they did straight off the mark. The trainees exhibited excellent control of their vehicles while warming up on the tricky dunes near Nazwa farms. As we got to the end of the warm up, one of the trainees started to experience technical problems and sadly had to be escorted out of the desert.

The rest of the convoy continued the drive at a higher pace all the way to Big Red. At the summit of Big Red the drive got extremely technical and one wrong move from any of the participants would have resulted in a lengthy recovery.  Fortunately, our remaining Trainee and the experienced support team were in the zone, and made light work  of what could otherwise have been a rather hair-raising crossing.

The convoy descended the Big Red via the Big double-switch like a well choreographed stunt team, and then went on to complete several passes of the crest using different approaches. Malcolm, who was the only remaining Advanced Trainee in the convoy at this pount, had already earned his stripes. But just to be absolutely certain, the convoy was led towards Pink Rock in a non-stop drive through a series of bowls and crests with multiple switches and scatterings of Offroader elements. Malcolm took it all in his stride and was awarded his Offroader flag by Marshall Marc upon arrival at Chef’s bowl.

At this point Marshall Marc exited the convoy, as earlier agreed, to attend to important work related matters, as the rest of the convoy headed to the exit in a slightly calmer fashion.

Congratulations on earning your Offroader flag Malcom. This is the beginning of a whole new chapter of your offroad journey. Drive safely, have lots of fun and remember that every drive is an opportunity to learn something new.

It was a pleasure having Marshall Marc on this graduation drive.  Thanks Zoubeir (SW) and Hussam (SL) for your awesome support and Anders for adding a lively energy to the convoy.