As the waning months of summer brings the promise of cooler days ahead, it was time to forge new routes. Such was the mission of our modest convoy today as we embarked on the journey before the break of dawn.

Venturing into unknown territory is an art that demands finesse with the pre-dawn light, sand contours were particularly difficult to read. Yet this intrepid band skillfully navigated the slopes, our progress only slowed by the unexpectedly sharp crests  sculpted by fierce winds during the preceding week. A couple of kinetic recoveries were executed, and the second lead adeptly adjusted crests surfing ratios to master these shifting sands.

An hour into the journey, a moment to rest presented itself beside a tranquil pond before pushing onward into a more familiar domain, adorned with epic bowls and magnificent crests.

Passing through flat expanses and an area dotted with smaller dunes, the pace remained relaxed. However, fate had its own designs. As the convoy warmed up on one of these modest dunes, the rear wheel of our second lead’s vehicle lost grip, fought with gravity and collided with a ridge, ending with some car damage. Securing the car and ensuring the driver was unscathed and safe, we surveyed the scene. The driver exuded a calm demeanor, masking any residual shock.The vehicle’s bodywork bore the brunt of the incident but luckily chassis, driveline, and accompanying components stood resilient.

The incident served as a reminder: the desert, whether tamed at a leisurely pace or conquered with furious speed, demands respects from novice, expert and every soul who traverses its expanse must never fight gravity.

With an evaluation complete and insights into the incident gained, we set our selves, then traveled towards the nearby emergency exit. Makeing the return journey to the comfort of homes, there was time to arrange the vehicle repair process and plan the day we would return to conquer the very route that had momentarily bested us.