Advanced Junior Level 4
Advanced Junior Level 4 is probably the most memorable drives in a Deser Fella’s off-roading journey.
We asked the Advanced Junior level 4 trainees to bring their A-game, and boy did they bring it. From the warm up all the way to the end of the drive, this group gave it all that they had.
On account of strong westerly winds in the Nazwa area, the dunes were nicely rounded. The wind had also erased all tracks leaving pristine, smooth dunes that were perfect for an afternoon of high speed cresting.
After about 30 minutes of warming up it was clear that the Advanced Junior Level 4 group was serious about driving, so that’s exactly what we did. A few minutes later the convoy stopped for a short break and adjusted tire pressures, which had increased 2 to 3 PSI due to the sweltering sand. The drive then continued at a fast and furious pace with the convoy leaving their mark on every crest that stood between them and the great red landmark.
The approach to Big Red was via a winding uphill trail which required intense focus and control, but it did not faze this convoy at all. They then proceeded to devour the Off-roader level challenges around Big Red before driving their hearts out to the exit point.
The last leg of this drive was a continuous 45 minute stretch of uphill cresting, down hill cresting, reverse switches and bowls, which was the ultimate test of endurance for our Advance Juniors. Radio silence was broken occasionally with a cryptic announcement from the lead and second lead, apart from that the only sound around was the roar of engines begging for a break.
Just when the exit was in sight, the convoy stopped for a leg stretch and to catch their breaths. After a short deliberation between the support and leadership team, the honor of “Off- roader “ was conferred on Ahab, Lynel and Riaan by Marko.
Congratulations to our new Off-roaders, you’ve earned your flags.
Thanks to Johann (SL) and Zoubeir (SW) for helping make this trip a success, and to our seniors for their support and guidance.
5 comments on Advanced Junior Level 4
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Big congratulations to our new Offroaders Ahab, Lynel and Riaan!
Also to Ray and Martin: don’t worry, you will be here soon 🙂
This was one of the best trips we’ve had lately. It feels amazing when all the elements come together and everyone in the convoy pulls it off. The windy start meant we had pristine crests which we took real pleasure in ploughing. The soaring temperatures did not put us back. Instead, we made our way through all the challenges and the “high” feeling was hard to beat!
Thanks support team as always. I had a great time!
Today’s drive was yet again an awesome one, filled with great maneuvers and plenty of learning oppertunities!
Most importantly, today’s drive, for us trainees at least, represented the culmination of the training program, and the application of all the skills we’ve learned from our fellow Desert Fellas.
The drive started off with a brisk pace riding uneven ridges, riddled with steps and cuts, in super soft sand. It was windy and dusty, but not enough to deter the drive.
Moreover, the fact that so many eyes were observing the trainees, added another layer of “psychological” complexity to the drive 😅
Before the second leg of the drive started, Marko threw in a nice learning wrench, when he asked everyone to disengage 4 wheel drive and engage 2 wheel drive instead😳 It was the first time ever that any of the newbies had driven in 2 wheel drive in the sand, and it was an eye opener 😀
I couldn’t believe that we were actually driving on soft sand, in the heat of day, using 2 wheel drive. But, we were, and we did 💪🏻
The drive kept on getting better and better, as the pace picked up, and we were able to experience the river flow effect that Marko always talks about.
Our convoy was just flowing, in harmony, like a river 😍
On today’s drive, it became evident that the harmonious river-flow effect, could only be achieved once we started trusting our fellow DFs, and believing in their abilities to drive the correct way.
Progressing through the drive, Preggy kept on raising the bar and elevating the challenges. The routes he chose to drive were super nice and challenging, and the dunes he picked to conquer were even better 😀
It felt so good just to be driving in a rhythmical fashion and listening to the car engines roar. Therapeutic bliss and adrenaline galore!
To make things even better by the end of the drive, we were told the most exciting news! We have graduated and can now join regular DF drives starting this coming Friday 🙏🏻 That was awesome news🎉
We proudly received our new flag, indicating our new rank, and some cool stickers and badges to go along with it.
Today was a great drive, but also a great testament to all the effort that the DF crew put into teaching us and molding us into the off-roaders we are today. Personally speaking, even though I’ve “graduated”, I know that I have a lot more to learn about this awesome sport, and I look forward to many more drives filled with fun and learning with DFs.
Finally, thank you very much to the crew who helped us get to where we are today; Marko, Marc, Javier, Victor, Hussam, Zubeir, Rathica, Johann, Andres, Aquaman and let’s not forget Nature’s Valley of course 😂
To the AB intio 15s, it was great driving with you all and seeing how far we’ve progressed in such a short period of time. I know it was rough at times, but it was all worth it at the end. Ray and Martin, I’m sorry you weren’t with us yesterday, but life happens. I hope all is well on your end and that you’d be back in action in no time 😀
Thanks again everyone, and see ya’ll on the sand real soon!
Wow! What can I say that Ahab hasn’t already – you, my friend, are extremely articulate! I already see “designated desert fella trip reporter” in your future 🙂
What a drive this was, and what a journey. There are no shortage of offroad clubs in the UAE, but what makes DF stand out is the discipline and attention to detail. It is not for everyone, but once you get used to it, it’s impossible to drive anywhere else. This was my impression through the Junior level training. And while it still holds true, over the last month I’ve realized one thing – friendships and camaraderie mean so much more to me. And this group has some of the nicest people I’ve known. I’m glad to have found DF and look forward to spending every ridiculously early morning with you all 🙂
Thank you EVERYONE (please see Ahab’s comment for full list) very much for welcoming us into your family. I’m proud and thankful to be a part of it. Ray & Martin – can’t wait to see you guys back on the sand again.
This drive resembled all what it means to be a Desert Fella. Thanks to Preggy’s leadership, Marko’s oversight, Javier and Zoubier.
I am proud of what everyone has accomplished so far and I like the spirit, congratulations and well earned for our new fella offroaders, fly the flag high and proud. Catch you in the next fun trips.
On the way to meeting point I had a few laughs as the temperature kept climbing. I was thinking “I must be crazy to be out here”. But the blistering heat wasn’t even the hottest thing out there! Cause boy that drive was absolute FIRE! It’s such an incredible feeling to officially be part of the DF family. Definitely feel at home when I’m the dunes the DF team. Thank you so much to each and every DF team member who kept pushing and supporting. Even when I thought I couldn’t do it, you guys knew I could. Can’t wait till the next drive!!!