The air at the meeting point for today’s Advanced training 4 drive was filled with the kind of excitement that precedes a high school exam, and for good reason too.

After explaining the rules of the graduation drive our sweeper conducted the usual safety briefing, and the group was off. Immediately after starting the drive the group was Cresting, switching and side sloping on the small dunes near the meeting point. The pace was moderate and the convoy looked amazing.

Further on, we entered an area with long curvy crests on low dunes, where our Advanced trainees had to use all the cresting skills that they’d learnt just to stay on the crests. Initially progress was a little shaky, but we soon found our rhythm and were really grooving. We then crossed over into an area of large dunes with slopes that were perfect for high speed side sloping and climbs. The convoy passed through this area in a single sweep, like a finely choreographed stunt team, with rev counters constantly in the red. This all came to an abrubt halt when the convoy encountered their first Offroader level challenge. It was a high, near vertical wall with a switch at the top, that had to be approached in a very particular manner. After a few second tries, and a re-demonstration, the entire convoy nailed the challenge and would have gone back for seconds if we had more time. Unfortunately, we were already running slightly behind schedule at this point in the  drive, and had to press on along our way.

After a short break to catch our breath, sip some coffee and commune with nature, the group received some valuable pointers and encouragement from Marko. Thereafter, the convoy embarked on the next leg of the drive which started in a very technical area. Due to the nature of the dune formation, the most efficient and safest way to traverse this area was to embark on a series of straight cresting maneuvers, which the convoy absolutely slayed. It was heartening to see that the techniques learnt in lesson 2 of Junior training was still fresh in everyone’s minds.

It was around this time that we were joined by Marshall Marc and Victor, who had finished their morning drive and wanted join our Advanced trainees on their important graduation drive, for moral support.

The highlight of the drive followed shortly afterwards with a myriad of Off-roader level challenges that continued all the way to Nagara. The convoy made light work of every challenge that was thrown at them and completed each one with elegance. At Nagara,  the convoy showed that they had the skills and confidence to safely navigate a challenging climb without the guidance of a leader.

Our Advanced trainees showed great skill and stamina during this rather arduous drive. They should each take immense pride in their individual progress and their collective progress as a team.

Marko, Hussam and Rathica – your encouragement and support offered to our Advanced trainees during this milestone drive did not go unnoticed. Marshall Marc and Victor, you certainly added a special flare to the drive and lifted the spirits of our trainees by surprising them with your attendance.

Desert Fellas Marshalls and support team send our best wishes to our Advanced trainees as they await the results of their graduation drive.