First of all, I’d like to say a great big thank you to all those that have attended today’s drive and supported me in making this trip possible. Without you, this trip wouldn’t have happened at all!!!

We drove from Nazwa area to Pink Rock and out at the 2nd December Cafeteria.

This was an offroader level drive. I began the morning with a briefing on the safety of cresting and switching to make sure all the members were familiar with the basic principles.

We started the drive with an easy drive and as we got to pink rock met up with some nice S curve dunes to play on. We did a few attempts up on the big hill and then exited at the cafeteria.

The drive and execution was far from perfect. I had 2 pop outs and several stucks that needed recovery – and no doubt I have picked up so many valuable lessons in all aspects today. So thanks all for bearing with me.

Convoy:

Amir – thanks a lot man for your service as the second lead. Overall I thought you did great. Your drive was excellent and I was able to drive without having to worry about the convoy. But in hindsight I feel we need to improve our communication more and next time I will be sure to brief you (or any future second leads) separately on each of our roles. My bad on this one!

Tarek – really really well done today. You managed to do a perfect drive! I saw that you were controlling your car well, and a big Congratulations on being Offroader after this drive. You drove like one today and you totally deserve it. But don’t get too carried away; drive on the level of each trip and learn something from each lesson even when you join the junior drives.

Salah – man you have totally surprised me! You have improved so much since we last drive together – and that was not too long ago!! Driving of course, but the dedication you have to be so proactive for the club is something we should all respect for you. I felt that the input you provide really deserve credit. Thank you so much today for all the recovery too.

Rashid – you didn’t do any direct recoveries today but I saw that you were there always to help out and offer your valuable opinion on each situation. Thanks a lot for being there today. Often the guy fitting the recovery ropes or digging with the shovel or the one standing by the side step to avoid roll overs don’t get much attention from the team but guys like you are certainly the best!! Truly appreciate it.

Marko – where were you today you were like a ghost during the actual drive. But I know for you were there watching us from the outside and the feedback you gave me after the drive was the best part of the trip for me. Thanks a lot man. Will try and improve on it and come back with more trips.

I want to finish the report by saying one thing….

In future trips, all drivers need to be careful not to change the track. At all times the convoy should be following the lead unless there is danger ahead and the convoy needs to be redirected to a safer route. This is not to make your drive miserable, but for the safety of the guys behind you, since you don’t always know the level of the driver behind you. So all members of our club, please take note and respect this simple rule.

Overall the trip had so many ups and downs it is still spinning in my head. I hope everyone that joined also learnt something new today. I look forward in driving with you all again soon!