Junior level 4
Junior level 4 convoy were both excited and apprehensive about this drive, due to rumors of the stress that this drive puts on the driver and car.
Junior level 4 is certainly a milestone drive for our Junior Fellas, as it introduces techniques and pace that completely changes their enjoyment of this extreme hobby. To get things started, the convoy practiced straight cresting on small irregular shaped dunes that were overgrown with grass and small shrubs. This made for a very bumpy track and an uncomfortable ride. A few second tries later, the convoy arrived at their first challenge – a lesson in side sloping.
Our Juniors must have been brimming with excitement at the thought of side sloping across the huge curved wall that stood before them. But that all turned to nervous tension when Marshall Marc pointed to a rather precarious bump in the slope. The challenge here was to approach the slope with sufficient momentum to overcome the downward force on the vehicle, and then adjust speed midway to safety clear the bump, before exiting into a bowl.
After the first attempt, Marshall Marc gave the drivers individual pointers on how to improve their execution. Thereafter, this group just went faster and higher with each attempt – and looked great doing it.
On our way to the next challenge, the convoy passed through some “real world “ side slopes and small bowls, which they executed effortlessly. When we did eventually arrive at the challenge – which was an endless slip face that looked like it was purpose built for side sloping, the Junior level 4 convoy ate it for breakfast.
Just before the end of the drive, the convoy completed the long climb to Fossil Rock in Desert Fellas style. With the exception of one Fella, who’s car’s transmission overheated, the rest of the convoy completed this climb three times without incident.
This convoy means business and really works well as a team. I look forward to following their progress on future trips.
Thanks to Marshall Marc for the support, and for giving me the opportunity to lead such an awesome group of Juniors. A big shout out to Rathica (SL) and Hussam (SW) for keeping the convoy safe and making my job a breeze.
7 comments on Junior level 4
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Excellent drive…certainly felt like a milestone and was absolutely a step up in difficulty, which made the entire morning all the more satisfying. Thanks Preggy, support team and the entire convoy! Can’t wait to see what next week is like. PS. I don’t know about car breaker, but I definitely need a new phone mount!
🤣🤣🤣
I used to drop my phone and phone mount regularly until I discovered the the phone mount that I’m currently using. It attaches conveniently onto grip handle on the driver’s side of an FJ cruiser. The one in the link below is better than what I use because it swivels for better angling of the screen.
https://desertfellas.com/product/off-road-phone-holder/
A great drive through some extremely bumpy terrain before hitting some very large side slopes. Having missed last week’s junior level 3 this was a serious step up for me that required complete focus. Fantastic guidance, encouragement and direction from Chef Marc and an honest, straightforward debrief at the end. As always, thanks to the DF team: Chef Marc, Preggy, Rathica, and Hussam for an excellent morning.
Great report, Preggy. It made me relive yesterday again. What a morning we had. Thanks to all for supporting us on our drive to learn as much as we can.
Ya’ll did it again and managed to pleasantly surprise me once more 😀
Our fourth DF drive was nothing short of spectacular! Even though I had had a tough week, and the drive promised to be as rough, as soon as we hit the sand, things started getting better 😀
The road to the drive was shrouded with heavy fog. Getting to the meeting point was stressful, and knowing that the drive was dubbed “the car breaker” added more to our uneasiness.
From the first few meters, the area proved to be quite bumpy, making for an uncomfortable drive. All in all however, the drive was manageable and offered a great learning opportunity.
Once we cleared the bumpy area and started practicing side sloping, the real fun began. The transition marked the start of a faster paced, very disciplined drive. The drive had all kinds of entertaining aspects, including chef Marc instructing Preggy to make sure we don’t miss the big bump in the middle of the side slope 😀
Having Preggy show us how it’s done, and parking Rethica’s and Hussam’s cars as a reference point for us to side slope, was very helpful and it Kept the convoy on the correct path. Throughout the drive, Preggy’s clear instructions, repeated by Rethica in airplane announcement fashion, made our drive much easier and enjoyable 😀
Chef Marc’s watchful eye and comments for driving adjustment, also made us feel safe and well looked after. Hussam did a great job as well encouraging us and keeping it all tidy in the back.
During this drive, the techniques we learned in previous lessons paid off and certainly came in handy, as most of us tap-tapped our way out of sticky situations 😀
The convoy drove very well considering it’s our fourth off-road outing together. I could see huge improvements in myself and all my DF teammates in such a short time 👏🏻
Thank you all for making Friday mornings educational and fun.
I look forward to seeing you all on our next lesson on Friday 😀
It was incredible watching the new Fellas grow from strength to strength. Huge improvement from the Ab Initio but watching the growth in the drive itself was WOW!!!
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Keep up the driving guys. Try not to miss a single drive so you don’t get left behind 🔥🚙