Slip sliding was exactly what today’s convoy was cautioned against, with a safety briefing that emphasized emergency cancellation of cresting and vehicle control on winding crests.

Today’s convoy was a delightful mix of Advanced Junior trainees and more experienced Off-roaders. Having our Off-roaders strategically deployed throughout the convoy allowed for more intense observation of technique while also providing reliable tracks to follow in more technical terrain.
Slip sliding convoy warmed up on soft technical crests near the meeting point and quickly increased pace as we took a new route to Big Red. This route was a pleasantly varied mix of small bowls and long crests. There were a few second tries in during warm up, but the convoy progressed well by adhering to the safety rules at all times. The group seems to have heeded the feedback that they received from previous trips and it was clearly noticed in their improved communication.

During the break, the support team shared their observations with the Advanced Juniors before heading off to Big Red. I am always extra cautious when leading a large convoy on the slopes of Big Red, however, it was clear from the first two climbs that this group had what it took to conquer the gigantic red mound. So we climbed, crested, and switched our way to the top of Big Red until there was nowhere left to go but down. We crested our way down the longest and highest crest our Advanced Juniors had ever navigated, and they tackled it with style.

Just when they thought it was all over and they could breathe a sigh of relief, the convoy was turned around and led back up the same crest. Sure, there were a few second tries going up, and some third tries as well, but our support team was unrelenting in their efforts to help our Advanced Juniors overcome this challenge. After adjusting tire pressure , gear selection and lots of positive reinforcement , everyone was able to complete the rather tricky climb feeling victorious.
Since we had exceeded our budgeted time at Big Red, the last leg of the drive, from Big Red to the exit, was a race against the clock. With the convoy in hot pursuit, we made light work of all the crests and bowls en-route to Pink Rock. The high climbs around Pink Rock were cleared in one swift pass, without the convoy even noticing that these were once daunting challenges. Thanks to the endurance and focus of the entire convoy, we were able to exit the desert on time, feeling like a victorious army.

Thanks to Hussam (SL) and Zoubeir (SW) for your awesome support, Rathica for being a nurturer and never giving up on our Advanced Juniors, and our Off-roaders for their inspiration and valuable feedback.