Warm welcome
Our newest Offroader level drivers certainly got a warm welcome to driving at this level with Desert Fellas.
Deflation was hastily executed with the sun directly overhead and the mercury bubbling at 46 degrees Celsius. A quick safety briefing from the shelter of our cars, and we were off.
The long humpety bumpety drive to the desert entry point was abruptly ended by an onslaught to crests that were unlike anything our new Offroaders had experienced. To their credit, they handled the extremely pointed crests very admirably. This was immediately followed by a very technical area which was almost entirely traversed by skimming the tops orf small crests. The pace was slow but it demanded intense focus.
The good skills of the group meant that progress was swift even in the most demanding areas. Just before we reached the planned break spot, a Fella complained about an unusual sound from his car’s drive train, so the convoy stopped momentarily to investigate the noise. Since the planned stop was only a short distance away, we agreed to extend this stop into a break to rehydrate and enjoy some snacks.
From here on the bowls got huge and climbs got steep, and seriously high. The convoy approached Super bowl via the infamous Triple by-pass crest and made it look completely undemanding. Just before before leaving Super bowl the lead was informed that his rear left tire may be punctured. On closer inspection it looked like it came out on the losing side of a sword fight with a Samurai. By the time we were done with changing the tattered tire we were already running behind schedule.
We agreed to make a beeline for the exit point and end our trip before sunset. Murphy, however, had different plans us. A few minutes on our way to the exit we encountered a lone vehicle with a pop out. The senior Fellas on the drive were quickly galvanized into action and the pop out was repaired without fuss.
Another few minutes into the drive the lead found himself bellied on a sharp crest like beached whale. Our sweeper revealed his superpower and executed a safe recovery in a “Flash”. From there on it was smooth sailing all the way to Badayer shops.
Thanks to Johann (SL), Zoubeir “The Flash” (SW) and Hussam for keeping the convoy safe and then great camaraderie. The true heros of this trip though,were our guests, who endured a demanding trip without complain.
4 comments on Warm welcome
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Sharjah was the place to be on Friday at 47 degrees high!
It was a great trip. Everyone reaching well ahead of schedule showed that Fellas were excited to crack on.
The warm up area was well chosen with a variety of techniques involved. The landscape was beautiful.
On the way to the challenge of the day, we ploughed all the crests in sight and the adrenaline was running high.
The tyre failure proved how important it is to have a spare tyre in good condition, as well as the mandatory safety equipment. The stranded lone ranger proved the importance of a convoy, safety equipment as well as proper recovery techniques.
The drive to the exit was picturesque. Shades of orange on the top of the dunes made it delightful.
Thanks to everyone who made it a successful drive – Preggy painted some amazing lines, support team brought their A-game and convoy flew like a river.
Can’t wait for the next drive in that area!
I don’t know if Preggy’s appellation of
our first drive is spot on, because it was a few hundred degrees warmer than warm 😀
Between the soaring temperature, the castigating sun and the level of the challenges, warm simply does not cut it. Blazing, scorching, fiery, scalding, searing, sweltering, sizzling are all adjectives that come to mind when describing Friday afternoon’s welcome drive 😜
À la Preggy, the drive stated out with a quick tire warm up; that lasted about 2 seconds 😂 and then the fun started. Soft sand, heat, amazing terrain, and capable drivers, made the drive very enjoyable.
I knew that some of the ascents and crossings we did were significant, but I was too concentrated on driving that I didn’t really register any of the names or maneuvers; I remember bypass, bowl, pop-out and knocking noise, but that’s pretty much it 😂
DF crew was ever watchful and attentive and made us feel safe at all times.
Our three guests were also very gracious; and my guest even declared that he will never ingest shawarma sandwiches before attending one of our drives 😂
Thanks Preggy, Zoubeir and Houssam for supporting the drive. Preggy, thanks for your generosity and for the yummy sandwiches 😀
Also, thank you DF for helping that stranded family we encountered. It was a great deed we did, and I felt awesome to have been part of the group 🙏🏻
I hope everyone has a great week ahead, and see ya’ll soon!
This was a fantastic drive! First time in the area, and I can see why it’s so popular amongst a lot of groups. Some amazing views and incredible climbs. Thanks a lot Preggy for the lovely lines and both Ahab and Preggy for the mid-drive snack! Thanks Zoubeir for your support as always and everyone else – always a pleasure driving with you guys. Looking forward to next week!
Welcome to the other side gents, the real fun begins now, you should be proud of yourselves for the performance and dicipline you have shown.
Preggy, cannot say enough about how well this trip went, thank you really for showing us that it is not about being there only but about how to be there in style, and I tell you my friend, this is show-worthy with bragging rights.
Johann and Zoubier you guys rocked it, I enjoy our team work more everytime, except when Johann breaks something in my car 😂