FRIDAY MORNING INTERMEDIATE DRIVE – 01/02/13

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  • Anonymous
    February 2, 2013 at 9:42 pm #22833

    I had an amazing time on this intermediate drive. :thanks: to the team for waiting for me and giving me directions to get to the deflation point. And thanks for Kumar sir for selecting me to participate in the drive.

    Great lead by Kumar sir and sweep by Dada.

    I’m still trying to mentally recover from the 2 pop-outs I had in a row. For the first 12 drives I was using Apollo tires and I’ve had 6 pop-outs in those 12 drives. I blamed the tires thinking something is wrong there. Then I switched to Dunlops and this was the first drive I had with the Dunlops and I had 2 pop-outs in a row. The learning in this case is that previously I was happy to blame the tires, but now that I experienced the same with the Dunlops, I realize that its not the tires, but rather my driving skill that requires improvement. So I’m happy I was able to narrow it down to that, which is the first step towards improving myself.

    Thanks to Matthews for coming to the rescue with his monster jack and preparedness. Well deserved member of the week accolade.

    I’ve got blisters on my fingers holding the steering wheel so tight on this exhilarating drive. Yes, we had some issues with pop-outs and some stucks, but over all it felt like we’re riding a roller coaster. Also, got some flat surfaces which provided a breather and some beautiful sights of gazelles running around, before jumping onto the next dunes.

    Firoz did a great job as a second position in the convoy. A few times I saw him changing the approach angle which helped me also follow smoothly. I should have followed his tracks instead of getting stuck in the “bowl”. Thanks to Ganesh for guiding me to self-recover myself out of the bowl.

    Lastly, I was quite impressed by Thomas’ driving. He got stuck twice during the drive, but I later learnt that this was his 6th drive with DO and I think he performed brilliantly. This was a difficult terrain for sure…

    February 3, 2013 at 5:15 am #22834
    quote charaniaimran:

    I’m still trying to mentally recover from the 2 pop-outs I had in a row. For the first 12 drives I was using Apollo tires and I’ve had 6 pop-outs in those 12 drives. I blamed the tires thinking something is wrong there. Then I switched to Dunlops and this was the first drive I had with the Dunlops and I had 2 pop-outs in a row. The learning in this case is that previously I was happy to blame the tires, but now that I experienced the same with the Dunlops, I realize that its not the tires, but rather my driving skill that requires improvement. So I’m happy I was able to narrow it down to that, which is the first step towards improving myself.

    I’ve got blisters on my fingers holding the steering wheel so tight on this exhilarating drive. Yes, we had some issues with pop-outs and some stucks, but over all it felt like we’re riding a roller coaster. Also, got some flat surfaces which provided a breather and some beautiful sights of gazelles running around, before jumping onto the next dunes.

    Perfect! That’s the spirit, Imran. Try to learn from each and every mistake and you will be able to make a very long way ahead :-BD

    These minor hiccups are all part of the learning curve, take it easy and do not get upset [-X You were driving good and as you said, it was not at all an easy terrain. May be you need to focus more on controlled driving, rather than overpowering your machine, giving awkward hits at turns and drops, resulting in pop-out. Its not a big deal, for sure you will acquire those tricks by experience :-BD ๐Ÿ™‚

    Was this drive so tough to hurt your fingers??? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

    See you soon again in sands ๐Ÿ˜‰

    February 3, 2013 at 6:06 am #22836

    Hello Do & MEO

    Sorry for the late drive report, I try to keep away from computers during the weekend and so the delay. i-)

    This intermediate drive was one that was cherished with lots of learning. Want to thank Kumar for giving this rookie a chance and the experience, Ganesh for the incredible job done at sweep and Ashok for tugging me out of that tough spot on the ridge :thanks: :thanks: :thanks: . Thank you Imran for the encouragement, this was my 5th drive with DO and the way you put it helped retain the sense of accomplishment into this drive. ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€

    Matthews congratulations on being recognized as the member of the week and the incredible assortment of equipment you have kitted out your FJ with. You kept a great pace and it was a pleasure following you.

    The drive stared with some short dunes with lots of crests and side sloping. As the first pop out was sounded on the radio and we came to halt I realized that my front tyre was out of air too ๐Ÿ˜• . Trying to fill the air we realized that sand particles were lodged between the tyre and rim and was losing air. The team came to the rescue with Firoz and his lovely family pitching in educating and helping me and my brother fix the issue. :thanks: The learning from this was the importance of the trolley jack the water bottle with a small hole to check for leaks and a good tyre gauge.
    This was followed by more uninterrupted drive over the short and twisty dunes which I would like to refer to as the doldrums with flats to chill out on and short intense little ones to keep you engaged.

    We took a break after a while before the higher dunes and set out. Back in I was stuck twice :ymsick: :ymsick: , predominantly from the lack of experience and the complacency that set in with the ease of navigating the first part. I was buried once on the ridge where Ashok tugged me out :thanks: and shortly after on the side slope where Kumar and Ganesh rescued the car :thanks: #:-s #:-s . Kumar then gave me a lesson on tackling the ridge with the side slope and I must admit that the ease at which he accomplished the task in my little Pajero shows the calibre and experience of our Marshal. It was almost as if he was just changing lanes on the highway. The lesson learnt from this was never ever try to fight the sand but rather to go with the flow and try a second time. Though this has been mentioned and drilled in by the marshals it is seldom used in time before itโ€™s too late. Kumar & Ganesh thank you for the advice and lesson I hope to use this to good stead in the future.
    By this time it was past 12 noon and the marshals had a quick discussion and we headed out to the gas station and on our way back home.
    This was an incredible experience thank you Kumar for including me in this trip, Ganesh for the guidance and my fellow drivers for the great company. A great day out and no cracked or lost bumpers to report.
    See you all in the sand soon. :drive:

    February 3, 2013 at 6:12 am #22837

    Hey, that’s a very nice report Thomas :-BD ๐Ÿ™‚ One more competitor for drive reports ๐Ÿ˜• ๐Ÿ˜• ๐Ÿ˜•

    Happy to know that you enjoyed the drive ๐Ÿ™‚ :-BD
    Look forward to drive with you again :drive: :drive: :drive:

    February 3, 2013 at 10:51 am #22852
    quote brianj:

    ….and post some pics on FB as will Ali I’m sure any way

    Yes, Ale posted the pictures in DO’s FB.

    It was a nice and challenging drive….

    February 3, 2013 at 11:25 am #22854
    quote thomasinasu:

    Hello Do & MEO

    Sorry for the late drive report, I try to keep away from computers during the weekend and so the delay. i-)

    This intermediate drive was one that was cherished with lots of learning. Want to thank Kumar for giving this rookie a chance and the experience, Ganesh for the incredible job done at sweep and Ashok for tugging me out of that tough spot on the ridge :thanks: :thanks: :thanks: . Thank you Imran for the encouragement, this was my 5th drive with DO and the way you put it helped retain the sense of accomplishment into this drive. ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€

    Matthews congratulations on being recognized as the member of the week and the incredible assortment of equipment you have kitted out your FJ with. You kept a great pace and it was a pleasure following you.

    The drive stared with some short dunes with lots of crests and side sloping. As the first pop out was sounded on the radio and we came to halt I realized that my front tyre was out of air too ๐Ÿ˜• . Trying to fill the air we realized that sand particles were lodged between the tyre and rim and was losing air. The team came to the rescue with Firoz and his lovely family pitching in educating and helping me and my brother fix the issue. :thanks: The learning from this was the importance of the trolley jack the water bottle with a small hole to check for leaks and a good tyre gauge.
    This was followed by more uninterrupted drive over the short and twisty dunes which I would like to refer to as the doldrums with flats to chill out on and short intense little ones to keep you engaged.

    We took a break after a while before the higher dunes and set out. Back in I was stuck twice :ymsick: :ymsick: , predominantly from the lack of experience and the complacency that set in with the ease of navigating the first part. I was buried once on the ridge where Ashok tugged me out :thanks: and shortly after on the side slope where Kumar and Ganesh rescued the car :thanks: #:-s #:-s . Kumar then gave me a lesson on tackling the ridge with the side slope and I must admit that the ease at which he accomplished the task in my little Pajero shows the calibre and experience of our Marshal. It was almost as if he was just changing lanes on the highway. The lesson learnt from this was never ever try to fight the sand but rather to go with the flow and try a second time. Though this has been mentioned and drilled in by the marshals it is seldom used in time before itโ€™s too late. Kumar & Ganesh thank you for the advice and lesson I hope to use this to good stead in the future.
    By this time it was past 12 noon and the marshals had a quick discussion and we headed out to the gas station and on our way back home.
    This was an incredible experience thank you Kumar for including me in this trip, Ganesh for the guidance and my fellow drivers for the great company. A great day out and no cracked or lost bumpers to report.
    See you all in the sand soon. :drive:

    Great Report Thomas, Kumars drives are definitely a bench mark when it comes to learning and enhancing your skills.

    I’ve personally observed you on morning drive when I was leading & you have picked offroad drivng up very quickly……well done & keep up the good work.

    February 3, 2013 at 1:12 pm #22860

    Dear Friends,

    Was down with throat infection and hence the delay in the report.

    First of all thanks to Kumar, Ganesh and Khalil to select me for this drive :thanks: :thanks: :thanks:

    It was great drive friday early morning , my first drive with Khalil as lead and first intermediate drive as well. Thanks ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^

    Track was well chosen and had soft sand, tricky bowls and high dunes. Both my vehicle and myself (including my family ) were put to test and both of them reached the inflation point in one piece. ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

    My son was always feeling easy on all previous drives and was looking forward for more challenging one and during this drive I managed to scare
    him a bit.

    I had a pop out and 2 stuck at the crest which were well recovered by Rob and Khalil. Thanks a ton to both of you. ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^

    Thanks a lot of Rein and Brian for companionship and fast paced drive.

    There was lof wind and even after fixing 5-6 times my DO flag gave up and finally flew away ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜€

    Looking forward for upcoming drives.

    Dhaval

    February 3, 2013 at 2:12 pm #22862
    quote Saif:

    I’ve personally observed you on morning drive when I was leading & you have picked offroad drivng up very quickly……well done & keep up the good work.

    Thank you Saif for the encouragement :thanks:

    The report writing skills were horned reading some of the others on the site, so for all the great report writers out there :thanks: and moreover after bogging the group down to two rescues the least i could do was put an effort into the report =)) or face court-martial ๐Ÿ˜€

    February 3, 2013 at 2:20 pm #22863
    quote thomasinasu:

    moreover after bogging the group down to two rescues the least i could do was put an effort into the report =)) or face court-martial ๐Ÿ˜€

    Thats a good one Thomas :)) :)) :)) =)) =)) =))

    February 3, 2013 at 4:54 pm #22865
    quote charaniaimran:

    I had an amazing time on this intermediate drive. :thanks: to the team for waiting for me and giving me directions to get to the deflation point. And thanks for Kumar sir for selecting me to participate in the drive.
    Great lead by Kumar sir and sweep by Dada.

    Firoz did a great job as a second position in the convoy. A few times I saw him changing the approach angle which helped me also follow smoothly. I should have followed his tracks instead of getting stuck in the “bowl”. Thanks to Ganesh for guiding me to self-recover myself out of the bowl.

    Thanks Imran. I was just following our great Marshal ๐Ÿ™‚ . You did well and I was very happy seeing you sticking to my back… :drive: Keep driving and you’ll do wonders.
    And “INASU” sorry Thomas…we just love calling you that way ๐Ÿ™‚ …Pop outs are all part of the learning curve..stick to the basics and keep driving.

    May be we never had 3 popouts (or rather air leak!!) Together in one place…same time…But the ease with which we sorted this as team needs to be appreciated…We worked simultaneously without waiting…that’s the spirit of our team..Can’t leave without mentioning the special tools and enthusiasm of Mathews…you deserve a big :ymhug: dear.

    Thanks to Kumar, Ganesh, Imran. Thomas. Mathews, Ashok and shot gun Mujeeb for the nice company. Enjoyed the drive: drive:

    And thanks to our Fellow convey lead by Khali, Rob, Brian, Dhaval, Rein and team…it was a very nice Friday morning gathering.

    February 3, 2013 at 6:57 pm #22866

    Hey Tom, this is not a military organisation, there are no ranks or superior or inferior members so court martial is possible!! Sounds like you guys had just as much fun as us lot.

    A quick moment of seriousness in all this fun ๐Ÿ˜• What’s he gonna say now ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

    We as a group are graced with a bunch of guys who not only know their stuff but are willing to give us punters a fair shot at the dice. :ymhug: That is pretty special, so it becomes implicit on us lot to face up to our responsibilities in making sure that when we join together out there that we know, in our gut, that the guy or girl standing next to us has done his or her best to make sure that he or she has enough kit to see the deal through B-)

    I’m not talking tyre deflators here, I mean a flag- a serious bit of safety kit, a radio- that is programmed, a shovel- not a foldup yuppie model but something you can dig yourself or a brother out with (they are cheaper too), a simple first aid kit to help stop later infection, enough food to keep your energy levels up-not just cans of RED Bull but a sweet potato to munch on or home baked meat pie. In taking care of yourself you help take care of us all :thanks:

    Our Marshall’s support us a 110%, let us make sure we support them by doing our level best at being responsible too ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Here ends the rant …sorry guys, I’m embarrassed for my own lack of attention to detail :-ss

Viewing 11 posts - 31 through 41 (of 41 total)
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