ANIT/Newbies to Khatim 15 Jan 2021

[Ajesh]

The day started with one of the most extreme and dense fogs of the year with visibility reduced to almost a meter. Some of the drivers called ahead and were advised that the start time will be delayed till the fog lifts.

We had a big convoy of 27 registered cars and had the gracious support of Marshals Abdula Qadir, Kevin and Mark. We had decided to split the convoy into two and Kevin agreed to take the Newbie convoy.

This trip report is for the Convoy of ANIT/fairly new newbies. Kevin would put in the Newbie trip report in parallel.

Convoy

Marshals
Ajesh (Lead)
Abdul Qadir (Sweeper)
Loefflmj1 (Mark) -( Roving Sweeper)

Support
Lanski (Second Lead)

Drivers

Newbies
Bimalnair
Moin4ever
RafiqMD
Sachsur
Ayafasad4x4

ANITs
Dion Collier
Ameenkvs
Cbott89
Gysbert
Oskarb
Ashraf_Auh

We waited till about 9.45 am for the fog to lift which allowed us sufficient time to do a detailed briefing wherein we touched upon the origins of the club, different levels, safety aspects, equipments required and basis off road etiquettes. Some common questions regarding the type of equipment to use and shops were discussed.

Once visibility improved, we started the trip. The Khatim area is perfect for a newbie trip with its open areas and small dunes allowing for a lot of straight cresting and winding track selection.

After having an initial hiccup with a city bumper giving up, we slowly gathered pace . The new drivers demonstrated good control while also keenly listening and responding to the Support teams' guidance.

We had some regulation stucks, second tries which were dealt with effectively. The drivers were guided on self recovery methods and only when those failed, assisted recovery was done.

We also had a pop-out which was efficiently fixed with marshal support.

Thanks to Marshals Abdul Qadir and Mark for looking after the convoy and actively sharing from their vast off road experience. Also thanks to Lanzki for being a solid second lead and changing track as and when requested .

We exited the play area by 12.45 p.m after some 25 km of desert driving.

It was a fun day and hope we triggered the offroading bug sufficiently in our promising new bunch of members.

Till next time...

[ashraf_auh]

It was a wonderful drive and a great opportunity to meet very kind and supportive members.
Looking forward for many more to come.
Ashraf

[Ayfas]

It was my second trip on sand and was fantastic. Ajesh with Abdul qadir and mark was very supportive and it was a very good learning.

[Abdul Qadir]

Thanks Ajesh for organizing early morning trip. All the drivers did very well. it was nice to see almost all the registered members joined.

[ossme]

Thank you guys for the lovely trip. It is nice to see all of you again! ^_^

[Oskarb]

Thank you for the trip. Had a great time!

[DCol]

Thank you for an amazing first off road experience, what a great community!