Intermediates in Butais with Jithu

[JITHU]

Trip report - Intermediates in Butais with Jithu


Initial plan was to organise an afternoon trip for 6 intermediate drivers in Butais, one of the most beautiful terrains in UAE with the support of Marshal Ajesh. However due to the overwhelming response of Intermediate members we had to increase the capacity with the additional support of Marshal Kevin and Thomas (advance).

In the final moment we got the support of Marshal Flaghunter also who were present in the location after the morning drive.

Total 12 intermediate drivers turned up for the drive and they were split into two convoys. The convoy led by me was supported by Kevin as the second lead and Thomas as the sweeper.

Ajesh's convoy was supported by Marshal Flaghunter. (Trip report of subject convoy will be posted by Ajesh)

Apart from the support drivers, my convoy consists of Christophe, Narek, Noob, Sooraj, Abdul Razeem and Ahmad Bitar.

After initial briefing of safety measures and do's & don'ts of intermediate driving we headed towards the serene dunes of Butais.

Since it was my first lead with the club, Marshal Kevin provided valuable advices and feedback about leading an intermediate convoy. We headed towards Tree dunes and took our first break. During the break time Advance plus drivers exhibited there skills of sidecresting and riding on top of the crest. After that we headed further east and tested our side sloping skills on large & semi large dunes etc.
All the drivers did exceptionally well on all occasions.

In the later stage there were some recoveries which were managed by the sweeper Thomas.

As per the initial plan we exited the dunes exactly at 5 pm and headed towards Bu Tais Gate for deflating.

Thanks everyone, especially the Marshals Kevin, Flaghunter, Ajesh & Thomas (Advance) for your kind support for successfully and safely organising my first lead trip with the Club.

[Ajesh]

Convoy 2
Ajesh
Nassir (Second lead)
Afzal
Stouchka
Omar al Hosani
Vishnu
Lanzski (Sweeper)
Flaghunter ( Supporting Marshal)

Thanks Jithu for organising the trip. We split the convoy initially and had separate briefings. While some drivers were in Bu tais for the first time, all of them had done atleast 3 intermediate trips.

After the long run on the gatch, we got into the dunes at the far end. Initially some lower dunes were used for side sloping and encouraged by the confidence of our convoy, the level was slowly increased.

The convoy soon found its rhythm and we side sloped our way through a good number of dune faces. Taking occasional mini breaks and spending just enough time for the one assisted recovery, we safely exited following Jithu’s convoy by 5.30 after some 60 kms of driving.

Very happy with the convoy’s driving skills and control and all the drivers did well. Marshal Michal seemed to be enjoying his new Toy Jeep as well overlooking the convoy from the high vantage points.

Thanks Michal for the support and Nassir and Lanzki for a good second lead and sweep respectively.

Till next time...

[Nassir]

Thank you Ajesh & Jithu for the wonderful drive...

[Mytommi]

Thanks Jithu, well planned and managed intermediate trip. Was a pleasure supporting you.

Thomas