Dune Bashing

Okay, if you thought desert driving was all about dune bashing and watching the sun set over huge sand dunes, then you probably have not seen or heard all. As a professional dune basher (yes, there is a terminology to describe those special type of people for whom demolishing the mounds of sand is the source of unmistakable thrill, aka, the dune bashers) I do tell you on authority and experience that desert driving is not associated with gleaming land cruisers.

It’s sheer pleasure for me to share with you my experience with the sands for the last 9 years of off-roading (wonder who coined that word though!!)

How it all began: It has been a learning experience for me, from the time I ventured out into the desert for the first time under the watchful guidance of Fhadi, a pony tailed Lebanese and an excellent off-roader in his mid 30’s. Fahdi insisted on lecturing us on the basics of dune bashing before riding into the dunes to apply his tricks on bashing and slice the giant dunes. “The key to driving in the desert is how you manipulate your momentum,” he told me and I still remember it as it were yesterday. That word of advice has stuck with me and many a times that is what has got me out of many a ‘sandy’ situation!!

Once the adrenaline rush was over, we were faced with many mess-ups. Like getting stuck, good and proper when all you can see is the top of the car because the monster you have been driving has gone and sunk itself to its chase in sand (a terrible nightmare if you as me!!). Fahdi, the thorough professional however made the impossible dream of ever seeing the car back on road, possible with his expertise.

It is only after this you learn valuable lessons involving nature and machine that you can actually begin to enjoy the whole episode.

On my own: Not many days after my first lessons, I was riding the dunes, sliding, slicing the great mountains of sand, happy at being on my own, thinking I had seen and learnt all. But ha, surprises were yet to come my way. Time and again I got stuck in the sandy pockets on the ledges, near dry bushes. You see, sands, like the seas and the mountains do not like a man as their master. It is confidence sapping, however, but the thrill is mastering it all__ in the best possible way you can. But it helps a great deal when you keep in mind that, you have not actually learnt all. Keeps you cautious and in check and prepared for surprises.

The desert has a certain magical charm to it that makes you want to come back to it again and again. Respecting it is important as well__ a great way to enjoy its bounty and mystical wilderness.

As a professional: Then came the days when I started to drive professionally for companies organizing desert safaris for clients of varied cultural back grounds__ all wanting a taste of the desert and warm blood rushing through their veins. But driving for a company with people who depend on you is different from going off on your own. The risk is far greater when you have a bunch of first-timers in the backseat, holding on for dear life as the Land Cruiser faces a vertical drop.

Even today, several years into chopping off the perfectly formed sandy mountains, a thrill runs up my spine as I view the endless possibilities the desert has to offer. And I am thankful to what Fahdi told me about momentum. It has always worked in my favour.

On road and off road as well.