bike servicing in Senegal/Mali?
 

Hi,

In Nouadhibou (Mauri) at the moment, and heading towards St Louis then Bamako over the next few days, hopefully. Got a lot of sand in the bike (Enfield) and I need to change the engine and gearbox oil, and hopefully scoop out the goop. Can anyone recommend a place I can do this? Any garages give you space to work on the bike yourself? Whats the best approach if you want to do the work yourself, but somewhere safe incase something goes wrong and you need extra bits?

cheers,
Doug

Hi Dougie,
In december 2003 The "Robinson" way down on the Langue de Barbarie was a very cool and cheap place to relax and recover, and repair a few bits and bobs. They were pretty hard hit by the carnet legislation (hardly any tourists) but they know people who can sort stuff if your bike is in a bad way.
We did the oil change in a Shell garage which is 50m down on the left just before you cross the great big rusty bridge. For the price of the oil they did it for us (Iveco - 8 litres of oil)
Hope this helps
Luke

Great thanks. Probably heading down that way early next week, so will try and get my stuff sorted there.

cheers,
Doug

Luke,

Found the Robinson in St Louis, really great place. Just sitting watching the waves and drinking cheap beers! Thanks for the recommendation.

cheers,
Doug

Hi Doug,
You have to admit the fish market stinks though.
If you've got the time pop in on Yossou in Poponguine, a really welcoming chap with half a beach house in a very relaxed village. Good Restaurant just above him. Best spot on the Petite Cote south of Dakar(IMHO).
Also can't recommend the Casamance highly enough; it's the greenhouse of Senegal, the police are rare and relaxed (the opposite of the North. Places worth a detour: Affiniam (if you can find it) and Cape Skirring. Drop me a line off forum if you're going that way. (wlukeh at hotmail etc.)
Happy trails
Luke

[This message has been edited by Luke (edited 14 January 2005).]