Coming to the hobby, living in West Africa

[VincentHix]

Boi, I guess I'm just tired of walking or paying Zimmy Johns (moto taxi's) to get around, and I need a new hobby.

I live and work aboard the world's largest charity hospital ship, the M/V Africa Mercy, where I have worked as an engineer for the past two years. We are currently in Lome, Togo and soon in Conakry, Guinea.

The ship provides free major medical surgeries, dental care, and eye care to some of the poorest people in the world, and they do so with an all-volunteer crew from over 30 countries.

I plan on building something simple to get me rolling, and then build something more complex as time goes on. I live on a shoestring buget, so it may take awhile, which is OK, it gives me more time to lurk through the threads and get some ideas and learn what not to do from everyone here, lol.

The shipping of kits and parts is going to be the killer. It takes about 3 weeks for snail mail and I pay about $16 a kilo for the postage. If I order something heavy I can have it sent for free in a cargo container, but that takes 8 weeks from the US or Holland.

Most of the China Girl kits look the same to me, but I'll need to figure out in posts to come about consumible spare parts to keep me going.

Glad to be here and I look forward to the good times to come !!



http://www.mercyships.org/index.php/pages/about-fleet

 

[Anton]

Hi, Interesting occupation and great to see you're helping people in need. I presume you get to travel all over the world to see different countries. You wont look back after building a motorized bike. Will be an excellent way to get around!

 

[darwin]

Welcome and your work is honorable.

 

[Al.Fisherman]

Great work...5 thumbs up.

First off I want to welcome you to the forum. Not only do we have a wide range of knowledgeable members, should you have questions, the response time is really fast.

We have numerous “stickies” that cover just about any aspect on all MB’s, along with a “SEARCH” function. Although at times it isn’t the easiest to use. This is due to that the title of the post that isn’t specific enough. Posting titles like “Help” doesn’t help others doing a search, and I and others tend to pass them up at times, only going back a later time, which makes an answer longer to get.

Should you have a question, and to make it easier on members, Please state specifics about your subject, such as if you have a engine problem, tell us what engine you have, along with any other important information that we night need to help you, like what carburetor you have, if known. A picture is always helpful. Like the saying goes….a picture is like a 1000 words, also we may see something that might needs to be addressed. Believe me; it happens more often then you think. We know that there are those that are not that knowledgeable, or are mechanically challenged (unusually, PC correct :>), so there is not a stupid question, although I do think that sometimes there are some, so bear with me. Hey what do you expect with 50 years of wrenches in my hands, but we all had to start somewhere.

For those that are not knowledgeable on the terms of parts on a China 2 cycle (some are specific to these HT engines), here is a link that lists about every HT part. It is real hard for me to understand what a “thingy”, “whatcha ya call it” “thing of a jig” is.
http://www.bicycle-engines.com/2stroke-parts-c-4.html?osCsid=ges5a73qhdeuvshi19srjuq544

I have a link in my signature that everyone starting out with a Chinese 2 cycle ought to read. Most are also included in many of the “stickies” This deals with pre installing a HT engine in the frame, engine not running correctly and more.

Once again, welcome to the world of MB’s, and have a safe, enjoyable riding experience.
Ron

Most of the China Girl kits look the same to me, but I'll need to figure out in posts to come about consumible spare parts to keep me going.
Glad to be here and I look forward to the good times to come !!

Yes they look the same, many parts are interchangeable, and they are all about the same...low quality Chinese engines that can be made to last long with some care, at a minimum of cost. Great bang for the buck.

 

[Cavi Mike]

I've never heard of Mercy Ships until now. Sounds pretty amazing. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Lunardog]

Welcome to the forums. I commend what you do and hope you find all the information you need here. Enjoy your new hobby.

 

[wheelbender6]

Welcome to the forum. I work with a girl from Zimbabwe. Still a long way from West Africa.

 

[VincentHix]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome !!

 

[Fabian]

Hi VincentHix

The work you are involved with shows the true nature of man; to care, to heal to give the gift of health to persons otherwise forgotten by a world that in some cases has lost it's moral compass.

May i extend gracious warmth for the endeavours you pursue.

Kind regards
Fabian