The idea
The idea had been in the air for a few years. It was conceived by several professionals, who rented out their donkeys to walkers, and who thought it would be a wonderful idea, if people who were unable to walk, could have access to the many walking routes, with the help of donkeys
The idea would be to allow, less mobile people, the many pleasures of experiencing walking holidays, in complete independence/autonomy for several days or weeks, on the many routes in France or beyond.
Various different vehicles adapted for short walks and pulled by donkeys, capable of transporting the less mobile were already around.
One called the Joëlette, a type of wheelchair, with just one wheel, and two sets of bars/handles, one set to attach to a donkey and the other set for a accompanying person to hold… allowing it to pass on all sorts of terrain, but it required a large group of supporters.
To conceive a new machine, all old ideas of drawn carriages, needed to be put to one side, where everyone is seated in a carriage; to get closer to the real experience of trekking with a pack donkey.
It would also be necessary to facilitate the access and ensure the integrity of the passenger.
The project
In December 2006, the first firm technical directions were established, followed by planning, calculations, and prototype models. Lots of small independent companies contributed, welding, drilling, modelling, some ideas had to be thrown out and new ideas had to be re-thought. But after lots of trials, without giving up, finally, in December 2007, ‘The machine’ made it’s first run out of the garage, and at the end of January 2008 it was ready for it’s first real test trials.
The test period
In February & March 2008, on the plateau one side of Cahors, a strange little vehicle pulled by a donkey intrigued passing walkers. The prototype was put under a program of tests. It was tried on various rough terrains, steep uphill & downhill slopes. It was attached to a variety of donkeys, most of whom had never pulled anything before. Several volunteers also took the role of the passenger, both physically challenged & able bodied, women & men & even a child of 10 years old.The demonstration period
Starting in April 2008, demonstrations took place all over France, from Calais to Cévennes, passing by Vendée and Berry, and in Switzerland and Belgium.The reward
In October 2008, the first series of Randolines left our workshops… Very beautiful machines !!!