Electric Horse

[wagga]

I've been lurking here for years, though in the bike section, and finally have a reason to post.

In the Sierra Nevada range here in California, Packer's horses have been degrading the trails and pissing (and worse) in the creeks for many years. As of today, the Federal Court has shut the packers down, taking away their livelihood. The courts may or may not extend the practice, but it is clear that there has to be an alternative.

Right now, the choice for getting supplies and materials into Wilderness areas is horses or helicopters.

There is a discussion over at http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/22666/3.

Now you can see where I am headed.

This forum has a pool of intelligence & experience and the necessary weirdness to come up with a solution.

At least it's fun to play with. Some money to be made?

[Dauntless]

You're suggesting a peeless horse?

I'd be curious about the "Packers Livelihood?' Does that just mean being for hire for tourists, or is there something productive they do? Can't imagine there's a grocerystore up there that only gets the goods that way, but I just gotta know. . . .

[Whiplash]

I am confident a setup similar to mine but geared considerably lower and installed on a fat tire cargo style bike could haul as much weight as your average horse can carry, you would just need good battery capacity and a nice solar array at the home base camp or the like..

[wagga]

You're suggesting a peeless horse?

I'd be curious about the "Packers Livelihood?' Does that just mean being for hire for tourists, or is there something productive they do? Can't imagine there's a grocery store up there that only gets the goods that way, but I just gotta know. . . .

For many decades packers have taken people, equipment and supplies into the Sierras. The crews who kept the trails clear and maintained are supported by a packer with a horse train. Recently a friend of mine and some others had 3 foldboats and supplies packed in to Thousand island Lake. His wife & 6-year old also rode horses.

The packers also will re-supply groups on the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail.

This last year, packers also brought in materials for new ranger's huts in SEKI.

And, at the beginning of Summer, the Ranger's supplies are also carried in.

They do a lot, but also a lot of environmental damage too.

That's why I'm interested to see what the experts over here have to say.