Schedule a Ride!
A Balloon Flight is something everyone should have on their "bucket-list"!
If you're planning to visit one of our Balloon-Friendly Campgrounds during our scheduled 2010 Balloon-Weekends... and would like to reserve a ride with one of the pilots, feel free to sign-up below.
The cost of the flight is $175.00 per person, with all transactions done directly with your pilot at the time of the flight. (Cash is usually required.)
All flights are weather-permitting, and at the discretion of the pilot.
Sign-up below, and in the 'comments' section, please indicate the Campground you'll be camping at, and the dates you'll be there. Someone will contact you about a week before the balloon weekend to re-confirm your intentions.
(There's no need to sign-up for tether rides... this is only for a full-flight.)
<Sorry, but the online ride reservation had to be removed from the website due to online spam problems. Please call the campground if you're interested in taking flight at one of the festivals!>
Ballooning FAQ's
Welcome aboard! To make your experience as enjoyable as possible, we would like to take this time to answer some frequently asked questions about the wonderful world of Hot Air Ballooning!!
When do we fly?
Ballooning relies on one big factor; the weather. Because conditions must be ideal (or close to ideal), your scheduled flight may need to be changed at the last minute. You will be instructed by your pilot if there are any necessary changes.
Why so early in the morning?
To ensure a safe flight, Balloons will only fly in stable air. Air is most stable early in the morning at sunrise, or in the evening just before sunset. It's very rare to see a balloon in free-flight during the middle of the day.
What do I wear?
You should wear clothes that you would typically wear to go hiking. Comfortable shoes are important because you are standing in the basket for the entire flight. Old sneakers or hiking boots are usually best. Also, be sure that you don't wear your "Sunday Church clothes", as sometimes you may get a little dirty, or may need to walk through high grass after landing.
Is it cold or windy in the basket?
The temperature in the basket is the same as the temperature on the ground. At high altitudes, the temperature may drop about 10 degrees, but we usually don't fly that high. A nice feature about a balloon ride is the fact that there's never any wind in the basket, because you're moving with the wind!
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely! A camera and/or camcorder is a must! The views while flying are beautiful, and something that certainly deserves capturing on film. Just be sure that it's a camera small enough to stow-away in your pocket (or case) when we prepare for landing.
What if I'm afraid of heights?
Standing in a Hot Air Balloon Basket is nothing like standing on a roof or ladder. The basket remains motionless, and it's more like the ground is unfolding beneath you. The basket rarely sways, so there's no rocking motion to make you airsick.
How long will the whole event last?
You will be asked to arrive about 30 minutes before launch time to assist in the balloon set-up. The flight typically lasts about an hour, and then pack-up takes another 30 minutes. The length of the post-flight party, on-the-other-hand.. is up to you and your Pilot & Crew!!
Balloon Flight Disclaimer
Taking a balloon flight is completely voluntary. The intent of this website is simply to advertise for the Campground Balloon Weekends. Reserving a flight through this website is simply for convienence purposes, and to assure that you will be matched-up with a Pilot & Balloon during the weekend you've chosen. At that point, deciding whether to fly with that Pilot or not is completely up to you, and you may choose another Pilot/Balloon at any time. You may also decide not to fly at any time with no obligation. All Balloon Pilots hold proper liability insurance, and will most likely require you to read and sign a passenger waiver/release. This is a requirement of most insurance companies. The event organizer, his assistants, and the Campgrounds hold no responsibility for your decision to crew-for and/or fly-with any of the balloons associated with our Balloon Weekends. All monetary transactions and agreements are made directly between you and your pilot. The campground and event organizer has no involvement in the collection of payment for your balloon flight.