Hot Air Balloon Race

Hot Air Balloon Race

Seems like a long time ago but I went to a Hot Air Balloon race in Montgomery Alabama. I was at that time a new photographer, I had my old 2 ¼ " film camera and a new 35mm film camera. I walked around like I new what I was doing had a few people ask me to take their pictures. One guy said he would get me a ride if I would take pictures of this balloon. I said sure. The balloon as it turned out belonged to a guy who flew on the USA team in international computation, Jim. I got my first taste of Balloon racing at this time, but it would not be my last.

Hot Air Balloon {1} the envelope of the Hot Air Balloon has to be inflated. A large fan, with an airplane prop on it, is brought out to blow air into the open end of the balloon. This will take a crew of people to hold the opening open and others to help to pick up the envelope allowing air to be captured. Once the envelope is inflated the burners are lit and the air is started to heat.

Hot Air Balloon {2}. As the air heats up the envelope will start to rise into the up right position. Not ready for take off yet but a crew of people has to keep a hold on the envelope because the wind will blow it around. It is like holding on to a 13 story building in a windstorm. The wind can cause lots of damage at this point. The Balloon can be blown over and into other balloons or even cause the envelope to be set on fire by the flame used to heat the air inside.

Hot Air Balloon {3}. The gondola holds 3 propane tanks with the gas used to heat the envelope, and the people that were going for the ride. The flame can be as long as 15 feet of supper heated air. The sound can make you deaf for a short time.

Hot Air Balloon {4}. Ever wonder why Hot Air Balloon races take place late in the afternoon or very early? Well it is because that is when the wind is not as strong. This allows the balloons to get up with out being pushed around by gust if wind.

Hot Air Balloon {5}. One Balloon takes off ahead of the others. This is the rabbit and the others are the hounds that will chase the lead Balloon. There is a short time between this take off and all the others. The lead balloon will go up into the wind and change highs and directions as the wind will take him. There is no guiding the balloon just go where the wind takes you. The wind at different levels will be blowing in different directions. The trick it to try and get to the same level and as close as you can to the lead balloon.

Hot Air Balloon {6}. The lead Balloon will set down in a field. The crew will get out and spread a target on the ground. Each of the following Balloons carry a sand bag with a ribbon on it. If the balloon gets close to the target they will through the sandbag at the target. The one that gets closest to the target wins. If some one hits the target it is like a hole in one in a golf tournament, and there is a really big prize for that. Needles to say this is very hard, and will not happen very often.

Once up in a balloon it is wonderful. There is not sense of movement there is no wind blowing against you. You are with the wind and everything else seems to be moving under you. Sound carry so well, that you can be 200 feet over someone on the ground and talk to them, in a normal voice. When the Balloon lands again you need a crew to help take the balloon down and pack up.
One time we had to put down in a swamp man was that a mess. Once we got the balloon out of the swamp it had to be washed and dried because of all the mud on it.
Once I was driving the chase truck, that is the crew truck that goes to help to take the balloon down, I followed the balloon around, as the balloon would change directions with the wind. I would say the Balloon flew 20 miles and landed 15 feet from where it started. By changing levels the wind would change directions, the pilot managed to fly a triangle pattern.