Friday, June 27, 2014

Choosing A Balloon Ride Colorado

By Sally Delacruz


When traveling in the North Western states near the four corners of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico you will find an area filled with interesting sites and activities that should not be missed. You can find monuments, national forests, and sports activities for every member of the family. One activity that is widely available is a balloon ride Colorado.

Ballooning is a seasonal activity that can be accessed between the months of May and October. Rides are available seven days a week during these months and generally take place in the early mornings. They are restricted to mornings because of high winds that develop in the afternoons. Early starts offer a two or three hour window when the winds are below five miles an hour and the sky and weather is clear.

This is something that virtually anybody can participate in. There are few restrictions applied to customers prior to booking a flight. You must be capable of climbing into the basket beneath the balloons, you must be over five years and under eighty years old, you may not be pregnant and should not suffer from chronic breathing issues or be dependent upon oxygen tanks.

All pilots who fly the balloons have years of experience flying and training others. The entire business is regulated by the FAA and the balloons and baskets as well as the mechanics of the ride are inspected regularly. Safety is one of the highest priorities for the owners of rides.

The rides last between forty five minutes and an hour and the actual mileage covered varies from three to ten miles. Some companies encourage their clients to arrive early so they can observe the inflation of balloons. Many people remain on site afterwards to watch the deflation and stowing of all components of their ride.

Most companies offer either a champagne toast, with the client receiving the fluted glass as a souvenir or a champagne breakfast at the end of their ride. One company provides a commemorative bottle of champagne for each client to take home. The breakfast may include guests who have not been up in the air for an extra fee.

The passenger baskets come in a variety of sizes and the larger ones can hold up to twelve passengers. There are smaller baskets that are designed for smaller groups of two to four. The larger baskets feature compartments that allow the guests a small amount of individual privacy during the flight. The baskets generally make two flights a day and the day is complete no later than noon.

One of the best aspects of ballooning is the quiet beauty and tranquility that can be found during the flight. The panoramic views that are experienced encompass the natural scenery from a point of view that some say cannot be described. You will see wildlife as well as hills and valleys and you will be able to record everything by camera or video from an altitude of five hundred to three thousand feet above the landscape. It may turn out to be an experience you will not soon forget.




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