Great Reno Balloon Race 2001

Balloon Chase Vehicles

6/14/2008 6:19:53 PM

Some balloon chase vehicles are very sophisticated while others are just a Jeep and trailer. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 105-0526a_IMG)

Balloon Chase Vehicles

6/14/2008 6:19:09 PM

Some balloon chase vehicles are very sophisticated while others are just a Jeep and trailer. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 105-0524a_IMG)

Landing on a Neighborhood Street

6/14/2008 6:18:13 PM

Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 105-0520a_IMG)

Rancho San Rafael Park

6/14/2008 6:17:15 PM

Rancho San Rafael Park A view of Rancho San Rafael Park following the Mass Ascension. It was taken from a nearby hill. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 105-0512a_IMG)

Balloons Landing on the Hillside

6/14/2008 6:16:30 PM

Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 104-0499a_IMG)

Hare & Hound Race

6/14/2008 6:15:41 PM

The Great Reno Balloon Race. The other balloons are called "Hounds" and they try to get as close to the cross as possible. They throw a single bean-bag with a streamer attached, at the cross on the ground. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 104-0487a_IMG)

Hare & Hound Race

6/14/2008 6:14:55 PM

The Great Reno Balloon Race. After a flight of 30-45 minutes the "Hare" balloons land and put out a cross on the ground. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 104-0480a_IMG)

Hare & Hound Race

6/14/2008 6:14:10 PM

The Great Reno Balloon Race. The bean-bag that lands closest to the center of the cross wins the race. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 104-0478a_IMG)

Hare & Hound Race

6/14/2008 6:13:25 PM

The Great Reno Balloon Race. After a flight of 30-45 minutes the "Hare" balloons land and put out a cross on the ground. Taken September 9, 2001 (Image 104-0477a_IMG)

The Mass Ascension

6/14/2008 6:12:42 PM

The major launch area is Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno Nevada. As you can see the launch area is fully open to the public. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0457a_IMG)

Balloons Beginning to Launch

6/14/2008 6:11:59 PM

The major launch area is Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno Nevada. As you can see the launch area is fully open to the public. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0449a_IMG)

Balloon with Basket

6/14/2008 6:11:18 PM

Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0446a_IMG)

Getting Ready for Launch

6/14/2008 6:10:39 PM

The basket below the balloon holds 2 to 6 people, and the propane tanks and the burners. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0439a_IMG)

Filling the Balloon with Air

6/14/2008 6:09:52 PM

First the balloon is laid out on the ground. Then a large fan is used to fill the balloon with air. As the balloon becomes mostly full of air the burners are ignited to heat the air and raise the balloon. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0437a_IMG)

Bald Eagle Balloon

6/14/2008 6:09:04 PM

The Bald Eagle balloon launches as America The Beautiful is played over loud speakers. This is followed immediately by the Mass Ascension of balloons. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0429a_IMG)

The Dawn Patrol

6/14/2008 6:08:30 PM

At 5:30am in the morning a small number of the balloons launch for the Dawn Patrol. An ascent in the dark with the burner flames lighting the balloons. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0428a_IMG)

The Dawn Patrol

6/14/2008 6:08:01 PM

The Dawn Patrol At 5:30am in the morning a small number of the balloons launch for the Dawn Patrol. An ascent in the dark with the burner flames lighting the balloons. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0426a_IMG)

The Glow Show

6/14/2008 6:07:29 PM

At 5:00am in the morning a small number of the balloons prepare for the Dawn Patrol. An ascent in the dark with the burner flames lighting the balloons. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0424a_IMG)

The Glow Show

6/14/2008 6:06:53 PM

At 5:00am in the morning a small number of the balloons prepare for the Dawn Patrol. An ascent in the dark with the burner flames lighting the balloons. Taken September 8, 2001 (Image 104-0423a_IMG)

Other Specialty Balloons

6/14/2008 6:06:15 PM

Taken September 7, 2001 (Image 104-0416a_IMG)

Two Balloons Launching

6/14/2008 6:05:31 PM

Taken September 7, 2001 (Image 104-0411a_IMG)

Two Balloons in flight

6/14/2008 6:04:49 PM

Taken September 7, 2001 (Image 104-0410a_IMG)

Balloons Beginning to Launch

6/14/2008 6:04:11 PM

Balloons Beginning to Launch Taken September 7, 2001 (Image 104-0409a_IMG)

Balloon Backlit By the Sun

6/14/2008 6:03:29 PM

Taken September 7, 2001 (Image 104-0408a_IMG)

Noah�s Ark Balloon

6/14/2008 6:03:03 PM

Taken September 7, 2001 (Image 104-0404a_IMG)