Rainbow Ryder’s founder Scott Appleman took his first balloon ride at the age of 12. He says,“I crewed and became very infatuated with it.” Appleman is the president and CEO of Rainbow Ryders, the official hot air balloon operator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Every year he also pilots the Dos Equis balloon at the Fiesta.
After college Appleman’s close friend taught him how to pilot a balloon. It was love at first flight. ”That and I wanted to avoid a real job,” he laughs. He decided to turn his hobby into a career and started Rainbow Ryders in 1983. Now in his 40th year of ballooning he couldn’t be happier. ”I would have never imagined it would have turned out this way and I am glad it did!”
Rainbow Ryders also produces and runs ”Labor Day Lift Off” one of the largest ballooning event in the United States. The event brings around 200,000 people to Colorado Springs each year. The 3 day event includes hot air balloon flights, balloon glows, musical entertainment, drone shows, and a 5k race. “It’s a quality of life event and we are very pleased with it,” says Appleman.
During Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Rainbow Ryders takes about 350 people per day into the blue New Mexico skies. Rainbow Ryders also operates in Colorado Springs and Phoenix. Appleman says New Mexico is still the capital of ballooning. In New Mexico, pilots typically get 300 flyable days per year and unique wind patterns to help them fly. “Albuquerque is really, really special.” If the winds cooperate riders can sometimes take a “splash and dash” into the Rio Grande. Appleman says, “That’s the whole boom factor in Albuquerque. We are very blessed with those types of winds that allow us to do that.”
For Appleman the best part of being a pilot is knowing they are part of their customer’s memories for life. Ballooning is a bucket list item for many people. Some are trying to overcome their fear of heights and others want a memorable way to celebrate an occasion. Some customers want to take their romance to a new level and ballooning is the perfect way to do it. Rainbow Ryders has been a part of dozens of weddings in the air and on the ground before take-off.
Bachelor parties, birthdays, and proposals are very popular too. Appleman says, “We do 3 to 5 engagements per week. We love sharing our passion with others.” Marriage ceremonies can be held inside the envelope, on the ground or up in the air. Rainbow Ryders can provide a shared or private balloon ride for special occasions. On shared balloon flights you have a built-in, captive audience for your proposal. Appleman says, “For proposals sometimes it’s impromptu and you have an audience to watch” and clap and cheer. “They are there and they experience the special moments too.”
Rainbow Ryders can also provide an officiant for marriage ceremonies. They can customize packages to include catering, floral arrangements, photography and more. “It’s seeing the smiles on the faces of the people afterwards,” that make Appleman happy. “It’s a privilege to be part of those memories. We want to make sure that’s special…no matter what.”
Valentine’s Day flights are especially popular. Many customers love the long-standing tradition of a champagne toast after a successful flight. Enjoying post-flight snacks or an outdoor picnic are trendy ways to celebrate with a loved one. Booking in advance is always recommended since holidays like Valentine’s Day book up quickly.
Some balloon enthusiasts fly in all three cities where Rainbow Ryders operate. The varying landscapes offer unique and beautiful views depending on the location. Colorado Springs has Pikes Peak as an impressive backdrop. Phoenix offers vast views of the vibrant Sonoran desert. New Mexico flights showcase the Rio Grande River below you and the beauty of the Sandia Mountains behind you.
Appleman loves turning people on to his passion. “How do you describe floating in the air with no noise? It’s so serene and so unique. It’s like flying on a flying carpet.”
Rainbow Ryders offers daily hot air balloon rides year round in Phoenix/Scottsdale and Albuquerque. They operate seasonally in Colorado Springs from June through September. For more information visit https://rainbowryders.com or call 1.800.725.2477.