Omaha daily bee., 1910-02-20
MANY BID FOR BALLOON RACE
Omaha is Still an Applicant for thu
Honors of Holding Meet.
LOCATION IS MOST ESSENTIAL
cities Close to Are
Out of Running, as the Balloons
Have Too short n Distance
to Travel.
A. S. Cohn (Mgr,) Cleveland.

Omaha is still in the field for the in
ternational balloon race which is to be
held in this country in October. Many
cities are bidding for the event, but most
of these are out of the running because Of
their location. Omaha has an advantage
over almost any other city in location, be-
cause of the distance the balloons may
travel before getting to the ocean.
Few people realize what the word in
ternational really means, and the import
ance of the fact that for the first time in
the history of the United States two in
ternational events are to be held during
the year 1910.
In the first place, there are but few
international events, with some of these
taking place at long intervals, while the
entire list might be properly summed up
In five events.
The Olympian games (Which take, place
every four years), the international yacht
races (Which also vary In long periods be-
tween contests), the international aviation
meet (Which is about to be held for the
first time in this country, and the inter-
national balloon meet Ito be held for the
second time in this country, while the
international automobile championship has
never been run in America.
Many cities are preparing to bid for the
two international events to be held in the
United States this year, but before doing
so 1t might be we'll to inquire before going
to a great deal of trouble to prepare bids
for these contests, to learn just what the
requirements for the holding of these con-
tests are. For the international aviation
meet the period between the dates of Octo-
Der IS and November 2 require a locality
with the most favorable weather conditions
for wind velocity and clear weather. Also
a smooth surface for rising and landing
of the machines; this fact coupled with
that more important one that the grounds
must be of sufficient size to select an
oval course with perfect landing facilities
at every point measuring over five kilo-
meters in circumference.
A city unable to furnish these facilities
presents a hopeless bid from the start.
After securing the necessary grounds the
bid which is to guarantee the prizes and
expenses of the contestants is the mex
item. after which that important feature
of housing the various craft, policing the
grounds and seating spectators becomes
one of the duties of the promoters.
cat the Big Requisite.
For the international aero championship
or balloon meet, the requirements are moi
as numerous. The size and characteristics
Of the ground do not render such an i'm,
portant part, the most important feature
being that Of the geographical location OF
the site so as to enable the air craft tC
fly a sufficient distance to lower world;
records.
For instance, a city located close to tho
ocean would not be suitable from the fac.
that the balloons might be carried out &c
sea, while al inland city, IL selected
must be the most suitable for air current!
for travelling great distances. While
mountainous country would be equally
dangerous on account OF the height tina
the balloons would ave to soar to avolC
danger, the snow line on mountain.
would affect the temperature OF the ga,
and prohibit long flight.
Another important feature is that OF tn,
gas. To initiate from ten to fifteen racing
balloons, each containing $1,000 cubic fee
of gas, requires special mains.
A special pipe line must be run from tn,
gas tanks to the grounds where the bal
looms are to be inflated. Special prepare
lions for gas quality must also be made.
The bidding for the national and interna
tional balloon championships will be yer,
spirited, all bids being in the hands OF tn,
contest committee before March 1. The In
dications now point towards indianapolis
st. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha or Denve
securing the two championships. with tn
former cities preferred. as both have helt
championships and are familiar with tn,
preparation for conducting them.
At the present time. the all importan
subject to the sport lover is the interna
tional balloon championship and the inter
national aviation meet, This will be tn
first holding of the International aviation
meet In this country, and just what I
signifies with the air full OF bids and pros
pective sites for the holding Of the NEE
Is keeping the country guessing.