Two area balloonists were part of a historic flight over the Western Continental Divide last weekend during the Rocky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Challenge in Breckenridge, Colo.

        Sean Askren, 35, of Westwood, and Amy Motley, 36, of Middletown were among 60 balloonists and crew members in 15 balloons who took the 38-mile flight across the divide, claiming an unofficial record for the largest number of balloons to ever cross the divide at one time.

        Cheryl Love, event coordinator in Breckenridge, said they obtained guidelines from the Guinness Book of Records. The book's publishers recommended they document the entire event with specifics on each flight, such as size of balloon, name of pilots and crew members, by videotaping and photographing it and having an official to run it.

        “This was the 11th annual event and it ran from Dec. 5-9,” she said. “The record was established on Saturday morning.”

        The flights started in Breckenridge and ended in South Park, Colo.

        Ms. Love said they also established a record for the smallest balloon to ever cross the divide. It measured 62,000 cubic feet. The average balloon measures from 150,000 to 180,000 cubic feet.

        The mayor of Breckenridge, Sam Mamula, officiated. He said he will certify the event and send the information to Guinness in London.

        Mr. Askren, who has been a professional balloonist for 10 years, said crossing the divide was the most exciting flight he has ever taken.

        “It was a bright, crystal day, not a cloud in the sky and you could see miles across the Rockies,” he said. “In my professional career as a commercial balloonist, I have flown over a lot of things, but flying over the Rockies was the most exciting.”

        Ms. Motley, who tried crossing the divide on her first flight two years ago and failed, said she was determined to make it this time.

        “It was absolutely marvelous,” she said. “I am still on a high.”

        Mr. Askren and Ms. Motley flew in “The Yellow Freight,” a balloon owned by Becky Petrehn of Kansas City, Kan.

        Mr. Askren said the tallest peak along the flight was 14,500 feet, which they crossed at 52 knots (about 60 mph).

        He was taught to be a balloon pilot by his father, Larry Askren. They operate a custom-home building company in Anderson Township.
       

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