A tether system for use in a balloon ride having a balloon envelope and a gondola includes a tether connected to the balloon ride to prevent free flight. The system includes structure for offsetting the gondola from the tether so as to enable use of a smaller, lighter, less costly gondola and better minimize gondola tilt. In one embodiment, the structure has first, second and third connection points, wherein the balloon envelope is pivotally connected to the first connection point, the gondola is pivotally connected to the second connection point, and the tether is pivotally connected to the third connection point. In another embodiment, the tether system includes a load ring attached to the gondola and a plurality of envelope lines extending between the envelope and the load ring. The tether is connected so as to be offset from the gondola.