The Flagstaff Nordic Center is well known for its winter activities like cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and new for this coming winter, snow bikes. But the Nordic Center is also a great place to visit during the summer. At over 8000 feet elevation and nestled in the foothills of the San Francisco Peaks the Flagstaff Nordic Center is the ideal locale to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and the heat of summer.
Yes, you can relax and enjoy a siesta under the shady canopy of ponderosa pines and aspens but adventure has been added to the offerings of this alpine retreat. The Flagstaff Nordic Center has partnered with Lighthorse Bicycle & Adventure Company to create a mountain biking experience that uses a hay ride to take guests up to the summit of the Center’s trail system and guide them down along snaking single track trails through tunnels of aspens and thickets of ponderosa pines frequented by elk, deer, and other species of wildlife.
Alpine Bike Tours has made mountain biking accessible to the average Joe. “We designed the ride to be as easy as possible but there are some short climbs,” said guide Les Hauer. “The ride was developed with the novice rider in mind. Riders who want to ride epic trails in an epic setting without the intense strenuous effort that is usually required when riding this type of terrain at this altitude.”
The proof is in the pedaling as recent riders would attest. “Beaut mate! I couldn’t imagine spending a more fun and fabulous few hours downhill trail riding in the aspens” said Lynelle from New Zealand. 12 year old Carter from Flagstaff said, “It was fun and not too technical, the perfect balance between effort and excitement!”
The hay ride, guided tour and a mountain bike rental costs $40, $30 if you bring your own trail-ready bike. There are also cabins and yurts available for rent and the FNC lodge has supplies to meet your basic needs. Tours run Saturday and Sunday at 10am and 1pm.
Half of all revenues and all gratuities from tours this Saturday and Sunday, July 13th and 14thwill go to the 100 Club’s Survivors Fund in memory of the 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shots who died on June 30th.
