A trail project led by the Flagstaff Biking Organization is progressing with financial backing from Nackard Pepsi. The Reserves Downhill Trails Project, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest, aims to enhance the original Reserves trails. This initiative is part of the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Recreation Plan, approved in 2022, which has already seen nearly 40 miles of new and realigned trails completed.
Two trails, Meteoride and Full Sail, have been finished through efforts from a forest service trail crew, volunteers, and a grant-funded contract builder hired by the Flagstaff Biking Organization. The remaining two trails will include parts of the legacy Private Reserve trail with reroutes and a new trail in Oldham Canyon. These additions will offer a skills progression for riders from beginner to advanced levels.
Anthony Quintile, a board member of Flagstaff Biking Organization, said that one of the main goals was to address unmet trail user needs while adhering to U.S. Forest Service laws and policies. The project requires approximately $400,000 for completion. Nackard Pepsi’s $100,000 contribution initiates Phase 1 of this effort—a $240,000 task to realign 2.1 miles of the existing Private Reserve trail.
Palmer Nackard, President of Nackard Pepsi, expressed pride in supporting local trail expansion efforts: “Flagstaff’s terrain and climate make it one of the best places in the world to develop and pursue a passion for mountain biking.” Nackard Pepsi has previously supported other initiatives by providing resources for events like Trail Day.
The Mountain Bike Association of Arizona and Starlight/Roberts Communities are also major sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities remain open for individuals and businesses wishing to contribute support.
For more information on donations or sponsorships, visit flagstafftrails.com.