Greg Heil

Greg began mountain biking in 2005, and since then, the pursuit of singletrack has taken him around the world. While Greg first started adding trail reviews to Singletracks in 2008, his career in mountain bike media officially began in 2010. He started writing for Singletracks in 2011 while simultaneously finishing his formal secondary education in writing and publication. Greg has the distinction of being the first employee that Singletracks ever hired, and he went on to serve for seven years, including five years in the Editor in Chief role. After a six-year hiatus, Greg is back at Singletracks, serving in the Managing Editor role.

While Greg has reviewed innumerable mountain bikes and products over the years, his true passion lies in writing about mountain bike trails and destinations. Greg has ridden over 8,000 trails and visited 21 countries (and counting). He recently spent four years traveling full-time, including two spent living in a camper van with his wife, Christine. In between epic trips, he now resides in Durango, Colorado.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Primarily trail and enduro, with experience including endurance XC, bikepacking, downhill, and gravel riding.
  • Mountain biking since: 2005
  • Number of trails ridden: 8,000+
  • Number of countries visited: 21+
  • Current stable: Pivot Switchblade V3, Pivot Vault, Scott Big Jon

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Arts, English: Writing and Publication, University of North Georgia
  • Other publications: Strava, FATMAP, Dirt Rag Magazine, MTB Project, Hiking Project, GearJunkie, Outside 365
 
Two individuals are enjoying mountain biking in a forested area. One is riding a specialized cycle on a dirt path, while the other is airborne, jumping off a wooden ramp. The scene is set amidst lush greenery and distant mountains, showcasing a vibrant and active outdoor environment.
  1
A mountain biker in an orange jacket and helmet skillfully navigates a rocky terrain covered in leaves, surrounded by trees in a natural setting.
  1
A cyclist wearing a blue t-shirt and black helmet performs a jump on a mountain bike in a lush green forest. The path is surrounded by trees, and there is a log stump on the ground where the bike is taking off. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled shadows on the trail.
  1
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by trees, balancing on a large stone while wearing a helmet and a flannel shirt. Leaves are scattered on the ground, indicating an autumn setting. Satan's Ridge mountain bike trail.
  6
A mountain biker in mid-air performing a jump over a dirt track, surrounded by lush green trees in a forest setting. Red and white caution tape indicates the biking area below.
  19
A serene view of a river framed by lush green trees, reflecting the colors of a sunset in the sky. The water is calm, with gentle ripples, and the landscape features wooded hills in the distance.
  5
A mountain biker wearing a helmet and a black jacket navigates a rocky trail, surrounded by green trees and hills in the background. The landscape features a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees under a cloudy sky, with a road visible in the lower part of the image.
  2
A wooden bridge winding through a lush forest, surrounded by tall trees and moss-covered rocks, with a dirt path leading into the greenery. The scene captures a serene and inviting natural setting.
Close-up view of the bottom bracket area of a blue electric mountain bike, showcasing the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and Praxis crankset, with background elements blurred to emphasize the bike's components.
  5
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forested area, showcasing challenging terrain with large stones and trees in the background. Another biker is visible in the distance, also riding through the rocks under a clear blue sky.
  9
A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by trees, with dust kicking up from the ground. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action-packed moment in a natural setting.
  4
A cyclist navigating a leaf-covered trail in a forest during autumn, surrounded by trees with colorful leaves. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and a jacket, focused on riding uphill.
  3
A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail in a dense forest, showcasing agility as he rides over a large boulder. The scene features lush green trees and a clear blue sky, highlighting the natural beauty of the outdoor environment.
  2
A mountain biker rides over rocky terrain, navigating a challenging slope with cacti and desert vegetation in the background under a cloudy sky.
  6
A group of cyclists wearing helmets and jerseys is lined up at the starting line of a mountain biking event, surrounded by trees. Spectators gather in the foreground, some facing the cyclists and others looking towards the event signage. The atmosphere is lively, indicating anticipation for the race.
  10
  3
A group of cyclists loading mountain bikes onto a rack in a forested area during early spring. The bikes are hung in a vertical position, showcasing a variety of colors including yellow, red, and black. One cyclist, wearing an orange jacket and a teal helmet, is adjusting a bike while another cyclist wearing a white shirt is partially visible in the background. The ground is paved, and the surrounding area has fallen leaves and bare trees.
  8
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The cyclist, wearing a helmet and a backpack, is navigating a bend in the trail on a bright, sunny day.
  1
A person wearing an orange shirt is crouched down on a rocky path in a forested area, examining stones and rocks among fallen leaves and tree branches. The scene is surrounded by trees, showcasing a natural environment.
  1
Two mountain bikers ride along a dirt trail in a vibrant autumn landscape, surrounded by tall coniferous trees and golden aspen leaves. In the background, rugged mountains rise against a clear blue sky. The scene captures the beauty of fall in a mountainous region, highlighting the interplay of nature and outdoor activity.
  2
Construction site of a dirt bike or BMX track, featuring a series of dirt mounds, jumps, and berms, under a clear blue sky with trees in the background. Several construction vehicles are visible in the distance.
  1
A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, featuring a large golden trophy and laurel wreath superimposed in the foreground.
  1
A wooden sign in a natural setting that reads "NO E-BIKES" in large white letters. The sign features a circular red prohibition symbol over the image of an electric bicycle. Below the symbol, it states "City of Albuquerque" and includes a number, likely indicating an ordinance or regulation. The background consists of tall grass and trees, suggesting a park or outdoor recreational area.
  14
A large group of people stands on outdoor steps, smiling and waving enthusiastically. They are gathered for a photo showcasing their affiliation with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with a banner displaying the organization's name in the foreground. The background features a building with a large sign reading "Learn," and a blue sky with scattered clouds above.
  1
A person is sitting in a vehicle, speaking directly to the camera. The background shows a flooded area with standing water around power lines and trees. Some fuel containers are visible in the vehicle.
  3
A mountain biker navigates a rocky landscape under a clear blue sky, surrounded by towering red rock formations. The terrain is rugged and uneven, showcasing natural textures and colors of the desert scenery.
  20
A mountain biker rides through a winding dirt trail in a lush forest setting, surrounded by trees and rocks. The cyclist, wearing a red shirt and a helmet, leans into a turn as the bike navigates the terrain, with a blurred background of greenery and a glimpse of a water body.
  6
Mountain bikers riding on a winding dirt trail surrounded by tall pine trees, with patches of snow visible on the ground. The scene features a clear blue sky and vibrant greenery, showcasing a spring or summer day in a mountainous area.
  1
A group of mountain bikers in bright orange shirts is navigating a dirt trail in a wooded area. One rider is in motion, capturing air as they jump off a small hill, while another rider is focused on the trail ahead. Lush green trees surround the scene, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
  2
A mountain biker in a helmet and protective gear navigates a winding trail surrounded by trees and foliage, showcasing skillful riding on a dirt path with roots and leaves.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by trees, leaning into a turn. The rider is wearing a helmet and a blue long-sleeve jersey, pedaling a blue mountain bike on a rocky path. The landscape features green foliage and scattered rocks, with a cloudy sky above.
  13
A partially submerged white van surrounded by floodwaters, with trees and a yellow warning sign visible in the background. The scene depicts the effects of heavy rainfall and flooding.
  2
A panoramic view of lush green valleys and rolling mountains under a clear blue sky, showcasing the vibrant natural landscape in spring.
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike's brake system featuring a black and silver brake caliper with the text "MAVEN" on it, mounted near a circular metal disc rotor. The bike's blue frame is partially visible in the background, highlighting the detail of the brake components against a natural outdoor setting.
  4
A scenic view from a chairlift overlooking lush green trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The chairlift cables stretch into the distance, leading towards a mountainous landscape with varying elevations.
  2
A cyclist riding a black mountain bike through snowy terrain in a forest, surrounded by bare trees. The scene conveys a sense of speed and adventure in a winter landscape.
  1
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky path in a dense, green forest. One rider, dressed in a black shirt and shorts, is leaning forward on his bike, while the second rider, in a red shirt, is catching air as he jumps off a rock. Tall trees and ferns surround the scene, creating a vibrant natural backdrop.
  1
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees. A dog runs alongside the biker as they descend over a small cliff. The scene captures the excitement of outdoor adventure in a vibrant natural setting.
  1
A mountain biker performs a jump over a rocky section of a forest trail, surrounded by trees and greenery under a blue sky with clouds. The cyclist wears a helmet and an orange shirt, demonstrating skill and excitement in an outdoor adventure setting.
  4
A smiling cyclist wearing a white helmet and a reflective yellow vest leans forward against a railing by a waterfront path, with a city skyline in the background during twilight.
  2
  2
A mountain biker leans into a sharp turn on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees and foliage in a forested area.
  8
A mountain biker jumps off a dirt ramp on a forest trail, navigating between tall trees in a lush green setting. The rider is wearing a helmet and a yellow and black jersey, showcasing an expression of focus and excitement as they catch air on their bike.
  1
A mountain biker leans into a turn on a dirt trail surrounded by trees and mountains, with a bright blue sky overhead. The biker is wearing a blue jersey and a helmet, showcasing an action-packed moment in outdoor cycling.
  3
A mountain biker riding up a narrow dirt trail surrounded by vibrant green hills and colorful wildflowers, against a backdrop of towering evergreen trees and a clear blue sky.
  6
  2
Two cyclists ride on a narrow trail through a wooded area, surrounded by greenery. One cyclist wears a purple shirt and black pants, while the other has a gray shirt and orange shorts. Both are wearing bright green helmets and carrying backpacks, as they navigate the outdoor path.
  2
  1