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
 
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.
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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.
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A mountain biker riding downhill on a rugged forest trail surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The rider is focused, leaning forward on the bike as they navigate the uneven terrain. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the path.
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A mountain biker navigates through a grassy hillside with rocky terrain, wearing a helmet and a backpack. In the background, expansive mountains and a clear blue sky create a picturesque landscape. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor biking in a scenic environment.
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A mountain biker rides along a forest trail, with a wooden signpost displaying various mountain biking route directions, including "Tremalzo Big-Tour" and "anti-clockwise". Lush green grass and trees surround the area, indicating a natural setting.
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A mountain bike rider mid-jump off a wooden ramp on a sunny day, with another rider in the background. The setting features a dirt trail surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.
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Aerial view of a dense, green forest at sunset, with rolling hills in the background and a few distant homes partially visible among the trees. The sky features soft clouds illuminated by warm tones from the setting sun.
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A winding dirt bike trail through a dense forest, with paths curving between tall trees and patches of moss on the ground. Small flags are visible marking the trail route.
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A mountain biker leans into a sharp turn on a dirt trail surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and a blue shirt, showcasing a dynamic posture as they navigate the curve. Sunlight filters through the foliage, highlighting the earthy tones of the trail.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky trail in a forested area, surrounded by tall pine trees and scenic mountain views under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape features a mix of rocky terrain and greenery, creating a dynamic outdoor adventure setting.
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Two mountain bikers ride down a dirt trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees, with a scenic view of a body of water and a city in the distance. The sun is shining brightly in a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a metal shovel resting on a dirt patch with a person's foot wearing a rugged boot next to it, surrounded by a forest setting in the background.
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A mountain biker navigating a grassy slope in a mountainous landscape, with rolling hills and forests in the background under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a lush green forest, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, with a focus on balance and control. The bike features a vibrant purple frame, and the scene captures the energy and excitement of outdoor biking.
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A mountain biker performs a jump over a wooden ramp during a cycling competition, while other cyclists approach from behind. A crowd of spectators watches intently, capturing the moment on their phones, with greenery in the background and a dirt track visible.
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Mountain bikers navigating a rocky trail in a wooded area on a sunny day, with bare trees and green shrubbery in the background.
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A group of people working together in a forested area, shaping dirt trails and ramps. Lush green trees and ferns surround them, creating a natural backdrop. One person in a purple shirt is actively using a shovel, while others are engaged in various tasks in the background.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The ground is covered with fallen leaves and soil, and the path gently slopes downwards.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a wooden bridge in a lush, green forest. The bridge features a winding design and is surrounded by trees, creating a natural outdoor setting. The cyclist is wearing a blue helmet and a brightly colored jersey, navigating the trail with focus.
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A compact excavator working in a wooded area, with a pile of large rocks in the foreground. The operator is seated in the excavator as it lifts dirt, and a rustic structure is visible in the background amidst the trees. The scene is set in a natural landscape with lush green grass and dirt paths.
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A panoramic view of lush green mountains and valleys under a clear blue sky, showcasing a peaceful natural landscape with rolling hills and dense forestation in the foreground.
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A wooden ramp leading to a mountain bike trail with a sign that reads "Stitches" pointing left. There is a yellow warning sign stating "EXPERT'S ONLY!" with additional text about the skill level required to ride the trail. Surrounding the path are trees and foliage.
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A wooden trail sign with various symbols indicating biking rules. The top symbol shows a bicycle, indicating it's allowed, while the second symbol shows an electric bicycle with a red "no" slash across it, indicating it's not permitted. The lower symbols depict a motorcycle and an off-road vehicle, both also marked with red slashes, indicating they are not allowed on the trail. The background features a rocky terrain with green trees.
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A mountain biker performs a jump over a dirt trail in a mountainous area with burned trees in the background and dust being kicked up from the trail.
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A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a forested area, surrounded by tall trees and scattered autumn leaves. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and athletic clothing, navigating a curve in the trail.
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A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses is kneeling on rocky terrain, dressed in a blue long-sleeve shirt and brown shorts, with protective knee pads. They are surrounded by sparse vegetation and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
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Three mountain bikers riding on a forest trail, surrounded by trees and rocks. The cyclists are wearing helmets and casual sportswear, and they appear to be enjoying an energetic ride through the greenery. One rider is leaning into a turn, while the others follow closely behind. The ground is a mix of dirt and scattered leaves, typical of a wooded biking path.
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A mountain biker navigating a narrow trail between large rock formations, surrounded by rough terrain and some greenery. The biker is wearing a helmet and a blue shirt, focused on maneuvering through the rocky landscape.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a wooden ramp with curved railings at a bike park, while spectators watch in the background amidst a lush green setting.
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A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses, standing confidently on rocky terrain surrounded by trees and mountains. They are dressed in a short-sleeve athletic shirt, knee-length shorts, and hiking shoes, ready for an outdoor adventure.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike's drivetrain, featuring a Shimano Deore XT crankset, chain, and a Shimano EP8 motor. The background consists of green foliage and forest floor, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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Two mountain bikers ride along a rugged trail in the mountains, surrounded by rocky terrain and patches of grass. The backdrop features rolling hills and distant peaks under a cloudy sky.
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A dirt bike trail in a wooded area, featuring a small jump made of compacted earth and wooden ramps. Surrounding the trail are trees, shrubs, and a clear pathway in the distance where two people are walking. The ground is covered with leaves and dirt, contributing to a natural outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker riding along a rocky, rugged terrain with expansive views of distant mountains under a clear sky. The landscape features smooth stone surfaces and patches of greenery, depicting a breathtaking natural setting.
A mountain biker mid-air after leaping off a dirt jump, surrounded by tall trees in a lush forest setting.
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A smiling individual stands next to a mountain bike on a dirt path, surrounded by a scenic landscape of hills and shrubs. The person is wearing a brown t-shirt, green shorts, and a helmet, with long dark hair. The bike features a floral-patterned bag mounted on the frame, and mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A white van parked on a gravel surface with several mountain bikes secured on a roof rack and a bike rack attached to the back. A person stands on the roof, adjusting the bikes, while another person in a plaid shirt stands nearby, holding a helmet. The sun is setting in the background, casting warm light on the scene. Trees are visible in the distance, creating a natural backdrop.
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A brown sign on a post in a wooded area displaying the text "NO E-BIKES NO PEDAL ASSIST" in bold letters, indicating restrictions on bike types allowed on the trail. The background shows a dirt pathway surrounded by greenery.
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A mountain biker rides along a dirt trail on a sunny day, surrounded by lush green hills and snow-capped mountains in the background. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, enhancing the scenic landscape.
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Aerial view of a serene landscape featuring a blue lake surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. The scene includes winding roads and patches of meadowland, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
Two red vans marked with "Western Spirit Cycling Adventures" are parked in front of a modern, multi-story building with large windows. A trailer with the same branding is also visible. The scene features a blue sky with clouds and green trees in the background.
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Three mountain bikers are riding on a dirt trail in a natural outdoor setting. One rider is airborne, performing a jump over the trail, while the other two are actively pedaling. The scene features green shrubs and a partly cloudy sky in the background, creating a dynamic and adventurous atmosphere. The riders are dressed in colorful biking gear and helmets, emphasizing an energetic outdoor activity.
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