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
 
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A close-up view of a fat bike riding on a snowy trail. The focus is on the rear wheel, showcasing the wide tire designed for snow, with a rider's foot visible on the pedal. Snow is kicked up around the bike as it moves through a winter landscape, with trees blurred in the background.
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A winding dirt trail lined with pine trees and green moss, set in a forested area. The path curves gently to the right, with tall trees providing a natural canopy overhead. The scene conveys a peaceful and natural environment, inviting outdoor exploration.
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A wooden sign with a brown background stating "Mountain Bike Trails Closed" in large white letters, with an additional smaller sign above it indicating a parking fee. The sign is positioned near a road surrounded by trees.
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Two mountain bikers are riding along a dirt path through a lush green valley surrounded by mountains. They are both wearing helmets and colorful biking gear, smiling as they enjoy the outdoor adventure. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the scenic backdrop of nature.
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A mountain biker navigating a rugged trail through a rocky tunnel, kicking up dust as they ride with energy and skill. The image features the text "YT Bike Range 2018" prominently displayed on the left side.
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A mountain biker riding along a sunlit forest trail, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage. The view captures the handlebars of another bike in the foreground, highlighting the adventure in a natural setting.
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A person holding a drone with a camera attached, showcasing its features at a technology exhibition. The drone has green LED lights and is positioned above a table with various devices in the background, with attendees visible.
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A detailed topographic map showing the Baltimore Canyon Preserve and King Mountain Preserve, including various trails, roads, and landmarks. Key features include marked trail names such as Dawn Falls Trail, Ladybug Trail, and Huckleberry Trail, along with contours indicating elevation changes. The map highlights areas designated as private property with a notice to stay on designated trails.
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Close-up of a mountain bike front wheel resting in a field of grass and wildflowers, with a backdrop of mountains under a blue sky. The wheel features a blue rim, a black tire, and a disc brake system, showcasing the bike's detail and rugged outdoor setting.
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Alt text: A green mountain bike and a blue and black mountain bike stand side by side in a natural setting, each with speech bubbles containing symbols that resemble exclamations or frustration, suggesting a humorous conversation between the two.
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Three mountain bikers navigating a wooden trail winding through a forested area. The trail features a series of curved wooden sections elevated above the ground, surrounded by lush green trees. The riders are wearing helmets and protective gear, showcasing an active outdoor sport atmosphere.
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10 mountain bike upgrades under $100
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A panoramic view of expansive mountain ranges under a clear blue sky, with the logos of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Sustainable Trails Coalition prominently displayed in the foreground. The landscape features rocky terrain, patches of snow, and lush green areas visible in the valleys.
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A black electric mountain bike parked on a dirt pathway surrounded by tall green grass and wildflowers. The bike features wide tires, a visible battery, and a sleek design, suitable for off-road biking.
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A panoramic view of rugged mountain terrain under a clear blue sky, showcasing a variety of peaks and valleys. The landscape features a mix of rocky slopes and patches of green vegetation, with some snow-capped areas visible on the mountains. Lush forests are present in the valleys, creating a contrast with the rocky mountain heights, while distant peaks fade into the horizon.
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A mountain biker falling over on a dirt track during a race, surrounded by spectators. The image includes bold text overlay asking, "What frustrates you most about mountain biking?"
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A sign post in a natural landscape, featuring two signs: one stating "NO E-BIKES NO PEDAL ASSIST" and another with symbols indicating a prohibition on motorcycles and ATVs. The background shows a dirt path and vegetation typical of a desert environment.
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A winding dirt trail leads through a rocky landscape, flanked by green grass and patches of snow on the mountainside. The sky is overcast with gray clouds, creating a dramatic backdrop against the rugged terrain of the mountain peaks in the distance.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, bordered by tall trees and vibrant undergrowth. The scene is filled with various shades of green, depicting a serene and tranquil natural setting.
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A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, capturing a moment of action in a natural outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker riding along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by lush green vegetation, with trees and leaves visible on either side. A play button overlay indicates that this is a video.
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Best Gloves for Mountain Biking
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A cyclist rides a fat bike on a snowy mountain trail, with snow-covered peaks and evergreen trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A person in a red shirt and helmet rides a mountain bike along a grassy trail filled with vibrant wildflowers, surrounded by a backdrop of green trees and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a hillside, surrounded by lush greenery and expansive mountainous views under a partly cloudy sky.
A man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a red jacket speaks into a microphone during a news segment about an incident involving a bicyclist shot by a hunter in Hopkinton, near Elm Brook Park.
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A green tent set up in a forest, with sunlight streaming through the trees in the background. The sun creates a bright halo effect, casting rays of light across the scene.
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A close-up view of a camping setup featuring a bright yellow sleeping pad adjacent to an orange and gray sleeping bag, resting on a bed of pine needles in a natural outdoor setting.
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10 best fat bikes 2017
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A mountain biker in a blue and red outfit rides down a steep, rugged trail at night, illuminated by a bright light source above. The surrounding area features lush vegetation and rocky terrain, enhancing the dynamic movement of the biker.
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A mountain biker adjusts their bike while navigating a rocky trail in a mountainous landscape, with rolling hills and a dramatic sky filled with clouds in the background.
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Alt tag: A silver SUV with a bike rack attached at the rear, holding two mountain bikes. The scene is set in a foggy, mountainous area with sparse trees in the background.
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A close-up of a Michelin Wild AM bike tire, showcasing its textured surface and sidewall branding. The image highlights the tire's tread design, suitable for off-road biking, with a blurred background creating a depth effect.
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A black mountain bike leaning against a rock, set on a rocky terrain with sparse vegetation and a clear sky in the background.
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Alt text: "Close-up of a black and silver X-Track Race Carbon bicycle pedal with a gold threaded connector, showcasing the detailed design and mechanism."
Close-up of a black handlebar component featuring the "FLOWTRON" logo and a textured foot pedal design, attached to a bike handlebar. The background is softly blurred.
A mountain biker in a red jacket and blue helmet rides along a winding dirt trail surrounded by tall trees in a forested area. The scene captures a vibrant mix of greenery and earthy tones, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.
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A close-up view of a black waterproof boot with a sleek design, featuring bright yellow and gray accents. The boot has a sturdy sole with good traction and is branded with "NORTHWAVE" and "YETI" logos. It is being held by a person, with promotional materials visible in the background.
A black and white bicycle helmet displayed on a mannequin head, featuring ventilation slots and a sleek design, with the brand name "KALI" prominently visible. The background includes a blurred green landscape.
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