Gerow

Gerow started as a freelance writer for Singletracks and was a full-time staff member from 2019 to 2022. His areas of expertise include component tech and tires, suspension setup, gravity riding, bikepacking, repair, and maintenance. A mountain biker since 1986, Gerow continues to contribute compelling and expert mountain bike and component reviews.

"If not riding then I'm writing, or quite possibly cooking something. I play bass with nine-and-a-half fingers, eat vegetables and fruit, and prefer movement as frequently as possible. I find discomforts and challenges more useful than most things, particularly what emerges from them. If I died and could return as anything I would choose a camp fire."

Author snapshot

  • Instagram: @ribbonsinsticksmedia
  • Location: Bellingham, Washington
  • Previous location: Torino, Italy and Florence, Italy

MTB experience

  • Mountain biking since 1986
  • Current bike stable: Raaw Madonna (160mm) and a Kona Unit (rigid)
  • Favorite place to ride: Jamniza, Slovenia

Writing experience and education

  • Other publications: Craft MTN and various Italian blogs
  • Masters of Sociology
  • Firefighter 2 Certification, EMT, Hazmat Operations, Rope Rescue

If not riding then I'm writing, or quite possibly cooking something. I play bass with nine-and-a-half fingers, eat vegetables and fruit, and prefer movement as frequently as possible. I find discomforts and challenges more useful than most things, particularly what emerges from them. If I died and could return as anything I would choose a camp fire.

 
Close-up of two bike dropper post tubes; one has an orange accent and the other has a black accent. In the background, a blue sky with scattered clouds and some twigs is visible.
A close-up image of a person fastening a gray sport shoe while sitting on rocky terrain, with a focus on the shoe's details and the surrounding natural environment. The person's leg is partially visible, wearing black socks.
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A mountain biker navigating a steep trail, surrounded by onlookers in a forested area. The cyclist, wearing a colorful jersey and helmet, is focused on maintaining balance while climbing. Nearby, spectators watch and cheer, creating an energetic atmosphere during a biking event. Lush green grass and trees frame the scene, highlighting the outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker leans into a turn on a dirt trail surrounded by lush foliage, kicking up dust as they navigate through the dense greenery. The image captures the dynamic movement of the rider, who is wearing a helmet and a blue t-shirt, with a focused expression while maneuvering their red mountain bike. A marked course ribbon is visible in the background, indicating a racing environment.
A mountain bike is leaning against a stone wall, overlooking a panoramic view of a city with historic buildings and snow-capped mountains in the background. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the scenery. The bike features a vibrant turquoise frame with orange accents and is equipped with thick tires suitable for rugged terrain.
  2
A wild boar resting on the ground, partially burrowing into the soil, surrounded by a forested area with soft, dappled light filtering through the trees.
  2
A mountain bike parked inside the ruins of an old stone structure, surrounded by rocky terrain and greenery. Light filters through an opening in the wall, revealing a scenic view outside.
A mountain bike resting on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a misty valley with small houses and winding roads visible in the distance. The surrounding landscape features muted colors, with a backdrop of trees and mountains shrouded in fog.
  3
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage, captured mid-ride with determination. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing a dynamic posture as they maneuver down the path. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the vibrant greenery of the forest.
A mountain biker executing a jump on a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and lush green foliage. The biker is in mid-air, showcasing a dynamic posture while riding a light-colored mountain bike. The scene captures the vibrant colors and textures of the forest environment.
A young cyclist performs a mid-air jump on a mountain bike, surrounded by tall trees and a forest trail. The scene is illuminated by warm, natural light, showcasing the action and excitement of the sport.
A serene forest scene featuring tall, white-barked aspen trees surrounded by lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. The foreground shows clusters of white flowers along with purple-flowered plants, creating a vibrant and peaceful natural landscape.
  3
A side view of a high-performance mountain bike featuring a sleek, tan-colored frame with orange and blue accents. The bike is equipped with sturdy tires, a front suspension fork, and a mechanical drivetrain, designed for off-road cycling. The background is plain to emphasize the bike's design.
A group of people are smiling and interacting in a casual setting, likely at an outdoor event. Two men in the foreground appear to be enjoying a lighthearted moment. One man, wearing a black t-shirt and a cap, is laughing, while another man in glasses, with a beard, stands with his arms crossed and a friendly smile. Several people in the background are partially visible, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere.
A black mountain bike leaning against a tree near a calm body of water, surrounded by green grass and fallen leaves.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire partially submerged in water, showcasing its rugged tread pattern. Water droplets and dirt are visible on the tire, with blurred rocks and pebbles in the background.
  3
Close-up view of a blue mountain bike frame highlighting the rear shock absorber, showcasing the Fox Float DPX2 shock with bronze and black components. The image features intricate details of the shock mount and surrounding frame area against a dark background.
A group of people celebrating at a mountain biking event. A man in a cycling outfit is wiping his face, showing emotion after a race, while two women nearby express excitement and support. One woman holds a drink bottle, and another has a surprised expression. In the background, a crowd can be seen, along with trees and banners typical of a sporting event.
  1
A green mountain bike stands on a rocky trail surrounded by desert vegetation and hills in the background. The bike features a sturdy frame, fat tires, and vibrant green handlebars, with a water bottle attached to its frame.
A close-up view of a black bicycle fork resting on a bed of yellow autumn leaves. The fork features smooth lines and modern design elements, highlighting its suspension components and attachment points. The vibrant color of the leaves contrasts with the dark finish of the fork, creating a visually appealing autumnal scene.
  5
A close-up image of a gray mountain biking helmet positioned on a rocky surface, with a blurred background featuring a river and trees. The helmet has several ventilation openings and a sleek design, capturing the warm colors of a sunset.
  4
A mountain biker in protective gear jumps off a large rock in a rocky outdoor terrain. The cyclist is wearing a bright orange and black jersey, black shorts, and a helmet with goggles, showcasing an action-packed moment of riding.
A close-up view of a bicycle suspension fork mounted on a tree trunk, looking upward. The fork features glossy black stanchions and an orange adjustment knob, surrounded by out-of-focus green foliage in the background.
  9
A black Merida One-Sixty 700 mountain bike parked on a pathway surrounded by industrial structures and colorful graffiti. The bike features thick tires and a sturdy frame, showcasing its design for off-road cycling.
An image of a bicycle shock absorber featuring a black coil spring, an adjustment knob with blue and red markings for high and low speed compression settings, and a gray and red body labeled "SPRINDEX." The shock absorber is shown from a side view, highlighting its mechanical design and components.
A mountain biker in a teal jersey and black pants is airborne as they jump over a wooden barrier marked "X-Class" on a dirt track. The scene is framed by a rocky outcrop, with green grass in the background and racing flags visible along the course.
  1
A high-quality mountain bike with a sleek gray frame is displayed on a bright red bike stand. The bike features rugged tires and a suspension system, set against a backdrop of industrial structures and graffiti-covered walls. The scene combines elements of urban decay and outdoor adventure.
  1
A mountain biker navigates a dirt trail surrounded by trees, lifting the front wheel of the bike while wearing a helmet and cycling gear. The scene captures a moment of action in a natural outdoor setting with greenery and a cloudy sky in the background.
Close-up of a bike suspension component, featuring a metallic gray body and a gold adjustment knob with labeled settings for compression and speed. The background shows a colorful mural with shades of turquoise and brown, with some natural debris visible on the ground.
  2
A mountain biker leans into a turn on a dirt trail, showcasing dynamic movement and skill. The rider is dressed in athletic gear and wearing a helmet, navigating close to a safety barrier. Spectators can be seen in the background watching the action unfold in a forested area.
  5
Close-up view of a bike tire resting on the ground, surrounded by fallen leaves and patches of moss. The tire features a rugged tread pattern, indicating it's designed for off-road use. Natural textures and colors of the forest floor are visible in the background.
  2
A blue mountain bike displayed against a dark background, showcasing its sleek frame, front suspension, and rugged tires. The bike features a modern design with a prominent shock absorber near the rear wheel, and the wheels are equipped with knobby tires for off-road traction.
  1
A pink and black electric pressure washer from Muc-Off, featuring a hose and wand, sits on a ledge beside a bottle of Muc-Off Bike Cleaner Concentrate. The background shows a blurred tree branch against a clear sky.
A silver mountain bike with a sleek frame, equipped with a gold-colored suspension fork and black tires. The bike features a dropper seat post, intricate gear system, and is set against a plain white background.
Close-up view of a cyclist's shoe resting on a pedal, surrounded by a blurred natural background. The shoe features a treaded sole for grip, and the pedal is slightly muddy, indicating usage in outdoor conditions. A portion of the bike frame in pink is visible in the background, along with elements of the bike's drivetrain.
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A bicycle fork resting against a colorful graffiti wall, positioned on a set of concrete steps. The fork features a sleek silver design with yellow accents and branding visible. The background includes a clear blue sky with sparse tree branches and leaves.
  1
A dirt road bordered by tall green grass and wildflowers, with fluffy dandelions in the foreground. The scene is set under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds in the background. Power lines stretch across the horizon, and trees line the edges of the path.
  9
A gray vehicle parked along a rural road with two mountain bikes mounted on a hitch rack. In the background, snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky can be seen, alongside an open field and a farmhouse.
  2
A mountain biker navigates a narrow, dirt trail through a wooded area, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves. The rider wears a helmet and protective gear, emphasizing an adventurous spirit in an outdoor setting.
A mountain biker navigating a narrow trail surrounded by trees in a lush forest. The rider is wearing a helmet and padded gear, leaning forward as they maneuver over rocky terrain, with vibrant greenery in the background.
  2
A mountain bike with a sleek silver frame and purple accents is positioned next to a tree at the edge of a lake. The bike features high-quality tires with Michelin branding and a visible suspension system. In the background, a historic building is situated along the waterfront, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
A close-up view of a bicycle seat and seat post, partially obscured by a tree trunk. The seat has a green top, and the seat post is black with a logo. The background features blurred trees and a hint of a path or water, suggesting an outdoor environment.
  4
A close-up view of a person's foot in motion as they ascend wet, moss-covered outdoor steps, surrounded by foliage and greenery. The focus is on the foot wearing a black sneaker with white stripes, indicating movement and activity in a natural setting.
  2
A person is adjusting the sleeve of a black jacket while standing in a snowy environment. Snowflakes are falling around them, creating a wintery atmosphere. The individual has visible tattoos on their hand and wrist.
Close-up image of a bicycle's rear wheel hub and disc brake system, featuring a TRP brake caliper. The photo is in black and white, highlighting the intricate details of the bike's components against a blurred natural background.
  9
A person wearing a yellow and brown jacket stands on a snowy path, looking at their phone. In the background, a dog walks through the snow-covered ground, surrounded by trees with fallen leaves. Snowflakes are gently falling around them.
Four freshly baked oatmeal cookies arranged on a white plate with a blue rim, set on a textured fabric background. The cookies have a golden-brown color and a rustic appearance, showcasing their chunky oat texture.
Three mountain bikers riding on a dirt trail through a wooded area. One cyclist is airborne over a jump, while the others are navigating the track. The scene features lush green trees and foliage, indicating a vibrant outdoor setting.
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