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 performing a jump against a cloudy sky, with a flag visible in the background. Social media sharing buttons for Facebook and Twitter are located at the top left, along with a "Play Now" button in the center. A video player timeline is displayed at the bottom.
A mountain biker navigating a muddy trail surrounded by lush greenery, with water splashing from the tires as sunlight filters through the trees.
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A mountain biker in a red and white jersey skillfully navigates a wooden pump track, leaning into a turn as they ride downhill through a forested area. The scene captures the dynamic motion and excitement of downhill biking.
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A mountain biker jumps on a forest trail surrounded by tall aspen trees, with sunlight shining through the foliage, creating a dynamic and vibrant outdoor scene.
A panoramic view of lush green mountains under a cloudy sky. In the foreground, a small pine tree stands on a rocky outcrop, while the rolling hills and dense forests stretch into the distance, creating a serene natural landscape.
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A panoramic view of a desert landscape featuring rugged rock formations, sparse vegetation, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene includes two prominent mesas in the distance surrounded by a terrain of rocky outcrops and patches of greenery.
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Panoramic view of a rocky desert landscape with layered rock formations and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
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A mountain biker wearing a green helmet and a gray and black cycling jersey rides over rocky terrain under a sunny blue sky. Vegetation and distant hills are visible in the background.
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Icons representing different outdoor activities and emergency services: a cyclist in the top left on a green background, an SOS signal in the top right on a red background, a runner in the bottom left on an orange background, and a skier in the bottom right on a purple background.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a green helmet and gray sports attire, under a bright blue sky with a few clouds. Surrounding the cyclist are scattered rocks and patches of greenery.
A blue mountain bike is positioned on a rocky, grassy terrain with sparse vegetation in the background. The bike features large tires and a sturdy frame, showcasing its suitability for off-road cycling.
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A dirt path winds through a vibrant field of yellow and white wildflowers, with tall green grass on either side. In the background, a majestic mountain rises against a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by dense pine trees.
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A mountain biker performing a flip in mid-air above trees, set against a backdrop of mountains and a cloudy sky. The biker is wearing a helmet and riding a dark-colored bike, showcasing an action-packed moment in a nature setting.
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A cyclist performing a daring trick on a bright red bike while balancing on a tightrope, with one leg extended outwards. The backdrop features mountains, and the sun is visible in the sky, creating a dramatic effect.
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A person in a blue jacket and helmet riding a mountain bike on a sandy track, kicking up dust as they navigate a turn. The scene captures the thrill of off-road biking in a rugged outdoor environment. A "Play Now" button is overlaid on the image, indicating a video feature.
A collage showcasing various mountain biking scenes in scenic locations across the Western USA. The images feature bikers riding through lush green trails, rocky terrain, and picturesque mountain backdrops, alongside text highlighting "20 Most Scenic Mountain Bike Trails."
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Alt text: A cyclist rides in a barren landscape in front of large letters spelling "EPECUÉN." The scene features a clear blue sky with scattered clouds, and a lone tree in the background. There is a promotional tagline at the bottom, indicating a release date of May 27, 2014, and the hashtag #EPECUEN.
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A close-up of a black cycling shoe with blue accents, worn by a person standing on dusty ground covered with fallen leaves. The shoe features three adjustable straps and shows signs of use, indicating outdoor activity. A patterned gray sock is visible above the shoe.
A mountain biker's perspective looking down into a deep trench or pit, with vegetation visible on either side. The handlebars of the bike and the rider's hands, wearing red gloves, are prominently featured in the foreground, creating a sense of height and adventure.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a forest trail, wearing a helmet and cycling gear, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. The cyclist is focused as they navigate over rocky terrain.
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Close-up of a bicycle's rear shock absorber, featuring the "DB Inline Double Barrel" logo. The shock, mounted on a sleek frame in green and black, showcases engineering details against a blurred industrial background.
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A mountain biker performing a jump over a large rock, surrounded by greenery and trees in a natural outdoor setting. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and riding gear, showcasing an action-packed moment in a biking trail.
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A narrow dirt path winding through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dense vegetation. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled light on the trail.
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Logo of Bell Built, featuring a red badge design with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included at the bottom, accompanied by a gear icon.
Logo of the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr), featuring a stylized compass design with a black outer circle and a white inner circle. The name "CAMBr" is prominently displayed in orange text across the center, with the words "Chicago Area" in smaller black text above it and "Mountain Bikers" below.
A scenic pathway winding through a vibrant meadow, lined with colorful wildflowers, leading into a lush forest of tall evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.
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Logo of Bell Built, featuring a red badge design with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included at the bottom, accompanied by a gear icon.
A mountain biker navigating a narrow dirt trail surrounded by dense greenery and tall white aspen trees in a forest setting. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure and nature.
A serene outdoor landscape featuring a dirt path winding through grassy terrain with trees on the hillside, under a clear blue sky. A play button overlay suggests this is a video.
Close-up of a gloved hand gripping a handlebar as it makes contact with the dirt, creating a cloud of dust. The environment appears to be an outdoor trail, with a blurred background suggesting movement or action.
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A panoramic view of a mountainous landscape featuring lush green hills, a small town nestled at the base, and ski runs visible on the slopes above. The sky is partly cloudy, and the scene captures the natural beauty of the area.
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Logo of the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), featuring a stylized bike tire graphic with the acronym "SORBA" prominently displayed in red letters. The design includes blue outlines and accents.
Logo design featuring a stylized letter 'M' overlaid with a crown shape, accompanied by the word "Mammoth" in bold, playful font. The color scheme is predominantly black with a minimalistic style.
A detailed view of a bicycle rear derailleur in black, showcasing its various components including the pulley wheels, tension adjustment, and attaching mechanisms. The design features a sleek, modern shape suitable for high-performance cycling.
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A mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring a white and blue frame, positioned on rocky terrain. The bike has large tires suitable for off-road conditions and a prominent front suspension fork, showcasing its capability for rugged trails.
Close-up of a bike tire featuring a rugged tread design, partially covered in snow. The tire's surface is detailed with distinct, square-shaped knobs, which provide traction for winter riding conditions. The background shows a snowy landscape.
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A winding dirt path through a tranquil forest, surrounded by tall trees and patches of green moss. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting gentle shadows on the ground.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a gravel path alongside a river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The scenery features hills in the background and a clear sky.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape at sunrise, featuring rugged peaks illuminated by warm sunlight. In the foreground, a rustic wooden fence and scattered bushes blend with the natural surroundings, while a house is nestled among the trees in the distance. The scene captures the tranquility of nature, with a mix of rocky terrain and evergreen trees.
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A mountain biker climbs a dirt trail on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.