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 on a dirt trail with a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a cloudy sky above.
Two cyclists ride along a dirt path in a natural landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and trees under a colorful sky at sunset. The scene captures the serenity of outdoor cycling in a picturesque setting.
A mountain biker navigates a narrow trail along a steep mountain ridge, surrounded by lush green forests and distant mountain peaks under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by lush green ferns, leaning forward on a blue mountain bike as he tackles the incline. The sky is overcast, hinting at an adventurous day outdoors.
A close-up image of a black bicycle light resting on a textured surface, surrounded by autumn leaves. The light features a clear lens, buttons on the side, and markings indicating its brand. The warm tones of the fallen leaves contrast with the sleek design of the light.
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Aerial view of lush, multi-colored forests and rolling hills under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, showcasing the beauty of autumn foliage.
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A forest landscape showing tall, charred trees from a recent wildfire, with patches of green grass and ground debris scattered across the blackened earth. The scene captures a mixture of burnt trunks and recovering vegetation, highlighting the impact of fire on the ecosystem.
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A group of four cyclists riding mountain bikes along a desert trail, with a large saguaro cactus in the background and mountains in the distance. The scene is set under a clear blue sky with some greenery surrounding the path.
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A mountain bikers riding through a rocky stream in a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and vegetation. The cyclist is wearing a yellow and blue jersey, a helmet, and is focused on navigating the trail as water splashes around the bike's wheels.
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A close-up view of a person kneeling on grass, wearing a Giro knee pad on the left knee. The knee pad is designed with a textured surface and features the Giro logo prominently. The individual is also wearing blue shorts and has a hand resting on the knee pad. In the background, there is a blurred wooden fence and greenery.
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A mountain biker in a helmet is captured mid-air while jumping off a dirt ramp in a wooded area, surrounded by trees with changing leaves. The bike is airborne above a dirt mound, showcasing the rider's skill and the dynamic nature of the sport.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a cloudy day, concentrating as they ride downhill amidst lush greenery and hills in the background. The biker is wearing a helmet and a blue and black athletic outfit, with one wheel elevated above the ground, showcasing an adventurous moment.
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A mountain biker navigating over rocks on a forest trail during sunset, surrounded by tall, leafless trees. The rider is wearing a helmet and colorful cycling shorts, emphasizing an action-packed outdoor adventure.
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A scenic landscape showcasing rolling mountains and a winding path, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant earth tones. The sky is partly cloudy, adding depth to the view, while the terrain features a mix of rocky outcrops and forested areas.
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A mountain biker performs a stunt on a dirt track, riding past a wooden archway in a forested area. Surrounding the track, spectators watch as lush greenery lines the path. A "Best of 2024" logo is displayed in the corner of the image.
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Two mountain bikers riding along a dirt trail surrounded by dry grass and shrubs. One cyclist is in the foreground wearing a blue jacket and helmet, while the other is further back in a black jacket. The trail features some rocks along the sides and slopes gently upward in the background.
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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.
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A mountain biker in an orange jacket and helmet skillfully navigates a rocky terrain covered in leaves, surrounded by trees in a natural setting.
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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.
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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.
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A mountain biker in red gear jumps over a rocky section of a forested trail, kicking up dust as they navigate through the trees. Another individual observes from the side of the trail, which is marked with tape for a biking event.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A mountain biker rides over rocky terrain, navigating a challenging slope with cacti and desert vegetation in the background under a cloudy sky.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, featuring a large golden trophy and laurel wreath superimposed in the foreground.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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