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 view of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a dominion brake caliper mounted on a blue frame with a "Plus Compatibility 27.5" label. The image shows the brake disc and part of the bike's gearing system in a natural outdoor setting.
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A black mountain bike with a sleek design is positioned next to a rocky entrance of a cave. Vibrant purple flowers and green foliage are visible in the foreground, adding a natural touch to the outdoor setting. The cave looms in the background, suggesting an adventurous atmosphere.
A female mountain biker stands in a forest, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, with a focused expression. She grips the handlebars of her bike, surrounded by tall trees and soft sunlight filtering through the foliage. Her outfit features a black and white design, and her hair is styled in a braid.
A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery in a forested area. The path features exposed roots and rugged terrain, showcasing a natural setting ideal for outdoor biking adventures.
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Close-up view of the waistband of a pair of blue sports shorts, featuring a black adjustable strap and zipper. The fabric has a perforated texture and is partially laid across stone and greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A shadow of a person holding a bicycle is cast on a grassy path. The sunlight creates a clear silhouette, highlighting the figure and the outlined shape of the bike against the vibrant green grass.
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A large group of diverse mountain bikers poses for a photo in a lush, green forested area next to a serene lake. Many participants are smiling and waving, wearing colorful cycling gear and helmets. The scene captures the spirit of camaraderie and outdoor exploration.
Four mountain bikers riding along a trail in a grassy area, surrounded by trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The cyclists are wearing helmets and colorful biking gear.
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Close-up of a black bicycle tire showcasing its tread pattern, with a visible logo and mascot of the Michelin brand. The background is blurred, emphasizing the tire's details.
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A decorated cake on a clear serving tray featuring the text "singletracks.com" and mountain graphics, adorned with miniature bicycle toys. The cake is bordered with red raspberry accents, and a glass of champagne is visible in the background. A knife is beside the cake on the tablecloth.
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Three mountain bikers riding on a winding dirt trail through a forest. They are airborne or maneuvering around rough terrain, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage. Dust is being kicked up from the trail, creating a dynamic, action-packed scene.
A fitness center scene featuring two men. One man, in the foreground, is lifting a kettlebell, while the other man, in the background, leans against exercise equipment, wearing a black vest and red attire, observing. The setting has wooden walls and various gym equipment visible.
A mountain biker performing a trick mid-air above a dirt ramp in a forest, surrounded by tall trees. Spectators in the background watch the action, while the rider wears a colorful tie-dye shirt and a helmet.
A close-up of a cyclist's gloved hand resting on a bike handlebar, displaying a Garmin watch with metrics including direction, distance (13.13 km), and elevation (476 m). The glove features a colorful tropical design, and the background shows a blurred green trail and foliage.
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A lush forest scene featuring a steep, dirt pathway lined with greenery and trees, leading up to a rustic wooden structure partially obscured by leaves. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
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Two cyclists riding on a gravel trail during sunset, with tall grass and an open landscape in the foreground. The sun is low on the horizon, casting warm light across the scene.
A close-up view of a tree branch adorned with bright red berries, with a long, vibrant red ribbon hanging from the branch. The ribbon features cut-out letters, contributing to the colorful and artistic display. A blue sky with wispy clouds is visible in the background, creating a serene atmosphere.
Two BMX riders perform tricks at an outdoor event in a scenic location. One rider is executing a daring upside-down maneuver, while the other is in mid-jump over a ramp. A crowd has gathered to watch the performance, with trees and a historic building visible in the background. Banners displaying "North Lake Garda" and "Trentino" can be seen, indicating the event's location. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with spectators engaged in the action.
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Black gloves with teal lettering that reads "NO ORDINARY LIFE" displayed in front of a blurred background, which includes greenery and a bicycle.
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A smiling man wearing a helmet and a cycling jacket stands in a forest setting, surrounded by tall trees. He has a beard and appears to be enjoying his time outdoors.
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Image of bicycle components including a set of cranks, chainrings, derailleur systems, and brake shifters, all featuring a sleek black and silver design. The products are displayed against a neutral background, emphasizing their modern aesthetics and design intended for cycling enthusiasts.
A carbon bicycle wheel featuring a distinctive three-spoke design, with the brand name "SPENGLE" prominently displayed in orange and "CARBON" in black. The wheel is set against a textured brick wall, highlighting its sleek and modern appearance.
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A mountain biker riding along a narrow dirt trail through a forest of tall aspen trees, illuminated by warm golden sunlight filtering through the leaves. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure and the beauty of nature in autumn.
A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a dirt trail surrounded by trees. The path is narrow and winding, showcasing a natural forest setting with a mix of greenery and tree trunks in the background.
Alt text: A Wahoo ELEMNT Roam bike computer display alongside a smartphone app interface. The computer shows various metrics such as miles, speed, workout duration, and turn-by-turn navigation. The app displays device connection status, battery percentage, and customization options.
Close-up image of a bicycle hydraulic brake caliper mounted on a bike frame, featuring a metallic rotor and black components. Green leaves are visible in the background, providing a natural setting.
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A bicycle is lying on its side with the rear wheel in the foreground, set against a scenic backdrop of a grassy field and tree line under a clear blue sky. A dirt path runs through the landscape, flanked by lush greenery.
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A vibrant mountain bike leaning against a tree in a lush green area. The bike features a purple frame with orange suspension components and distinctive black tires. In the background, there is graffiti on a concrete wall, and the ground is covered with leaves and wildflowers, creating a natural, urban contrast.
A smiling person wearing a helmet and sunglasses is sitting on a mountain bike, holding the handlebars. The focus is on the bike's front tire and the person's hands, with a clear blue sky in the background. The scene conveys a sense of outdoor adventure and biking enthusiasm.
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A mountain biker in an orange and black jersey and blue protective gear navigates a rocky trail, creating dust and debris as he leans into a corner on his bike. The background features a clear sky and greenery, capturing the thrill of outdoor cycling.
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A black mountain bike with yellow accents rests against a large tree, surrounded by lush green foliage and ground cover. The scene conveys a serene outdoor environment, ideal for biking adventures.
A mountain biker wearing a helmet and colorful gear navigates a rocky trail, leaning into a turn while riding on dirt. The path is marked with colorful tape, and the surrounding landscape features sparse vegetation and a distant view of hills under a cloudy sky.
A black shoulder bag hanging from a tree branch, featuring a zippered front pocket and an adjustable strap. The bag shows signs of use with some dirt on its surface, surrounded by natural scenery in a sunny outdoor setting.
A mountain biker in an orange and white jersey is skillfully jumping over rocky terrain on a dirt trail, surrounded by trees. The rider is wearing a blue helmet and gloves, showcasing an action-packed moment in the sport of mountain biking.
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A person wearing a colorful, abstract-patterned jersey and gloves stands beside a mountain bike in a grassy field. The bike features thick tires and is positioned on a trail, with trees in the background. The individual is adjusting their jersey while looking towards the camera.
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A close-up of a white sports watch resting on a weathered wooden log, with a calm body of water and trees in the background. The watch displays the time as 14:59 and has a digital interface. The scene is well-lit, showcasing the watch's features against the tranquil natural setting.
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Close-up image of a mountain bike tire showing intricate tread patterns and rubber texture, emphasizing the tire's knobs designed for grip and traction on various terrains.
A close-up view of a tree's trunk and branching structure, featuring fresh green leaves against a clear blue sky. The perspective is looking upwards, showcasing the intricate network of branches extending from the thick trunk.
A bicycle fork leaning against a corrugated rust-colored metal wall. The fork features a dark black and light gray design, with the logo "Cane Creek" visible. The scene is simple and industrial in appearance, focusing on the bicycle component.