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 group of young mountain bikers riding on a dirt trail in a lush green forest. One biker is airborne, performing a jump, while the others navigate the curves of the path. The scene captures the excitement and energy of outdoor biking activities.
A group of children riding bicycles in an indoor bike park, featuring wooden ramps and obstacles. The scene shows four young riders in various riding positions, with two in the foreground wearing helmets. The park has a spacious layout with several jumps and turns, creating an active and energetic atmosphere.
  1
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by large boulders under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
  6
A close-up image of a sleek black cycling shoe, featuring a distinctive logo and a combination of straps and a dial for securing the fit. The shoe is positioned on grass with some fallen leaves, showcasing its smooth surface and perforated design for ventilation.
  2
A mountain biker navigating a scenic trail surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a natural landscape.
  1
A dirt bike path winding through a wooded area, featuring dirt jumps and surrounded by trees. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and the sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a serene, natural atmosphere.
  4
A person operating a small excavator on a wooded hillside during winter, surrounded by bare trees and mountains in the background. The operator is wearing safety gear, including a helmet and ear protection.
  10
A pair of black protective knee pads laid out on green grass. The pads feature a sleek design with a breathable fabric and ventilation holes on one side. One of the pads includes a strap for secure fit, while both display branding labels.
A collection of trail-building tools including a mini-tiller, a shovel, and a rake, resting on a dirt path in a wooded area. The path is gently sloped and surrounded by trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage, illuminating the tools and the freshly prepared trail.
  4
Two mountain bikers in bright orange shirts navigate a dusty, winding dirt trail through a forested area. One rider leans into a turn while the other follows closely behind, both surrounded by tall trees and underbrush. Dust is kicked up behind them, capturing the dynamic energy of the activity.
  2
A mountain biker jumps off a wooden ramp in a lush green forest, surrounded by vibrant leaves and sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a dynamic sense of motion and adventure. Dust rises behind the bike as it sails through the air.
  9
A fat bike rider performs a jump on a snowy trail, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain, under a clear blue sky. Another cyclist is visible in the background.
  3
A mountain biker navigates a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and colorful wildflowers, with mountainous terrain and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
  3
A scenic landscape featuring a grassy meadow with a winding dirt path, surrounded by tall evergreen trees under a blue sky with wispy clouds. The area is dotted with patches of colorful wildflowers and lush greenery, suggesting a tranquil natural setting.
  4
A mountain biker rides along a winding dirt path through golden grassland, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills and jagged mountains under a clear blue sky. In the distance, a serene lake is partially visible, bordered by lush greenery.
  2
A wooden signpost marking the entrance to the Corkscrew Trail in a dense forest. The sign indicates the trail is very difficult and includes a map of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Surrounding the sign are tall trees and a narrow dirt path winding into the woods. Sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating the forest floor.
  2
A mountain biker rides across a wooden bridge in a lush forest filled with tall trees and greenery. The cyclist is captured in mid-air as they navigate the bridge, showcasing an adventurous outdoor scene.
  7
Close-up view of a mountain bike's drivetrain and suspension system, featuring a shiny bronze-colored frame, a Bosch Performance SX motor, and a Fox Float shock absorber. The image captures the bike's rugged components set against a blurred natural background, showcasing the intricate design and engineering of modern mountain biking technology.
  9
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.
  26
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.
  4
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.
  1
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.
  2
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.
  6
  4
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.
  4
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.
  1
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.
  12
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.
  3
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.
  2
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.
  2
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.
  1
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.
  1
A mountain biker in an orange jacket and helmet skillfully navigates a rocky terrain covered in leaves, surrounded by trees in a natural setting.
  1
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.
  1
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.
  6
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.
  19
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.
  5
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.
  2
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.
  5
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.
  9
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.
  4
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.
  3
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.
  2