Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
The "Ride to the Ride" Movement
Aug 13, 2008
  1
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Community
Olympic Cycling on TV
Aug 13, 2008
  1
Five cyclists in coordinating red and yellow cycling suits with "CHINA" printed on them stand beside their mountain bikes, while a man in a black jacket smiles in the middle. They are outdoors, likely preparing for a ride or photo opportunity.
Community
The Prez checks out Olympic MTB Course
Aug 12, 2008
  3
A cyclist in a yellow and black jersey races down a street during an event, while a young boy on another person's shoulders captures the moment with a camera. The scene is filled with spectators and a festive atmosphere, showcasing a mix of excitement and support for the cyclists.
Community
Lance Armstrong places second at Leadville 100
Aug 11, 2008
  1
Label for Fat Tire Amber Ale featuring a vintage-style illustration of a red bicycle against a blue background with green vines and a tree. The text "Fat Tire" is prominently displayed at the top, along with brewing details at the bottom.
Culture
Mountain Bike Brews
Aug 8, 2008
  5
Alt text: Two vending machines designed for bicycle parts, located at a Trek Stop. One machine is shown with a bicycle parked next to it, while the other features a person interacting with the vending machine. The machines are prominently labeled and situated in a well-lit outdoor area.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Bike parts vending machine from Trek
Aug 7, 2008
A mountain biker riding along a grassy trail with wildflowers, near a wooden cabin, set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and blue sky with scattered clouds.
Community
Learning to free ride
Aug 6, 2008
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
Sick riders, closed trails, stolen bikes, and more
Aug 5, 2008
A black bicycle pedal featuring a dual-sided design with stainless steel clips and a threaded attachment for easy installation. The pedal is branded with the name "LOOK" prominently displayed.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
New MTB pedals from Look
Aug 4, 2008
  1
Image of a Garmin Edge 205 cycling computer, displaying the main menu with options for history, training, navigation, and settings. The device is primarily black with a gray casing and features several buttons on the sides.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Submit a review in August, get a chance to win a MTB GPS
Aug 1, 2008
  1
Portrait of a male cyclist wearing a white and black cycling jersey featuring the logo "USA" on the front, with a neutral background. He has curly hair and is looking directly at the camera.
Community
Olympic MTB preview
Aug 1, 2008
  1
Four male musicians posing for a photo with a red background. They are dressed in a mix of casual and semi-formal attire, with one wearing a cowboy hat, another in a fedora, and the rest in t-shirts and sweaters. The band's name, "Weezer," is displayed above them in a bright, stylized font.
Culture
Albums to shred to this summer
Jul 31, 2008
  2
A person dressed in costume waves from the top of an oversized bicycle while another person rides on it and a third person runs alongside. The bicycle features large wheels and is set against a blurred outdoor background, suggesting motion.
Culture
Two bike pics
Jul 30, 2008
  1
A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by lush green forest, with tall trees lining both sides of the path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant and inviting outdoor scene.
Mountain Bike Trails
Tanasi MTB Trail Report
Jul 29, 2008
  1
A dark green t-shirt featuring the word "singletracks" in bold white letters, accompanied by a simple graphic logo resembling mountains. The shirt is displayed flat with short sleeves.
Community
More singletracks t-shirts and stickers in stock
Jul 28, 2008
  1
Illustration from U.S. Patent 6,273,391 B1, showing mechanical diagrams of a bicycle brake system. The image includes two figures: FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, depicting different views of brake components attached to a bicycle wheel.
Culture
Mountain bike fishing
Jul 28, 2008
  1
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
Chinese Mountain Bike Tours
Jul 25, 2008
A cyclist performing a mid-air jump on a bike above a large pit filled with foam cubes, inside a covered skatepark. In the background, a few people are observing the stunt.
MTB Tips
Learning how to land big mountain bike jumps
Jul 24, 2008
  1
Stainless steel flask with a decorative engraved design, tilted at an angle, showing the cap and handle.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike flask holster
Jul 23, 2008
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
Summer Recreation at National Forest Ski Areas
Jul 22, 2008
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Community
Red Bull Roundup: Mountain Biking in BC
Jul 22, 2008
Mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp, with a backdrop of a lively outdoor festival featuring flags from various countries, and a mountain landscape under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Community
Mountain biking roof to roof
Jul 21, 2008
  2
Logo of Marzocchi USA featuring a stylized red "M" and the word "marzocchi" in white, with "USA" in red, set against a dark grey background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Marzocchi Suspension Unit sold to... A US company?
Jul 18, 2008
Illustration featuring the Jeep logo with the text "48STRAIGHT" above a colorful collage of silhouettes engaging in various activities related to sports, music, and community. The background includes symbols of sustainability and media, with vibrant colors representing diverse aspects of culture and community engagement.
Community
Jeep 48STRAIGHT MTB Event Series
Jul 18, 2008
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Two mountain bike videos
Jul 17, 2008
  2
Image comparing an iPhone on the left and a Garmin Edge 705 cycling GPS device on the right, with "vs." text in the center, highlighting a technological comparison between a smartphone and a fitness device.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
3G iPhone vs. Garmin Edge 705 for biking
Jul 16, 2008
  8
A multi-tool bicycle repair kit featuring various tools, including wrenches and screwdrivers, arranged in an open position. The tool has a black and silver design with "TOPEAK" branding.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
MTB emergency tool reviews
Jul 15, 2008
Mountain Bike Trails
Hot Washington mountain bike trails
Jul 15, 2008
Five interlocking rings in blue, yellow, black, green, and red, representing the Olympic Games logo on a white background.
Culture
Australian mountain biker Jongewaard reconsidered for Olympic team
Jul 14, 2008
A blue unicycle with a black seat and a large tire, standing upright against a white background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain biking + Unicycle = Muni
Jul 14, 2008
Community
Mountain bike festivals around the world
Jul 11, 2008
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
Mountain bike motivations
Jul 10, 2008
Culture
Mountain biking documentaries galore
Jul 9, 2008
  1
A close-up image of a blue bicycle wheel secured with a cable lock intertwined with a metal railing. The background shows a green lawn and a blue structure.
Culture
Which bike is better for commuting: road or mountain?
Jul 8, 2008
  7
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
Kids in Australia organize to get new mountain bike track built
Jul 7, 2008
Table summarizing trail difficulty ratings with categories for rating, trail width, average trail grade, obstacles (roots/rocks), bridges, and other features. The ratings range from "Easiest" to "Extremely Difficult," detailing specific measurements and conditions for each level.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB Trail Difficulty Ratings & IMBA Epics Posted
Jul 3, 2008
Graphic text logo for "Iron Mountain" featuring a bold, metallic font with the words "bike race" underneath, set against a black background.
Community
Iron Mountain Bike Race
Jul 2, 2008
A group of people working in a forested area, with one person in a red shirt using a shovel to dig into the soil on a slope, while two others are visible digging in the background. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and greenery, indicating a natural outdoor environment.
Mountain Bike Trails
Boy Scouts help build and maintain Virginia Singletrack
Jul 1, 2008
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush green forest, flanked by tall trees and dense undergrowth. A trail marker is visible on the left side of the path. The scene is bright and sunny, highlighting the vibrant foliage.
Mountain Bike Trails
Weekend MTB ride at Stanley Gap (Blue Ridge, GA)
Jun 30, 2008
  2
A red bicycle with a flat front tire lies abandoned on a sandy surface, leaning against a tree. In the background, an apartment building is visible, partially obscured by a green fence. The scene suggests neglect and disrepair.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain biking no matter what
Jun 27, 2008
  2
A winding dirt path cuts through a grassy hillside with scattered rocks, surrounded by lush green trees on one side and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Colorado high country mountain bike rides
Jun 26, 2008
  2
A mountain biker in a blue and white outfit races downhill on a dirt trail through a forest, leaning sharply into a turn. Spectators can be seen in the background, watching the action. The scene is filled with greenery, highlighting the outdoor setting.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Downhill mountain biking in the Olympics?
Jun 25, 2008
Logo of the Cactus Cup, featuring a stylized cactus design in the center, surrounded by colorful layers of red, green, and blue, with the words "CACTUS CUP" prominently displayed in red at the top and bottom.
Community
Mountain bike race news
Jun 24, 2008
  1
Alt text: "Promotional flyer for the 2008 Trail to Trail Race Series featuring event details for mountain biking and road racing, including dates, locations, and sponsorship information."
Community
Trail to Trail Race Series (Florida)
Jun 23, 2008
  2
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
Road speed on mountain bike trails
Jun 23, 2008
  3
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Culture
Looking to kill some time at work? 2 MTB sites to check out
Jun 20, 2008
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Culture
MTB & Cycling news
Jun 19, 2008
I was reading an article in this month's Dirt Rag titled "Pedaling Democracy" and the author had this to say: <blockquote>Mountain bikers need to rally around a Ride to the Ride movement, and support transportation cyclists in their advocacy for Complete the Streets and Safe Routes to School, and try whenever possible to lobby for safe routes to trails.</blockquote> Admittedly I had never heard of the idea of riding to the ride. Heck, even before I was old enough to drive a car I had my parents shuttle me to the mountain bike trailhead for a ride. To me mountain biking and driving have always gone hand in hand kinda like climbing and downhill. How could you have one without the other? Of course riders have found ways to get downhill without climbing (ski lifts, vehicle shuttles, etc.) so why isn't it possible to ride without driving? It certainly helps if you live near a trailhead but for most of us this is a luxury we'll never know. My experiences riding to the ride have been mostly negative, perhaps because of the reasons the Dirt Rag article brings up. When I lived in Colorado Springs we were about 3-4 miles from Palmer Park but the roads getting there (Austin Bluffs, Academy) were super busy. We eventually found a way to connect neighborhood bike paths to get to the trail but this turned into a 7 mile (one way) roller coaster ride up and down some pretty nasty hills. By the time we got to the ride we were usually pretty spent and had little energy left to ride the singletrack. Here in Atlanta I've ridden to check out some <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=601">neighborhood trails</a> but honestly the tracks aren't built for mountain biking or long enough to ride on a regular basis. The closest "official" mountain bike trail, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2333">Morningside</a>, is a loop less than 1 mile long and it's at least 5 miles away on the road. The next closest real trail to me, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=604">Yellow River,</a> is at least 15 miles away. A 30 mile round trip is a solid distance for me on the road bike - I can't imagine doing it on knobby tires just to get to the trail! So what are mountain bikers to do? In theory "riding to the ride" is a great way to get in shape, save gas, and save the earth but we need more than just safe routes to get there - we need more in-town trail systems! NYC found a way to do it and there are plenty of examples of <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=915">great urban trail systems</a> around the US. Consider how you can "ride to the ride" next time and see what needs to be done in your community to make this a reality for more riders!
Community
One of a kind MTB race series in Florida
Jun 18, 2008