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.

 
A mountain biker in motion navigates through a lush, green forest trail, showcasing speed and agility as the bike’s wheels blur with movement. The rider wears a helmet and protective gear, emphasizing safety while tackling the vibrant, natural surroundings.
A bright pink mountain bike fork with black accents and the word "HELM" prominently displayed, against a black background.
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A close-up view of the front wheel and suspension fork of a mountain bike. The wheel features a knobby tire with visible tread, and the fork is equipped with a mudguard. The background consists of a gravel surface with scattered leaves, indicating a natural outdoor setting. The bike frame is a vibrant green color with the brand name "Santa Cruz" prominently displayed.
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Image shows a black background with white and red text. The top text reads "OUR FIRST STEP WAS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT," followed by "Our Next Steps will be Along a Lengthy Road." Below that, it discusses an investment of $10 million over the next three years to support the nonprofit OUTRIDE, which aims to build youth development programs and increase access to safe riding places for underrepresented communities. The text emphasizes community engagement and expanding to 200 programs nationwide.
  2
A person wearing a red shirt, shorts, and a helmet rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail, surrounded by green grass and hills with mountains in the background. The scene captures an outdoor adventure in a scenic landscape during daylight.
A mountain biker in black gear performs a jump over a log on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees in a forest setting. The sun is shining, highlighting the vibrant foliage and the biker's focused stance as he navigates the rugged terrain.
  3
A muddy mountain biker smiles broadly while pointing, showcasing a face and jersey covered in dirt after a challenging ride. The background hints at an event setting, with spectators visible.
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Two people are standing together in front of a pink tent branded with "SDR Clothing Co." One person, with a long beard and wearing a blue shirt, is holding a bike jersey featuring the name "QUINLAN." The other person, wearing a helmet and a blue shirt, is smiling and posing with the jersey. The background shows greenery and bicycles, indicating an outdoor event, possibly related to cycling.
  5
A smiling athlete wearing Oakley sunglasses, looking upward, with a chain-link fence backdrop. The image emphasizes an active lifestyle with a focus on sports and eye protection. Text overlay reads: "Love Sport. Live Life. Shield Your Eyes. Oakley® Clear Lens Collection."
A split image showing the interior and exterior of a green helmet. The left side features a honeycomb-like inner structure designed for safety, while the right side displays the smooth, brightly colored outer shell of the helmet, highlighting ventilation and protection features against a black background.
A young man is wrapping a white bandage around another man's injured arm in an indoor setting. The first individual is focused on the task, while the second appears to be receiving assistance. In the background, there are more people and some bikes visible, suggesting an active environment. A water bottle and some notes are on the table.
A teal mountain bike with thick tires and a modern design is positioned on a gravel path, surrounded by lush green trees. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
  2
A black mountain bike leaning against a textured brick wall, showcasing its front suspension, wide tires, and detailed components. The bike features a sleek design with "Norco" branding visible on the frame and a modern gear system. In the background, there are windows with metal grills, adding to the urban ambiance.
  2
Close-up view of a bicycle brake lever mounted on the handlebars, featuring a shiny metallic finish with engraved branding. The handle grip is textured in a teal color, and the background is a blurred green, indicating an outdoor setting.
A person with a mustache is riding a red mountain bike on a brick path, surrounded by a wooden fence and greenery. They are wearing sunglasses and a gray zip-up jacket, paired with light blue jeans and red shoes.
A group of eight people stands together in a snowy landscape, smiling and posing for the camera. They are wearing winter sports gear, including helmets and jackets, with some holding bicycles designed for snow. One person is raising their arms joyfully in the back, while others are in casual poses, showcasing a fun day outdoors in the winter. The background features trees covered in snow under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a bicycle pedal resting on grass, surrounded by small wildflowers. The pedal features a purple color with visible wear, and part of the bicycle frame is partially visible in the background.
  2
A close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch with a digital display, set against a backdrop of green ivy. The wrist is adorned with intricate tattoos and is covered by a plaid, golden-brown long-sleeve shirt. The smartwatch screen shows metrics including time, heart rate, and temperature.
  1
A mountain biker leans into a curve on a dirt trail, kicking up dust and gravel. The scene is set in a forested area with tall trees in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and gloves, showcasing an active and dynamic biking moment.
A mountain bike is positioned on a grassy trail surrounded by dense greenery. The bike features a sleek black frame with gold accents on the front fork, and it has rugged, knobby tires designed for off-road terrain. Sunlight filters through the trees in the background, creating a vibrant and natural atmosphere.
  2
A black bicycle is parked in the foreground on a cobblestone street lined with brick buildings. In the background, a few pedestrians can be seen walking along the street, and a bicycle lane sign is visible on a pole. The scene captures a quiet urban environment on a partly cloudy day.
A mountain biker jumps off a rock in a forested area, surrounded by spectators. The image captures the motion and excitement of the ride, with blurred trees and rocks conveying speed. The cyclist is wearing a black and purple jersey and a helmet, focused on navigating the rugged terrain.
A mountain bike with a light pink frame, featuring disc brakes, a sleek design, and large knobby tires, set against an orange background.
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A mountain biker in a blue outfit navigates a gravel trail on a downhill slope, surrounded by lush green hills and towering mountains under a clear blue sky. Wildflowers bloom along the path, while other bikers can be seen in the distance. Red fencing marks the course boundary.
A close-up view of a gardening tool, featuring a serrated metal blade attached to a black handle, positioned on a stone surface with small plants and flowers in the background.
  3
A close-up view of a bicycle positioned on a set of rollers for indoor training. The image shows the bicycle’s rear wheel on the rollers, with part of the bike frame and drivetrain visible. The wooden floor adds warmth to the setting.
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A mountain biker navigating a narrow rocky pathway between large boulders, wearing a helmet and protective gear. The biker is focused and poised on a descending trail, with sunlight filtering through the surrounding rocks.
  4
Close-up view of a mountain bike's crankset and chain, showcasing a Shimano Deore component, with a blurred background indicating motion through a natural landscape.
A mountain bike with a silver frame and distinctive tan tires standing in shallow water, surrounded by trees. The bike features front suspension, disc brakes, and stylish components, highlighting its rugged design and suitability for off-road riding.
  4
A collection of health and nutrition products displayed on a wooden surface, including a bag of instant cacao mix labeled "Risveglio di Buddha," a packet of vegan omega-3 algae oil, a container of raw organic protein powder, a bottle of vegan B12 supplement, and a carton of almond drink labeled "Bevanda di mandorla." A pink rose is placed in the foreground, adding a decorative touch to the arrangement.