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
 
  10
  1
A green sign reading "Helena City Limits" is prominently displayed on the side of a road. A white passenger bus with a trailer drives past, kicking up dust on a sunny day. The surroundings include a mixture of hills and greenery, with rocky outcrops visible in the background.
A mountain biker riding along a rocky trail surrounded by trees, with a scenic view of hills and a bright sun in the background.
A person mountain biking along a rocky trail in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The biker is wearing a helmet and a backpack, navigating over large stones while pedaling.
  1
A first-person view of a mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail in a desert landscape, with rugged terrain and distant mountains visible in the background. The biker's hands grip the handlebars, showcasing gloves and a bike equipped for off-road riding. A play button overlay indicates that this is a video.
  6
  4
Close-up image of a hand adjusting the quick release lever on a bicycle wheel assembly. Labels identify components such as the quick release lever (A), disc brake rotor (B), fork leg (C), and brake caliper (D). A warning message highlights the need to replace the skewer if the quick release lever opens too far, as it may catch on the brake rotor and cause the front wheel to lock up suddenly.
  1
A close-up image of a cycling computer displaying various metrics, including speed (0 MPH), vertical feet per minute (84), elevation (2242 feet), and temperature (86°F). The device has a sleek design and is mounted on a bicycle handlebar. In the background, there are additional screens showing cycling statistics.
A red mountain bike displayed on a wooden stand, featuring advanced suspension components, a gold fork, and large tires. The background shows a dark wall with the word "PATROL" prominently featured.
  2
A blue fat bike with oversized tires displayed on a stand, set against a backdrop of a mountainous landscape. The bike features a sturdy frame and suspension, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding.
  3
A blue mountain bike resting on rocky terrain, surrounded by sparse vegetation and arid landscape. The bike features thick tires and a suspension fork, indicating it is designed for off-road use.
  2
  1
A robust mountain bike with thick tires, positioned on rocky terrain with desert vegetation in the background. The bike features a dark frame with orange accents and is angled to display its front wheel and handlebars, with mountains visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.
  1
  2
Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear tire and frame against a blurred natural background, showcasing the tire's tread and distinctive pink-striped design.
  6
  1
  1
  5
A modern mountain bike with a black and orange frame, positioned on rocky terrain in a desert landscape. The bike features thick tires and a suspension system, with a clear blue sky in the background and mountains visible in the distance.
  1
A turquoise Surly bicycle with wide tires is parked on a gravel surface, with various tents and banners in the background promoting energy products. The scene is set in a sunny outdoor environment, suggesting a cycling event or festival.
  1
Alt text: A modern mountain bike with a lightweight frame, large fat tires, and a colorful design. The bike features disc brakes, a prominent chain, and is shown against a white background.
Logo design featuring the text "FIVE 2 RIDE SCOTLAND" with a location pin icon, set against a black background with a stylized Scottish flag design.
  1
A brightly colored mountain bike featuring a yellow and turquoise frame, equipped with front and rear suspension, disc brakes, and Maxxis tires. The bike is shown from a side view, highlighting its sleek design and components, suitable for off-road cycling.
A scenic landscape featuring a cyclist riding through a grassy area with a waterfall in the background. Snow-capped mountains rise in the distance. Overlayed text reads "FIVE 2 RIDE SPAIN," with a location marker graphic. The image has a monochrome effect except for the text and marker.
  1
A mountain biker performing a jump over a rocky terrain, with a backdrop of mountains and a clear sky during sunset. The rider is wearing a helmet, a yellow and black shirt, and blue shorts, showcasing an athletic pose in mid-air on a bright green bike.
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a lightweight gray frame, wide black tires featuring turquoise accents, and high-quality components. The bike is positioned against a white background, showcasing its dual suspension system, prominent fork, and a single gear setup, highlighting its suitability for rugged trails.
  1
Two mountain bikers are standing on a grassy hillside, looking out over a scenic view of distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The terrain features patches of wildflowers and remnants of burned trees, highlighting a natural landscape. One biker is holding onto their bike, while both are wearing helmets and backpacks, prepared for their adventure.
  11
  1
A panoramic view of rugged mountains under a cloudy sky, showcasing a range of peaks and valleys. The landscape features a mix of rocky surfaces, green valleys, and varying shades of brown and gray on the mountainside, creating a dramatic natural scene.
  20
  4
Alt text: A black and white image featuring two mountain bikers riding on a grassy slope, with a ski lift visible in the background. The text overlay reads "FIVE 2 RIDE VICTORIA" in large, bold letters, with a red location pin icon incorporated into the design.
A mountain biker navigates a rocky trail surrounded by lush green hills and distant mountains, wearing a helmet and a backpack. Colorful wildflowers are visible along the path, and the sky is overcast.
  13
A mountain biker riding along a dirt trail surrounded by blooming purple flowers and tall green trees under a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures the beauty of nature and outdoor activity.
A mountain biker in a green and white jersey and a red helmet navigates a rocky trail, leaning into a turn on uneven terrain surrounded by trees and boulders.
  1
A group of people hiking up a grassy hill under a cloudy sky. The trail leads up the slope, and participants are wearing various outdoor gear, including helmets and backpacks. The landscape features tall grass and some wildflowers, with mountains visible in the background.
A wooded path in a forest, overlaid with the text "FIVE 2 RIDE RHODE ISLAND" in bold letters, featuring a location pin graphic around the number "2." The image has a black-and-white filter with natural elements visible in the background.