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
 
A winding dirt road curves through a forested area featuring tall, bare trees and scattered autumn leaves. In the background, a small stream flows over rocks, bordered by a slope of earth and vegetation. The scene captures a tranquil natural setting in a wooded environment.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery, with a logo for the Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) displayed at the top.
Screenshot of a webpage from Singletracks featuring a review of the Ellsworth Truth mountain bike. The page displays the bike's specifications, user reviews, pros and cons, and an editor's review, including details about its design and performance, alongside advertisements and navigation options.
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A cheerful mascot in a blue dress and a large bow, waving from a decorated float during a parade. The character has oversized ears and a big smile, embodying a playful and welcoming presence.
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A close-up view of a Garmin Edge 705 cycling computer mounted on a bike handlebar, displaying an elevation reading of 821 feet. The screen shows a graphical representation of the terrain. The bike's handlebar and gear shift are also visible in the image.
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A silver bicycle decorated with a large red bow stands next to a Christmas tree adorned with blue and gold ornaments. The scene is set in a cozy room with wooden floors and a patterned rug.
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Two Blackburn bicycle pumps resting on a bed of dry, fallen leaves. The pumps are black with silver detailing, showcasing the Blackburn logo prominently. One pump is partially extended, while the other is fully collapsed. The autumn leaves in the background provide a natural setting.
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A cyclist in a black outfit and race number 59 loses control and falls in a snowy landscape, with a bike flipping in the air. Red and white tape marks the course in the background against a clear blue sky.
A decorative wall piece featuring an abstract relief sculpture of a cyclist, framed within a rectangular shape, set against an oval textured background. The sculpture has metallic tones, highlighting the figure in motion.
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Promotional image for Ellsworth Bikes offering a $250 discount on USA-made bicycles for the holiday season. The image includes several pieces of text detailing the promotion, instructions for redeeming the offer, and a certificate for the discount. The layout features a header with the Ellsworth logo, a festive message, and a call to action encouraging customers to take advantage of the deal.
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A close-up view of a muddy bicycle, focusing on the saddle and rear frame, with a blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background.
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A holiday gift guide for mountain biking enthusiasts, featuring a selection of products organized by price categories: under $25, under $50, and under $100. Items include clothing, accessories, and gear such as a bike T-shirt, tires, tools, apparel, and hydration packs. The guide is designed for easy navigation, with images and brief descriptions for each item.
A Garmin Edge 305 cycling computer displaying elapsed time, distance, and speed is shown alongside a map and elevation profile of a cycling route. Below, there is a table listing two activities, including the dates, locations, types of activities (mountain biking and running), distances, average speeds, and corresponding times.
A black mountain bike with a sleek frame, front suspension fork, and disc brakes. The bike features wide tires suitable for off-road trails and a modern design ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts.
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Map of Cochran Shoals, Sope Creek, and Powers Island within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, Georgia. The map highlights various trails, including biking trails marked in red, as well as areas for pedestrians, parking, and other facilities. The legend provides information on trail difficulty and usage restrictions.
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Close-up image of a black mesh fabric featuring round, padded sections. The fabric is characterized by a series of circular cutouts that allow for ventilation, and the padded sections are designed in contrasting colors. The material also includes decorative stripes along the edges.
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Poster for the 5th Annual Le Tour de Tryptophan event, featuring decorative swirls and elegant typography. The event details include "24 Hours of the Fullerton Loop," scheduled for November 28-29, 2008, with activities from Friday noon to Saturday noon. It is organized to benefit the So Cal Interscholastic Cycling League, with a $30 donation suggested. Additional notes mention the meeting location at the Upper Lot of the Fullerton Courthouse and state that it is a non-event with no insurance or guarantees, encouraging participants to enjoy the experience.
Alt text: A promotional flyer for the Winter Holiday Shootout Series at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, California. The flyer includes event details: race dates on November 8, November 29, and January 3, registration information, an entry fee of $35, and mentions a chance to win a Cannondale mountain bike. Logos of sponsors are also displayed.
A wooded area with a wooden ramp leading down to a dirt bike track. A warning sign is visible on a tree, and a group of cyclists is gathered at the base of the ramp near the track. The scene is surrounded by trees, with a rocky hillside in the background.
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Two mountain bikes are displayed side by side, both featuring an olive green frame. The bike on the left showcases a classic design with a prominent suspension system, while the bike on the right has a more modern frame and streamlined features. Both bikes are equipped with thick, rugged tires suitable for off-road terrain.
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A mountain bike featuring a bronze-colored aluminum frame, front suspension fork, and knobby tires suitable for off-road terrain. The bike is shown from a side angle, displaying its gear system and disc brakes.
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A close-up of a person smiling while holding a hand of playing cards, showing an Ace, King, and a pair of eights in hearts, with a blurred natural background.
A bright green bicycle frame with a distinctive design, featuring a rear shock absorber and branded with the name "Morewood." The frame is angled to highlight its structure against a gradient black background.
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Two SRAM double-tap shifters in silver with black accents, featuring a curved lever design, displayed on a counter. Cables are attached, and part of a bicycle component is visible in the foreground.
A group of mountain bikers competing in a race, captured in motion as they accelerate across a grassy field. Several participants are wearing colorful jerseys and helmets, with numbers displayed on their bikes. Spectators can be seen in the background, watching the race. Trees line the background, suggesting an outdoor event.
A man wearing a black 'LIVESTRONG' t-shirt with a yellow logo, looking slightly to the side with a focused expression. The background is plain and uncluttered.
A streamlined, futuristic vehicle speeding along a deserted road with mountains in the background, showcasing a vast, open landscape. The vehicle features a smooth, aerodynamic design with a white upper half and a black lower half, suggesting a focus on efficiency and speed.
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A mountain biker riding through a lush green meadow, with a background of tall trees and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.
A dog wearing a black helmet, showcasing its profile and floppy ears.
A group of cyclists and spectators gathered at a mountainous location, with some individuals holding a banner that reads "Powered by Chipotle." The scene captures the enthusiasm of cycling fans, with colorful flags and team jerseys visible, as they cheer on participants in a cycling event.
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Map of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, showing marked trails, scenic areas, and surrounding roads. The map highlights various points of interest and includes symbols for amenities and features within the area.
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A silhouette of a person riding a bicycle on a hill against a backdrop of a dusk sky filled with soft clouds and tree outlines.
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Image of two mountain bikes side by side on a white background. The left bike has a more robust frame and thicker tires, while the right bike is sleeker with narrow tires. Above the bikes, there is a green map outline of the United States.
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A humorous illustration comparing four political figures to different types of bicycles, with each figure accompanied by a bike that symbolically represents them. The top features one figure pairing with a red road bike, the second with a black commuter bike, the third with a vintage penny-farthing, and the fourth with a children's tricycle.
Aerial view of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush green forests, with a sandy beach and boats along the shore. The scene captures the clear blue water transitioning to lighter shades near the shoreline, framed by rocky outcrops in the foreground.
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Two mountain bikers navigate a dirt track during a competitive race. One rider, wearing a blue helmet and black and yellow gear, leans into a turn, kicking up dust, while the other biker, dressed in black and white, closely trails behind. Spectators can be seen in the background, enjoying the event under a clear blue sky.
A sleek, minimalist bicycle with a shiny gold frame, featuring a brown leather saddle and handlebars. The wheels have striking gold accents, set against a dark background that highlights the bicycle's design and elegant curves.
A mountain bike race scene featuring two cyclists navigating a turn. One cyclist in a blue jersey and helmet is leading, while another in a red and white jersey trails closely behind. Spectators are on the sidelines, including a woman taking a photo. The background shows a blue sky and a fence with a Hyundai advertisement.
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<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/jasus-creek-views.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1527" title="jasus-creek-views" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/jasus-creek-views.jpg" alt="" width="478" height="363" /></a>

This weekend I went up to Helen, GA to burn off some steam and check a couple trails off my wishlist and ended up having a great time despite the wintery conditions. I resolved to go riding Saturday and no matter the forecast - fortunately there was no rain in sight. Just before heading out the door for the hour and a half drive I saw the temperature in Helen was an icy 23 degrees - so I packed an extra jersey and my <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mtbreviews/Novara/Thermal-Tech-Beanie/1404.html">tech beanie from REI</a>.

<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/helen.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1531" title="helen" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/helen.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="333" /></a>

The drive from Atlanta to Helen was pretty easy and before I knew it we were in the faux-Bavarian wunderlund that is Helen, GA. The first ride on my list, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=2257">Jasus Creek</a>, starts just 4 miles outside town at a game check station off Forest Service Road 44. The road parallels the Chattahoochee river but this isn't the same 'hooch most Atlantans know - up here the Chattahooche is a clear, swiftly flowing narrow ribbon cutting through scenic forestland and rhododendron tunnels. Mudhunny dropped me off by the side of the road and the climbing began straight away.

<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/fs44-waterfall.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1526" title="fs44-waterfall" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/fs44-waterfall.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="399" /></a>

The 12-mile Jasus Creek route (~1,500 feet of climbing) is entirely forest road and double track which makes it a great place to get a smooth pace going while enjoying the sights and smells of the mountains. After a couple miles I took a wrong turn into a campground where, to my surprise, there were actual campers braving the freezing temps! Consulting my trusty <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/reviews/gear.php?gearID=945">Off the Beaten Track Volume III</a>: Guide to Mountain Biking Georgia (published 11 years ago!) I got back on track and continued the climb to FS 44B.

FS 44B is a gated forest road but on Saturday the gates were open for some reason (hunting season, perhaps?) and the double track road was pretty muddy with ice crystals dotting the edges of the larger puddles. Along FS 44B I saw at least half a dozen vehicles in various pull off spots but I didn't see anyone - I guess they were all off trail hunting or hiking. With little wind and most birds south for the winter, the forest was nearly silent and the leafless views of the surrounding peaks were incredible. The downhill sections were cold and muddy and by the time I made the loop back to the game check station my bike was encrusted in red Georgia clay.

<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/muddy-trails.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1528" title="muddy-trails" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/muddy-trails.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="399" /></a>

I spun my way back into Helen taking in the scenic 4-mile route beside the river and grabbed a quick sandwich at the car before heading into <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=600">Unicoi State Park</a>. The town of Helen maintains a short connector trail from the municipal parking lot to the Unicoi bike trails but I was a little nervous when I saw the signs warning that the area is a waste water spray field. I gingerly picked my way up the short, steep approach and quickly joined the Unicoi trail system.

<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/helen-bike-connector.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1529" title="helen-bike-connector" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/helen-bike-connector.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="375" /></a>

The mountain bike trails in Unicoi State Park are well marked and are what I would consider wide singletrack. There are basically two loops and the recommended direction of travel is marked by signs throughout the small network. The terrain and scenery are pretty diverse here and I'm told parts of this course were once used for NORBA Nationals races (though sadly I believe the trails have been modified heavily since those days). Without a proper map of the area I was only able to get in one of the 3-mile loops before deciding to call it quits but I intend to get back there sometime soon.

<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/unicoi-state-park-biking.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1530" title="unicoi-state-park-biking" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/unicoi-state-park-biking.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="375" /></a>

The great thing about mountain biking around Helen is how easily you can access miles of forest roads and even wide singletrack without having to drive anywhere. Jim Parham's Off the Beaten Track lists another Helen ride called "Upper Hooch" that is basically the western side of FS 44 from Jasus Creek and it looks like another great route to pair with a romp through Unicoi State Park.

So, if you're pining for a real mountain bike ride but are afraid of the cold temperatures, all I gotta say is this: just do it. Throw on an extra sweat shirt or jersey, ignore the weather forecast, and hit the trails. You'll be glad you did, plus a long ride now means more cookies during the holidays ;)
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A sleek, modern mountain bike featuring a black and red frame, front suspension, and advanced gear components. The bike is positioned against a plain white background, highlighting its design and features.
Image alt tag: A promotional poster for the Pixie Cross World Championship featuring two cyclists racing on 16-inch bicycles in a colorful, lively environment. The poster includes event details such as the date (Saturday, July 12th), location (Downtown Downieville, next to the fire station), and a description of the open class event. Graphics include the WTB logo and striking typography.
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A cyclist sitting on a folding chair in a natural outdoor setting, with a mountain bike leaning against the chair. The cyclist, wearing a colorful biking outfit, appears contemplative as the sun sets in the background, illuminating the surrounding landscape.
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A group of four mountain bikers wearing helmets and numbered jerseys ride along a dirt trail through a grassy field, with spectators in the background. The scene captures a competitive cycling event, showcasing the riders focused on their performance.
A mountain biker in a blue and black outfit stands next to a white 2009 GT Avalanche 1.0 bike, while another cyclist in an athletic outfit sits on the ground in a wooded area. The scene depicts a trail with greenery surrounding them.
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A mountain biker in a red and white jersey rides through a rocky terrain at night, illuminated by bike lights. The image features the text "24 Hours of Moab" and mentions the race's significant cash prizes, celebrating its 13th year.