Do April showers bring May hero dirt? Here’s to hoping the dirt is still tacky in your neck of the woods. This next month we’re going into summer and ready to hit the trails hard. Before that, here are our features and best reads from May. We dove into the details on the U.S. Forest Service’s new e-bike rules, researched saddle angle and cleat placement, and learned that trail traffic is still high following the early stages of the pandemic.

Our contributors brought us tips on riding rock gardens, growing pains from the Northwest, and photos from a historic women’s freeride event in Virgin, Utah. Take a look below and make sure you didn’t miss anything.

The Forest Service’s new E-bike Rule is Clear: Wait and See What Happens

The U.S. Forest Service’s new directive was confusing from the get-go. We spoke with representatives from the USFS and IMBA to better understand how the rules will play out.

Lael Wilcox Talks Arizona Trail FKT, Media Support Controversy, and the Importance of Inspiration [Interview]

Lael Wilcox recently clocked the fastest known time (FKT) on the Arizona Trail, though there’s a controversy regarding the record. We interviewed Wilcox shortly after the ride to understand her goal documenting the experience and why people have taken issue.

Why Cleat Position Matters for Mountain Bikers and How to Find the Right Spot

To learn the ins and outs, and ups and downs of bike cleat position, we got in touch with Charles Van Atta of the Denver Fit Loft.

Teeth, Ramps, and Link Plates: How Modern Bike Shifting Works from Chain to Cog

What are all of those little ramps and divots for on the cassette, and why are some bike chains directional? We chatted with Nick Murdick from Shimano to learn more.

River Bluff Trails Park Opens More Opportunity for Midwestern Mountain Bikers

A new bike park in St. Joseph, Missouri is set to open at the end of May, continuing the rapid growth of quality trails in the Midwest.

Reverberations from the Bike Boom Continue to Rock Trail Traffic

Has the number of people on the trails dwindled as the pandemic has slowed? We looked at some data from parks around the country to see past the anecdotes.

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Red Bull Formation is Back: Dig into the Lines as Ladies Get Ready to Ride [Photo Essay]

Dig days photo essay from the women’s freeride event, Red Bull Formation in Virgin, Utah.

Klunking for Kyle: Commemorating a Life with Mountain Biking’s Original Off-Road Ride

The mountain bike community in Austin, Texas put on a throwback klunker bike race in memory of Kyle Sterling. Mike Cartier captured the words and shots of the event for us.

Reach is Too Long and Seat Angles Too Slack on Kids Bikes, According to Retül Bike Fit Analysis

Retül is using bike fit data to help Specialized design kids bikes that are easier and more comfortable to ride. This 6-year-old put the process to the test.

Tremp, Spain: A Bike-Optimized Trail Oasis Below the Pyrenees

Unlike many areas in Spain, Tremp has a dedicated trail building association that is uniting a whole community around mountain biking.

Women’s Freeride Progression this Past Week has Been Absolutely Insane: Red Bull Formation 2022

History has been made. Red Bull Formation 2022 was a huge stepping stone for the continuing progression of women’s freeride. 

Why Different Bikes Call for Different Saddle Angles, Shapes, and Positions

We talk with a fit expert to understand optimal bike saddle angle, shape, and position for bikes from XC to enduro.

Bikes vs. Bovines: Trail Planning in Rural Oregon Meets Opposition

A proposal to expand trails for multiple user groups in the Ochoco National Forest in Oregon is facing opposition from a group calling itself “Don’t Bend Prineville.” This time, mountain bikers and equestrians are on the same page.

How to Ride Rock Gardens Like a Boss

Jeremiah “Scratch” Stone shares tips and techniques for riding rock gardens with confidence. Read up and smash those rock gardens this summer.