Singletracks Welcomes Travis Reill as Full-Time Staff Writer

Riding Towards New Horizons: Travis Reill Joins Singletracks

The Journey to Singletracks: From Freelancer to Full-Time

Travis Reill's relationship with Singletracks began in early 2023 as a freelance writer, where his diverse articles quickly captured the attention of readers. This month marks a significant milestone as he officially transitions to a full-time staff writer position, bringing his passion for mountain biking and exceptional storytelling skills to the forefront of the publication.

A Biking Enthusiast Rooted in Bend, Oregon

Residing in Bend, Oregon, Travis is at the heart of an expansive network of mountain biking trails. This prime location, nestled near the Deschutes National Forest, provides him with direct access to a myriad of incredible routes, fueling his continuous exploration and deep understanding of the sport.

A Pen and a Passion: Travis's Contributions and Unique Bike Story

Throughout his tenure with Singletracks, Travis has covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from detailed trail reports and in-depth bike and component reviews to insightful technical explanations. Interestingly, despite his extensive experience and profound understanding of mountain biking, he does not currently own a personal mountain bike. He once rode a demo Canyon Spectral for three years after reviewing it, replacing his Stumpjumper, until the demo was recalled. He now frequently tests various demo bikes while searching for his ideal trail bike.

Embracing the Backcountry: Travis's Ideal Ride

Travis expresses a strong preference for "everyday trail riding" over aggressive bike park sessions. His passion lies in venturing into remote areas, undertaking climbs of a thousand or two thousand feet, followed by equally thrilling descents. This preference highlights his appreciation for the exploratory and enduring aspects of mountain biking.

Favorite Trails: North Fork Farewell and Spinal Tap

Among his local favorites, the North Fork Farewell route in Bend stands out. This picturesque trail takes riders past stunning waterfalls to Tumalo Falls, offering a sense of seclusion away from crowded paths. Beyond Oregon, Travis holds a special place for Utah's Spinal Tap, a relatively new trail known for its epic 20-mile descent and nearly 5,000 feet of elevation drop, which he famously conquered on a "clapped-out" rental bike in under two hours.

From Educator to Esteemed Outdoor Writer

Before dedicating himself to full-time writing, Travis enjoyed a career as an elementary school teacher, particularly fond of teaching fourth graders. His transition into outdoor journalism saw him contribute to numerous publications as a freelancer, ultimately leading him to his current role at Singletracks.

Impactful Articles and Future Endeavors

Travis has penned several highly-regarded articles for Singletracks, including a compelling argument for the 150mm trail bike as a versatile "quiver killer" and an early piece clarifying the distinction between e-bikes and e-motos. His insightful analyses continue to shape discussions within the mountain biking community, with a follow-up piece on the e-bike/e-moto debate currently in progress. Singletracks eagerly anticipates his continued contributions and the fresh perspectives he will bring to its readershi