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Travis Reill Writes

Hi, I'm Travis, a teacher turned stay-at-home dad turned freelance writer. 

About Me

Hi, I'm Travis, a teacher turned stay-at-home dad turned freelance writer. After a major change in the life of my family, I was given one of those rare "follow your dreams" opportunities. Deciding to not return to education, especially after receiving my Master's Degree and teaching license, was a scary decision, but one that I'm glad I made. 

Now, I have the wonderful opportunity of homeschooling my two children, ages 5 and 3, while jumping into the world of freelance writing. While I write on many different topics--parenting, education, the outdoors--I especially enjoy focusing my work on mountain biking. After too many years off the trails, I have quickly fallen back in love with mountain biking. I look forward to sharing my thoughts, ideas, and adventures, both on and off the bike, with you!

How I Work

From time to time, I find myself staring at a blank computer screen or deleting and rewriting the same two sentences over and over again. I'm sure it happens to us all in one form or another. Other times, the creative juices must be flowing and I find myself easily sharing my thoughts. The question is, how do I get from mental block to finishing articles?

Change locations. Take an intentional break. Listen to a podcast or read a book. Exercise or meditate. The bottom line is, intentionally move away for a time. Often, I find that the best thing for my creative process is to find myself on trails. Riding my bike just seems to clear my head. During my undergrad, I used to write lengthy papers in my head on my morning bike commute. My route took me near a coffee shop, where I would sit down at an outside table and write down all of my thoughts. Never during that time did I think I was going to be a writer. But now, I often use the very same process--some of my best writing could be considered "singletrack thoughts." 

My Ethos

I never considered myself an "artist" or "creative." I knew how to write--nearly a decade in higher education will do that. But, all of the writing I had done was academic. Simply put, I didn't think I knew how to express myself and connect with my readers. I had limits on what I could do before I even attempted the task.

As a father, that is certainly not what I want to teach my kids, and certainly not what I want them to see from their dad. So, I took a chance. I tried, I learned, I researched, I watched "how-to" videos, etc. Ultimately, I set my mind to it. I made a decision that I wanted to work in the mountain bike industry, with storytelling being my medium. 

This wasn't without the support of my wife and others, but ultimately I had to be the one to decide. It has been quite the adventure. But, the adventure never would have been if I didn't take the risk.

Get in Touch

Please be in touch if you have a writing project that you need help with, mountain biking or otherwise. Or, if you want to nerd out on bikes with me, I'd love to do that too! 

The best way to be in touch is to email me at:

travis.reill@gmail.com

My Articles

Freehub Magazine •

The Brain-Healing Power of Mountain Biking | Inner Revolutions

I can still close my eyes and visualize the scene surrounding me as I confronted one of the most challenging realities of my life. Trauma, I’ve noticed, doesn’t leave—even years later.

It was a late April morning and already warm enough for short sleeves in the mountains behind Santa Barbara, California. Mornings are my time to ride, and this road trip was no exception. I enjoy the solitude of getting out on the trail early, and I often climb as the sun rises. It is my time to think and clear m
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Trek Fuel EX 5 Gen 5

Many of us are familiar with Trek’s trail-busting Fuel EX line. The Gen 6 Fuel EX saw added travel – not to mention a new frame design – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for the shorter-travel younger sibling out on the trails. With 140/130mm of travel and relatively moderate geometry, the Trek Fuel Gen 5 has been a trail bike many have reached for years.

Trek’s Fuel EX 5 features Alpha Platinum Aluminum. Trek boasts their aluminum “is continuously cold extruded and butted at multiple poi
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Polygon Collosus N7

The Polygon Collosus N7 is a big bike for rowdy terrain. Its slack headtube, long wheelbase, and 170mm of travel easily put it in the “enduro” or “park bike” category. While the bike easily smashes over technical terrain, 435mm chainstays help the N7 get off the ground a bit easier than a big bike with a longer rear end. The slightly shorter rear end also helped the N7 feel a little snappier in the corners and overall handling—at least, as much as a heavy 170mm bike can. Climbing Polygon’s walle
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Marin Rift Zone 2

When thinking of “Marin” and “trail bike,” one typically lands on the Rift Zone, and for good reason. The Rift Zone spans across Marin’s full-suspension trail bike category, with several different build options for both 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheel sizes. The lineup even breaks into the eMTB space, with their Rift Zone E series of bikes. Marin provided us with their 29er version of the Rift Zone 2 for this Budget Bike Shootout. While it is a budget-friendly option, the Rift Zone 2 is not the most
The Loam Wolf •

Review: GT Sensor Sport

GT has a decent lineup for its full-suspension trail bike, the GT Sensor. Seven bike build options live under this banner. These range from the $2,300 Sensor Sport we have on test, to just under $6,000 with the Sensor Carbon Pro LE. GT boasts the Sensor Sport as an all-around trail killer with a price tag that doesn’t sting. With 140mm travel up front and 130mm rear, the Sensor Sport may be all the bike you need for most trails, and at a reasonable price.

Like every bike in our budget shootout,
The Manual •

3 things that make mountain bike climbing easier

Unless you are riding a chair lift at a bike park or doing some shuttle laps with your friends, riding your mountain bike up the hill is a necessity. Unfortunately, mountain bike climbing is a must—we have to push through the ups to enjoy the downs.

Fitness is a significant aspect of mountain bike climbing. If the simplest of climbs have you gassed, you will hate every minute of it. But for those of us who do have decent fitness, we can turn the chore of mountain bike climbing into fun.

But to
The Manual •

Audi releases new e-bike

You may have an Audi in your garage, but I’m guessing that it most likely isn’t a mountain bike. As mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, it isn’t a surprise that we see more companies getting into the dirt-oriented sport.

But Audi is no stranger to off-road pursuits. The brand made a name for itself in the 1980s at the World Rally Championships by introducing its Quattro All-Wheel Drive. Now, Audi is breaking into the mountain bike market with the introduction of its Audi e-bike.

T
Singletracks Mountain Bike News •

Do Flow Trails and eMTBs Lead to More Injuries? Study Seeks to Improve Trail Safety

After nearly a decade in higher education, I have spent my fair share of time sifting through studies and peer-reviewed articles. While working on an undergraduate degree in sociology, most of the studies I read concerned a variety of subjects, such as groupthink and cognitive dissonance. Years later, I pursued a master’s in teaching, with studies focused on new theories of best teaching practices.

Needless to say, I was surprised to see any empirical research—in this case, a systematic review—
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Fox Dropframe Pro Helmet

I am a sucker for a standard half-shell helmet. And, if I am being honest, a half-shell is plenty of helmet for most of my riding, especially in the warmer summer and fall. I only use a full-face when I ride a bike park (or am testing one for a review) and have only done a few rides using a three-quarter helmet like the Dropframe. So, without a doubt, these past few months have been the longest amount of time I have spent in a three-quarter helmet by far. And if I were to rate my overall experie
Singletracks Mountain Bike News •

Climb the Steepest MTB Trails with These Skills, Tricks, and Tips

About a year ago I shared what I did to become a better climber during the 2022-23 winter riding season. While the article focused on sharing what I did to become a better climber, I didn’t start the challenge with any sort of plan.

Ultimately, I was successful. I finally reached the top as winter rolled into spring—no dabs. However, I never had a plan going into the challenge. I either made it up on the fly or later reflected on what I just happened to do that seemed to work.

I wondered how k
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Leatt Mtb 2.0 Flat Pedal Shoe Review

When testing mountain bike apparel, I found that one of the best things I can say about a product is that I didn’t notice it – it just worked. I didn’t have to make adjustments or switch anything out; I could put the product on for the first time, forget it was there, and allow it to do its job. This was my experience using the Leatt MTB 2.0 Flat shoes. Initially, I didn’t receive the shoes with a review in mind. Leatt sponsored our budget bike shootout, and I received the MTB 2.0 as a part of a
The Manual •

Ways to carry water while mountain biking

There are many more things to consider than you would think about mountain biking. Often, we assume that mountain bikers climb on their bikes and pedal into the sunset. And while that would be great, being prepared for the ride ahead is usually job number one.

When preparing for a mountain bike ride, big or small, hydration is often the most significant issue you’ll need to tackle. You quickly discover the importance of hydration when you are two miles into your ride on a hot day and realize yo
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Smith Payroll MTB Helmet

I’m a sucker for Smith helmets. I’ve had my melon in several of them over the years, and I just can’t get over how damn comfortable they are. The Ionic+® antimicrobial liner pads offer plenty of comfort and support, helping eliminate the stink from sweat while keeping a reasonably minimal profile. Along with the antimicrobial liners, the Payroll also has 19 separate vents, allowing for quite a bit of airflow while I was riding. While I don’t believe I stayed as cool as I did in the Forefront 2,
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Tifosi Sledge Sunglass Review

The Sledge sunglasses are offered in six different frame options, with two of those frames having a single Fototec lens, Tifosi’s take on photochromic lenses. This lens changes from light to dark as the sun gets higher in the sky or as you go in and out of shaded areas. Within the Fototec lenses, you can choose a Clarion Blue Fototec lens, which allows 46% light transmission in low light and only 13% light transmission in full sunlight. The other option is the Clarion Red Fototec lens, whose low
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Kali DH Invader Full Face Helmet

First and foremost, it is important to reiterate that the Kali DH Invader helmet is intended for downhill, as its name suggests. Kali markets this helmet for enduro and DH racing alike, as well as for park and shuttle rats. Kali did a fantastic job in creating a helmet so similar to the Invader 2.0, but with a little extra meat in places to get that DH certification. However, that doesn’t mean the DH Invader will perform exactly like the Invader 2.0. Let me explain. Many praised the Kali Invader
Bend Magazine •

Ponch’s Place: A Food Truck Pod in Boyd Neighborhood —

It doesn’t take living in Bend very long to experience one of our many food truck pods. If you are a long-time resident, you most likely lost count several years ago and have now moved on to having your “go-tos.”

If you have never experienced lunch or dinner at a food truck pod, it’s time to get on board. They are, without a doubt, one of Bend’s best culinary experiences. Not only do you get to experience phenomenal local food, but each pod will have several food trucks to try.

Going out with
The Loam Wolf •

Origin Stories: Hermosa Tours and the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival

Most mountain bikers are familiar with Sedona, Arizona. With some of the most spectacular scenery I have experienced and some of the most unique riding, it is a destination many have on their bucket lists. Every year, thousands make the pilgrimage to the little city surrounded by red-rock canyon walls for the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. While I still haven’t attended the festival, following a recent camp I can now check “Riding in Sedona” off my list. At the beginning of March, I joined sever
Singletracks Mountain Bike News •

72-mile Tahoe National Forest Pines to Mines Trail Will be Open to e-Bikes

The relationship between e-bikes and the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) can best be described as “on again, off again.” Singletracks first reported on the allowance of eMTBs on non-motorized TNF trails in the summer of 2019. E-bike access was granted on 32 trails in five different trail networks.

While the TNF officially gave the “okay” for this new group of trail users to access trails, they made it very clear that they were not changing any policies.

However, this allowance was short-lived. Onl
The Loam Wolf •

Review: G-Form Terra Mountain Knee Pad

Before I get into my review, I’d like to mention that the Terra Mountain knee pads I used are an earlier sample G-Form sent us and are only different in two ways. First, the RE ZRO pad isn’t removable. Secondly, the “G-Form” logos on the pads are in a slightly different type-face. Neither of these factors affected the performance of the pads. To be quite honest, I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the G-Form Terra Mountain pads. My greatest concern was whether they would be comfortable or not
Singletracks Mountain Bike News •

The Palmetto State is Getting a Bike Park with Shuttle Service

Bike parks continue to pop up in the southeast portion of the United States. Unlike the chair lift-access bike parks we see all over the western portion of the nation, these parks offer shuttles, pedal-up, or both. In 2020, Ride Kanuga opened just outside of Hendersonville, North Carolina, then in 2022 Jarrod’s Place popped up in northwest Georgia and Ride BHM debuted in Alabama.

Many of these parks have the unique distinction of being operational year-round and took inspiration from Windrock B
Bend Magazine •

Rock Climbing Basics: Gear, Location, and Safety Tips in Central Oregon —

Did you know that we have world-class rock climbing right in our backyard? People from all over the globe come to Central Oregon to spend a few days climbing at Smith Rock State Park.

Smith Rock’s 641 acres are just outside Terrebonne and roughly 30 minutes north of Bend. Other than rock climbing, Smith Rock offers some of the best hiking in Central Oregon. Explore the towering pines along the Crooked River or take in spectacular views from the top of the craggy rock faces.

If you are so bold
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Enve Last Resort Wind Jacket

I opted for a size XL for my time in Enve’s Last Resort Wind Jacket. At 5’8” (173cm) and 185lbs (84kg) and preferring a looser fit, I am happy I opted for the size up. Enve gives this jacket a “Classic Fit” descriptor, which they say is “designed for a close but relaxed fit.” The XL jacket fit perfectly, although the sleeves were a touch long, which I expected. Having to size up isn’t a knock against Enve or the Last Resort jacket, as It is common for cycling brands to have a more “athletic” fit
The Manual •

Think about these 3 things before mountain biking in Sedona

Southern states are phenomenal for escaping cold winter days for those of us who live up north. I recently had the privilege of heading down to Sedona, Arizona, for a mountain biking media camp. I’d heard that Sedona mountain biking is incredible, but it is something you must experience for yourself.

Forgive me if this sounds a bit cliche, but Sedona is truly like stepping into a postcard. The city sits in a valley surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, with multiple trail systems reaching out
The Loam Wolf •

Review: Crankbrothers BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit

Getting the Crankbrothers BC18 mounted is a bit tricky due to the reversible nature of the water bottle cage. This means one extra piece to hold, making working in an area with limited space more difficult. Since most full suspension frames are quite tight around the bottle cage area, it can lead to a few swear words, but it’s far from insurmountable. The bottle cage firmly holds a water bottle in place, even in rougher terrain, but remains flexible enough that the bottle goes in and out with re
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