Riley Missel is a Bicycling staff writer specializing in the intersection of outdoor culture and gear innovation. Based in Arizona’s cycling hubs, her work explores:
Notable contributions include viral analyses of cycling’s societal impacts and definitive gear testing frameworks adopted by outdoor educators. Pitches should emphasize data-driven solutions to accessibility challenges or novel applications of materials science in sports equipment.
Riley Missel has carved a unique niche as a journalist bridging outdoor adventure storytelling with practical gear analysis. Her career began as a mountain bike guide in Tucson’s Sonoran Desert, where she developed hands-on expertise in cycling mechanics and outdoor education. This field experience informs her writing at Bicycling, where she’s progressed from contributor to featured voice on cycling culture and innovation.
This cultural history piece traces cycling’s role in women’s liberation movements, combining archival research with contemporary interviews. Missel examines how bicycle design innovations enabled physical freedom while analyzing modern barriers to inclusive cycling communities. The article’s viral success (shared by 23K readers) stems from its novel connection between 19th-century suffragists and today’s gravel racing pioneers.
Stories linking historical context to current trends in women’s sports equipment or community initiatives would align with Missel’s demonstrated interest in cycling’s societal impacts.
Missel consistently amplifies stories about organizations breaking barriers in cycling, as seen in her coverage of Unbound Gravel’s diversity initiatives. Successful pitches should focus on programs increasing access to gear, training, or competitive opportunities for underrepresented groups. Example: Her analysis of Major Taylor Association partnerships demonstrates interest in structural solutions rather than individual success stories.
With 42+ gear review articles in 2024 alone, Missel prioritizes products that solve specific user challenges. Her gravel bike fit guide exemplifies this focus on ergonomic design. Pitches should emphasize measurable performance improvements and sustainability credentials, avoiding vague claims about "premium quality."
While formal awards aren’t documented in available sources, Missel’s work is frequently cited in industry roundups. Her Runner’s World shoe longevity guide has been referenced by REI Co-op workshops and Sierra Club training materials, demonstrating practical impact beyond traditional journalism metrics.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Outdoors, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
