Neil McLeod is originally from Tucson although spent several years as a kid completely off the grid in northern British Columbia after his family moved there when he was 12. That time in the wilderness strongly influenced the rest of his life, creating a passion for any kind of activity in the wild. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Neil landed in New Mexico as a whitewater guide, eventually owning a rafting company in Santa Fe for several years. He spent six years or so as an Outward Bound instructor/course director for wilderness experiential education expeditions in Utah for teens and adults. He has been road cycling and mountain biking for many years and loves riding with his wife, Eileen, and their daughter and son, both of whom ride with El Grupito. Bicycles represent freedom and he is excited to share his passion for all things bikes as an El Grupito volunteer and El Grupo board member.