I'm Neal Carter, and I bring something different to outdoor gear reviews and brand partnerships: an authentic perspective from a 65-year-old athlete who's actually using your products in the real world, combined with 25+ years of professional digital marketing and SEO expertise.
I'm not trying to become an influencer. I'm a cyclist, former bike shop owner, kayaker, Nordic skier, and backpacker who understands both what makes gear work in the field and what makes content work for your brand.
My Story
Two years ago, at 63, I returned to competitive cycling after a 40-year hiatus. Since then, I've:
- Lost 26 pounds and rebuilt my fitness from the ground up
- Placed 2nd at the Michigan Senior Olympics
- Finished 19th at the National Senior Games among 60 competitors
- Conquered Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (11,796 feet)
- Competed at Barry-Roubaix, one of the country's premier gravel races
In October 2025, I was diagnosed with throat cancer. I'm now documenting my treatment journey while continuing to train and test gear—proving that equipment needs to perform not just for peak athletes, but for people facing real-world challenges.
My readers aren't looking for the latest carbon fiber wonder bike or chasing Strava KOMs. They're experienced outdoor enthusiasts who value quality, durability, and honest assessments from someone who's been doing this for decades.
Why Work With Me
I Understand Your Marketing Goals
Unlike most content creators, I'm not guessing about SEO, ROI, or digital marketing strategy. I've spent 25 years as an SEO consultant and digital marketing professional. I owned two bike shops and built them through online marketing, even as most bike shops still relied on Yellow Pages ads.
When we partner, you're working with someone who understands:
- How to write content that ranks in search engines
- What metrics actually matter for brand awareness
- How to create authentic content that converts readers into customers
- The importance of clear, measurable outcomes
I Deliver Authentic, Detailed Reviews
I don't do superficial "unboxing" content. My reviews are comprehensive, honest, and based on real-world use. Examples:
- Otso Waheela C Gravel Bike Review - Detailed analysis after extensive racing and touring use
- Ritchey Logic Road Bike Review - In-depth evaluation of a classic build
- Castelli Clothing Reviews - Performance testing across multiple products and conditions
- Bottle Bright Natural Cleaning Tablets Review - Practical testing for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts
- Klean Kanteen Review - Practical assessment for outdoor use
I test products thoroughly before reviewing them. If something doesn't work, I explain why. If it exceeds expectations, I explain that too. My readers trust my opinions because I've never compromised honesty for a free product.
I Reach an Underserved, High-Value Audience
The 50+ outdoor enthusiast market is massive, growing, and underserved by traditional outdoor media. My readers are:
- Experienced athletes with disposable income
- Looking for quality over hype
- Making purchasing decisions based on real-world performance
- Interested in gear that works for bodies that aren't 25 anymore
- Facing real challenges (injuries, health issues, life circumstances) while staying active
Current Reach:
- 2,000+ monthly unique visitors
- Growing email list of engaged subscribers
- Facebook community of 141+ followers
- Content focused on cycling, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, Nordic skiing, and outdoor travel
These aren't vanity metrics—they represent a highly engaged audience that actually reads reviews, clicks links, and makes purchasing decisions.
I Cover Multiple Outdoor Categories
While cycling is my primary focus, I actively participate in and write about:
Primary Focus:
- Road cycling and gravel cycling
- Cycling gear, bikes, components, clothing, and nutrition
- Training and racing for masters/senior athletes
Secondary Focus:
- Sea kayaking and river paddling (15+ years experience)
- Backpacking and hiking
- Nordic skiing and winter sports
- Outdoor travel and destination guides
Popular non-cycling content includes:
- Ghosts and Hauntings of South Manitou Island
- Everything You Need To Know About Kayaking to Power Island
I'm a Credible Industry Insider
My background gives brands confidence that I understand the products I'm reviewing:
- 20+ years in the cycling industry - managed and owned bike shops
- Former USCF (now USA Cycling) coach
- Category 2 road, criterium, and track racer
- Competed in the 1980 Olympic Trials (road and time trial)
- Invited to the Schwinn Wolverine Elite Team
- 25+ years as an SEO consultant and digital marketing professional
I'm not learning about bikes or outdoor gear to create content. I'm creating content about activities I've been doing for decades.
What I Offer
Product Reviews
Comprehensive, honest reviews based on extensive real-world testing. I cover:
- Performance in actual use conditions
- Durability over time
- Value for money
- Who the product is best suited for
- Comparison to similar products
- Detailed specifications and features
Sponsored Content
Well-integrated brand partnerships that serve my readers while meeting your marketing objectives:
- Product spotlights
- "How I Use" features
- Training/trip reports featuring your products
- Gear guides and recommendations
- Educational content about product categories
Social Media Promotion
Content shared across Facebook and Instagram, with authentic engagement from a dedicated audience.
SEO-Optimized Content
Every piece of content is optimized for search engines, ensuring long-term visibility and ongoing traffic. Your product review doesn't just get seen today—it continues driving awareness and consideration for months or years.
Long-Term Partnership Opportunities
I'm interested in ongoing relationships with brands that align with my audience and values, not just one-off product placements.
Current Focus: Cancer Treatment Journey
I'm currently undergoing seven weeks of chemo-radiation treatment for throat cancer while continuing to train and stay active. This creates unique partnership opportunities:
- Nutrition products - I'm relying on liquid nutrition and documenting what works
- Recovery and wellness products - testing gear that supports training during treatment
- Mental health and motivation - products that help maintain athletic identity during health challenges
- Adaptive equipment - anything that makes staying active more accessible
My cancer journey article has already resonated deeply with readers facing similar challenges. Brands that support athletes through adversity gain authentic goodwill and meaningful engagement.
What Brands Can Expect
Professionalism
- Clear communication and realistic timelines
- Contracts and deliverables in writing
- On-time delivery of agreed content
- Professional-quality writing and photography
Transparency
- Honest reviews—I'll tell you if something doesn't work before publishing
- Clear disclosure of sponsored relationships
- Authentic integration of products into content
- No fake enthusiasm or manufactured endorsements
Measurable Results
- Traffic and engagement metrics
- Search engine rankings for review content
- Affiliate link performance (when applicable)
- Reader feedback and questions
Long-Term Value
- Content that continues driving traffic months or years after publication
- Ongoing relationship building with an engaged audience
- Multiple touchpoints across platforms
- Reference point for future product launches
What I'm Looking For
I partner with brands that:
- Value authenticity over hype
- Make quality products that actually solve problems
- Understand the 50+ market and its unique needs
- Support long-term relationships rather than transactional exchanges
- Align with outdoor values - sustainability, accessibility, community
I'm particularly interested in:
- Cycling gear (bikes, components, clothing, nutrition)
- Kayaking and water sports equipment
- Backpacking and camping gear
- Winter sports equipment
- Travel and adventure products
- Health and wellness products for active adults
- Products that support athletes facing health challenges
Let's Talk
If you're interested in working together, I'd love to hear from you. Whether you're launching a new product, building brand awareness, or looking for authentic voices in the 50+ outdoor market, let's discuss how we can create content that serves both your goals and my readers' needs.
I invest in quality partnerships because I've spent decades building trust with my audience. That trust is worth more than any single product placement, and I protect it by only working with brands I genuinely believe in.