How many flats did you have on your bike this summer? We have two mega flats sitting in the garage right now waiting for a fix. So I thought it would be a perfect time to review the art of goathead dodging with my kids and all of you here at Nature For Kids.

Meet Tribulus Terrestris, bike tires arch nemesis. They’re also known as puncturevine, goat head or tackweed.

Here’s how to defend your bike tires against puncture weed…

• Educate your kids. Show them what tribulus terrestris looks like and tell them to avoid it.
• Buy self-healing tubes or get a bottle of goo to make your existing tubes self healers. Either way your tires will be heavier. So expect the ride to be a little harder.
• Put a tube liner in your tire.
• When you do get a flat, run your finger along the inside of the tire before you put it back on. The goathead may still be in the tire waiting to puncture your brand new tube.

I’ll refer you to this Tire Care and Flat Prevention post by UtahMountainBiking.com for more great ideas.

Short and sweet today!

L8RSK8RS,

bike, bike ride, bike riding, biking, goathead, puncturevine