Goatheads, those tiny terrors also known as Puncturevine or Devil’s Thorn, are a notorious nuisance for anyone enjoying Bike Parks, especially in areas like Boise. These weeds are infamous for their sharp, spiky seed pods that relentlessly target bike tires and shoes, turning a great ride into a frustrating flat tire situation.
Bike Park Initiatives to Control Goatheads
Recognizing the impact of goatheads on bike park enjoyment, Boise Parks and Recreation has taken proactive steps during the bike park’s construction. The soil was thoroughly tilled to disrupt the goathead root systems, and diverse seed mixes were introduced to encourage dense vegetation, naturally suppressing goathead growth over time. Dedicated volunteers from organizations like Weed Warriors, SWIMBA (Southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association), and NICA (Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League) have also contributed significantly, manually removing goatheads across the bike park site. Further control measures are planned with a pre-emergent application in the fall or spring of 2020 to stop seed germination, supplemented by targeted spot spraying to eliminate existing weeds before they can seed.
Realistic Expectations for Goathead Reduction
While complete eradication of goatheads is unlikely, these combined efforts are expected to substantially manage their presence in the bike park. Over the coming year, park management anticipates a noticeable decrease in goathead density, leading to a better experience for bike park visitors.
How Bike Park Users Can Help
Individual actions play a crucial role in goathead control. Staying strictly on designated trails within the bike park is paramount to prevent the spread of goathead seeds to new areas. Bikers should also come prepared by carrying essential repair tools like patch kits and spare tubes, or consider using tire sealant like slime to minimize flat tire risks. Any goatheads picked up on shoes or tires should be carefully removed and disposed of in trash cans within the park, preventing re-introduction into the environment.
For those willing to actively participate in maintaining the bike park, volunteering to remove goatheads and other weeds is a valuable contribution. Interested individuals can contact Boise Parks and Recreation at (208) 608-7600 or through their contact form to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Working together, we can significantly improve the bike park experience for everyone!
