The Goathead Menace in Marfa: An Unwelcome Surprise

Encountering the Goathead Burr

If you’ve ever cruised the wide, dusty streets of Marfa on one of our trusty beach cruisers and suddenly found yourself… not cruising, chances are you’ve met the local menace: the goathead. Not a rattlesnake. Not a cactus. Just a tiny, demonic burr that looks like it rolled straight out of a Mad Max desert—because it did.

The goathead, known scientifically as Tribulus terrestris, goes by many names. Most importantly, it is famously known as “the reason we’ve replaced more tubes than a Tour de France mechanic.” This little pest is nature’s way of saying, “I don’t care how cute your cruiser is.”

These little guys don’t mess around. They’re barely bigger than a popcorn kernel but pack a punch. A single goathead burr has spines sharp enough to pierce flesh, rubber, and your will to live. Somehow, they always find their way to the exact center of your bike tire, like heat-seeking missiles aiming for spokes.

The Battle Against Goatheads

At The Milky WayFarer, we’ve gone to battle against this persistent foe. We started our fight with hope and standard tubes. However, our optimism quickly faded. We escalated our tactics to slime-filled tubes, which proved to be a messy solution. After that, we moved on to a combination of Kevlar-lined tubes and slime.

Our determination didn’t stop there. We even experimented with dense foam inserts that turned our tires into defiant donuts. Yet, the goatheads continued to persist. It’s as if they taunt us, laughing at our futile attempts to defeat them.

A Closer Look: The Smug Grin of Goatheads

And here’s the kicker: if you look closely—like, really closely—these evil little thorns are actually smiling. That’s right! You’ll find a smug grin etched into their devilish little forms. Are they mocking us? Absolutely. Should you look too close? Definitely not. That’s how they get you!

Honestly, if humanity ever needed to bring seeds to Mars, goatheads should be at the top of the list. They’ll survive the trip, colonize the planet, and probably flatten Elon’s rover tires within a week. They’re that resilient.

Riding Through Marfa: An Armor of Goatheads

So, if you’re biking around Marfa and wondering why your tires feel like they’ve been wrapped in armor… well, they have! You’re not just riding a bike—you’re riding a post-apocalyptic goathead survival rig.

Finding yourself in a constant struggle against these ruthless burrs can be disheartening. Yet, there’s something to be said about resilience. Just like those goatheads, we endure, turning our bike rides into tales of survival.

Staying Prepared: Tips for Biking in Marfa

To conquer the goathead challenge, consider these tips:

1. Choose the Right Tires: Opt for tires specifically designed to resist punctures. Look for features like Kevlar lining or thicker rubber.

   
   

2. Regular Maintenance: Keep your bike in good condition. Regularly check your tires, and replace them as needed.

   
   

3. Go for Slime Tubes: While they can be messy, slime-filled tubes can offer additional protection against punctures.

   
   

4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Alertness goes a long way. Watch where you ride, especially in areas known for dense goathead populations.

   
   

5. Carry a Repair Kit: Be prepared for the worst. Carry a repair kit to fix any punctures you may encounter.

   
   

Encountering Goatheads: What to Do

If you happen to find a goathead stuck to your shoe or lodged in your sandal, don’t panic. Just know you’ve encountered one of West Texas’ most determined life forms. The goathead is probably already plotting its Mars debut.

In summary, the goathead may be a thorny nuisance, but it also adds character to biking in Marfa. It’s a reminder of the challenges we face, both on and off the bike.

Until next time!

Rob & Becca