Goatheads are NOT cute, fuzzy creatures

Stopped at Two Wheel Bike Shop in Albuquerque. It's a locally owned bike shop that has a great collection of vintage bikes, including a boy's Stingray. It had classic high-rise handlebars and a banana seat with a shifter on the crossbar.

Charlie Ervin was the friendly face behind the counter. He went out of his way to help me with some mapping options and then he gave me the "goathead" talk.

"You've heard the warnings," he said.

Goatheads are these fun little weeds that produce a nut-like thorn by the thousands. Ervin took out a small film container and poured some into the palm of his hand.

"You'll be okay if you stay on the road, but carry your bike; don't roll it if you're in the grass," he said.

This is a rugged little weed that can instantly and easily puncture a tire. Word has it, the best way to eliminate goathead is with a propane weed burner.