Northwest Recreation

If you live in eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, or Idaho, you know all about these things.  Comprised of two or more nasty thorns almost always sticking mysteriously up, these suckers can pack a punch to just about any tire, bare feet, and even feet with shoes on.

Although there is not an effective way to get rid of them, if you do anything outdoors, there are a few good pointers to keep in mind to save your tires and feet from getting punctures from the proverbial hellish fiends. Even if you aren’t in an outdoor sport, even riding around the street on your bike can be a problem, so listen up.

• Use slime and liners in your bike tires.  These help a lot with the little thorns that cause so much damage in so short of time.
• Wear boots.  Don’t go with flip flops out anywhere in the foothills or mountains.  Even fields and open patches of road can harbor these nasty plants.
• Carry patch kits and spare tubes.  Whether for your bike or your ATV or ORV, carry them with you.
  You won’t regret it.
• Carry a first-aid kit.  When all else fails, carry a first-aid kit.  After having one of these guys in your foot, you won’t regret having one in your back pack to help treat nasty wounds that might be inflicted on you.

In general, try to avoid these plants, but when all else fails, be prepared!

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