Tribulus terrestris

Also known as puncture vine, caltrop, bull's head, goathead, devil's eyelashes, devil's thorn,  tackweed, and Texas sandbur, along with many names I have heard bicyclists call out as they roll to stop with this insidious thorn making its mark.

Yesterday was the first thorn of the season, no damage since I ride with liners and Slime on the mountain bike. But many out there don’t use these methods and have a miserable ride, often a very short ride.

I have included a couple of photos that I took along the Jordan River trail, south of Gardner Village. They show you the spreading pattern and a close-up of the diabolical thorn, when mature these thorns separate, leaving 2 of more of the thorns. They have the uncanny ability to always have the longest thorn pointing skyward ready to hitch a ride albeit it a short one most of the time.

Took the Jordan parkway with a short out and back to Decker Lake, I came up 3100 South past Redwood road around the cultural center using the new road. Joined the trail just east of the river and continued south. The trail is in pretty good condition to south of Gardner Village.

At 4500 south underpass someone has pulled down the conduit for the lighting, it is sticking out into the path enough you want to pay attention going either direction.

Be sure to look for the new trail connection south of Winchester road, it heads to the west and makes a pretty steep climb. Great for short burst cardio and when coming back down gives a nice elevated view of the area.