You city folks have it a bit different than those of us who live out in the country in the west. Goatheads are everywhere this time of year and not just along the side of the road, they are all over the road. I've had Gatorskins as my training tire for almost two years now and they have helped but the addition of those orange Tuffy tire liners has helped the most. Instead of getting a flat every time I go out, its maybe once or twice a month. It's a heavy combination but having to change a flat or two every time you go out sucks more.