Greg Skomp, aka Goathead Greg, is a trowel-weiding, bicycle-loving, non-cape-wearing local superhero. Epically profiled by Denverite last week, Skomp shared his mission to rid Denver bike paths of pokey, prickly, tire-flattening goatheads one shovelful at a time.
Denverite reporter Kyle Harris writes that this year alone Skomp has collected 427.5 pounds of puncture vine (the plant that produces goatheads) from local trails, including the Sand Creek Greenway, the Highline Canal Trail, the South Platte River Trail, and the Cherry Creek Trail.
Skomp says that the city was unresponsive to his complaints about the prickly nuisance, which is why he took things into his own hands — but he could really use a few extra pairs.
So if you see a kind-looking gentleman on your neighborhood trail with a low ponytail and a garbage bag full of vines, it’s probably Goathead Greg — tell him thank you! Or better yet, grab a shovel and contribute to the cause 🌱🚫 Be like Goathead Greg.
Help Your Neighbors Get Rid of Puncture Vines and Keep Bikes Safe

Peyton Garcia

Puncture vine, aka goatheads, aka the bane of bicycles. (Jill Fromer / Getty Images)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Help Your Neighbors
Helping Evergreen Heal
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help support the community following the Sept. 10 Evergreen High School shooting.
Where to Find Free Tax Help in Denver
Tax Day (April 15) is looming. Here are some free, local resources to help with filing.

Are You Missing Free Money?
The Great Colorado Payback program is an effort to reunite people with “unclaimed property” they might not know about.

How to Support Your Immigrant Neighbors
Here are some ways Denverites can support our immigrant community members in these uncertain times

Denver's 'Donation Vending Machines' Are Back for the Holiday Season
Every year, Coloradans come together to uplift the community and causes they care about on Colorado Gives Day. Since 2010, donors have ra...

Navigating Hail Damage
I hope your flowers, cars, and roofs were all spared, but if not, here are some tips on dealing with hail damage.

Outdoor Volunteering Opportunities
Help preserve Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre by taking part in Friends of Red Rocks’ monthly trail clean-ups and special projects on the...

Care and Culture Resources for Aging Denverites
Whether it’s for you, your family members, or your neighbors, here are some of Denver’s best programs and resources for older adults.

The latest in Denver
Best Colorado Online Casinos: Legal Sites, Top Picks & Bonuses
Looking for online casinos in Colorado? Here are the top legal options available to CO players in 2025, plus exclusive bonuses.
Why Denverites Love Esters
Esters Pub is one of Denver's best kid-friendly spots.
Kid-Friendly Denver Spots for a Beer and a Bite
It can be hard to find the right social space for people with kids — and their adult friends without kids — to meet up and hang out. But...
Why Denverites Love Mouthfuls Pet Supply
The mints, called Mouthfuls, were such a hit with local dog owners that Dempsey and Payne soon expanded into a full pet supply shop focus...
A Guide to Locally Owned Pet Shops in Denver
Now run by mom Stacey and her husband Eddie Bennett, this store sells safe, nutritious dog food brands made in Colorado, such as Anderson...
Why Denverites Love The 99ers Sports Bar
The 99ers became Denver’s first venue dedicated to celebrating women’s athletics. Founders Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver wanted to cre...
Our Guide to Celebrating Denver Summit FC's Historic Home Opener
A guide to watching and supporting the professional women's soccer team Denver Summit FC.
Colorado Sports Betting: Best Sites, Apps & Bonuses (2026)
Colorado sports betting is fully legal with 20+ licensed sportsbooks available. We break down the best sites, apps, and bonuses. Check now!