As outdoor enthusiasts, we cherish the thrill of hitting the trails on our bikes and exploring the beauty of nature. However, along with the joy of biking comes the responsibility to protect the ecosystems we love. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of cleaning your bike after a trail ride to prevent the spread of invasive species and preserve the health of our natural environments.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, and pathogens that can rapidly spread and out compete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause ecological harm. When invasive species hitchhike on bikes and biking gear, they can be inadvertently transported to new areas, where they may establish and wreak havoc on native habitats.

Bikes can inadvertently transport invasive species in several ways:

• Mud and Debris: Mud, soil, and plant fragments can cling to bike tires, frames, and components, harboring seeds, spores, and small organisms.

Vegetation Contact: Brushing against invasive plants while biking can dislodge seeds and fragments, which may then adhere to bike surfaces.

• Water Transport: Bikes splashing through wet areas can carry aquatic invasive species, such as watermilfoil fragments, on their tires and components.

Starting your day with clean shoes and gear and taking steps to clean your bike after a trail ride are simple yet effective ways to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Staying on marked and/or designated trails keeps invasive species populations localized for easier management and prevents introduction to new areas.

Using a PlayCleanGo^® handheld boot brush to clean your bike on the go can help to prevent the unintentional transport of seeds or plant parts to new areas.

• By preventing the spread of invasive species, you help preserve the integrity and biodiversity of native ecosystems, ensuring they remain healthy and resilient.
• Cleaning your bike demonstrates a commitment to responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, setting a positive example for others to follow.

When your adventure is done and before leaving a location, CLEAN your:

• Shoes: Use a boot brushing station or the PlayCleanGo^® handheld boot brush you’ve packed if a station is not available along the trails.
• Clothes and Gear: Pick off seeds and burrs and brush off extra dirt.
• Pets: Remove mud and seeds. For tough burrs, use a little coconut oil to break them up, then comb them out of the fur.
• Bike: Rinse or spray down your bike with water or compressed air to remove mud and plant parts from tires and fenders.

By incorporating bike cleaning into our post-ride routine, we can all play a part in preventing the spread of invasive species and protecting the ecosystems we love to explore. So, let’s PlayCleanGo^® while biking and keep our trails and natural environments free from invasive threats.