Riding out an attack

magpie.jpgMost of the time I like them but I think that they need to gain a better understanding of personal boundaries.

It’s that time of the year when enemy number one for every cyclist is the humble magpie. There are a couple of spots on our regular Saturday ride where local maggies decide that they should swoop our group. In both instances the offending bird tends to attack the riders at the front of the group. It must figure that that’s the head of the huge monster it considers to be a threat.

If you’re new to the idea of swooping magpies, it’s what these birds do to supposedly protect their nests during the breeding season. They will sit high in their tree until they see you and then they’ll fly towards you at a rapid pace. They use their sharp beaks to do whatever damage they can as they swoop at you as many times as they can until you leave the area.

A six year old girl south of Perth recently lost sight in one of her eyes after a magpie attacked her.

Swooping magpies are yet another good case for head protection while riding. I’d rather not have a sharp magpie beak gouging out pieces of scalp so I’m glad I wear a helmet and sunglasses while riding..

On the positive side, magpies can be a great incentive for improved sprinting. It’s amazing how quickly you can ride when a maggie is heading your way.

I know that birds need to protect their nests and their young. I’m very protective of my family too. I just wish the magpies would understand that cycling past at 35 kilometres an hour does not mean that I’m about to stop, get of my bike, climb their tree and harm their family.



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