Afro & cable-tie combo wins out!

Afro & cable-tie combo wins out!

Day 1 of our stay in the Hunter Valley, went out for a ride but was cut short when just outside of the resort I was aggressively swooped by a magpie several times.

I’m not a fan of being attacked during my ride, so I went back to the drawing board.

Day 2 I was prepared with long cable ties. My helmet looked like a human porcupine, with “protection” from the top and sides. I got several smiles from people en route to the danger zone. 6 swoops later by the same bird (or at least in the same spot) I declared this a victory for the bird.

Day 3, thanks to the research by the guys in Canberra I took it to the next level. This morning I went out with a black afro AND cable ties on my helmet. I’m pleased to say that I went about my morning ride without fuss from that bird or from any of the others that I saw along the way(~25km). Yes, I looked hilarious but I had a carefree ride nonetheless! I hope it wasn’t a once-off - let’s see tomorrow!

September 17th, 2018 By ChrisEssendon

2 Comments

Alexander E
Same!
September 14th, 2020

Emily R picture

Emily R
I think I might have to try the afro trick out of sheer giggles and hope that I won't be attacked!
September 4th, 2019

Index

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3d printed bike helmet bird spikes 40yrs of being Attacked Enough is Enough! A Prevention Measure that Works for Me! A study on the efficacy of helmet adornments in repelling magpies. Absolutely terrified this year Afro & cable-tie combo wins out! And the winner is... Attacked by two magpies simultaneously, and the steel cable tie road test Attacks and councils Battle of Bulcock Battling the birdie on Cuthberts Rd, Alfredton, Victoria... and getting some great footage in the process! :-) Best defence against magpies. Cable Ties Rock! Could this be a solution? Cycle story: I faced off against the evil M7 cycle path magpie and won! CYCLING SAFETY Cycling Safety Tip: Cable ties versus helmet eyes! Did my cable tied cycling helmet work? Ditch the CABLETIES!!! Do Maggies swoop at sunset or at night? Do Magpies Swoop In The Rain? Does darkness / night time riding decrease swooping risk?? Easy magpie proofing. :) Flags deterant Helmet mods to deter the aerial foe How to stay one step ahead of a potential bird attack Little to No Swooping on Main Roads? Look after your self Make Friends is easier than Fighting Man Attacked By Magpie (While Cycling) Need some advise PieProof Helmet Product Roadtest and Review Scatter dry cat or dog food can help So far 100% success but plastic spikes. Tail Light vs Magpie They are not your enemy - really This year's helmet config Try tying a strip of cloth to your helmet to keep them at bay Unconventional - but it works so far! Using an Umbrella Yeppoon Cycling Tips And Tricks Zipties rock!

I'm taking part in the 2025 Woolies On Wheels 300-400km 3 day cycle ride on 4th May to raise money for the “Tour de Cure” cancer charity and really appreciate if you can please donate a small amount to support my ride for this very worthy cause?
Thank you, Jon Clark, MagpieAlert Founder

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