Be it an annual charity ride from the city to picturesque Harcourt in Victoria’s central highlands, a pedal around the well-known Yarra Boulevard loop in Melbourne’s inner north east, or simply for travel practicality in an increasingly grid-locked CBD, Bulldog Will Minson loves to get on his bike.
“I just put my music on – some crazy, hectic jazz – and enjoy the fresh air” – Will Minson
“I’ll take any chance to get on my bike,” Minson says.
“With Melbourne traffic it’s generally quicker than the car!”
Laughing as he explains his disdain for stationary exercise bikes, Minson says the great combination of being out in the fresh air and enjoying the scenery makes jumping on his pushbike all the more worthwhile.
“In the off-season, I get much more opportunity to get out on my bike”, he says.
“I particularly like the Yarra Boulevard loop. It’s a great ride, a little hilly and never too busy with traffic. It’s also pretty accessible from my house, so I just put my music on – some crazy, hectic jazz – and enjoy the fresh air.”
During footy season, his bike gets more of a workout for commuting purposes.
“I always ride my bike into the city for pilates – it’s much quicker than battling Melbourne’s traffic,” Minson says.
“It’s easier to leave my car in the street and ride,” adding that it also saves money on paying for parking and fines!
https://storify.com/AFLPlayers/story-26
But Minson doesn’t always ride solo, so to speak. For a number of years, he has supported the Tour de Bress charity cycling event, which brings together a team of cyclists with various abilities to raise funds for the Mirabel Foundation and Save the Children. Speaking passionately about his involvement, he says the ride was founded by former Bulldog Welfare Manager, Andrew McTrusty.
“We ride about 150kms from the city to Bress Winery in Harcourt,” Minson explains.
“It’s a really nice ride, a great day for everyone involved and they’re great causes to support too.”
It’s the enjoyment of sharing the experience of getting out for a ride that’s led Minson to join other AFL players in supporting TeamUp – an app designed especially to help connect people looking to get out, get active and have fun.
“I think we take for granted that playing footy is a team sport and you get to work together and share the experience with others,” he says.
“There is a huge benefit in getting active with others and sharing the experience, whether it’s riding a bike or another physical activity.”
“It’s a bit like when you kick a magical goal after training when nobody’s around; it might as well not have happened if there’s nobody there to share it and remember it with.”
To stay up to date on the TeamUp 20 Day Challenge, make sure you:
Download the TeamUp app at teamup.com.au
Like the TeamUp Victoria Facebook page
Check aflplayers.com.au
Follow @AFLPlayers
Follow @TeamUpVic
Follow #20DC on all social media