Preseason 2015 took on a different look this morning as footballs were replaced with bikes just outside the seaside town of Lorne.
The group rode along the Great Ocean from Wye River to Skenes Creek, and were joined by of professional cyclist Simon Clarke for the journey.
After a short break, the group then conducted a 9.2km Uphill Individual Time Trial, up Skenes Creek Road, from the Great Ocean Road and up into the Great Otway National Park, where Matthew Boyd took the honours ahead of Mitch Wallis and Koby Stevens.
Defender Dale Morris said that the day was as much about working together as a group as it was physically challenging.
“I was actually surprised how much team work you need within the peloton, and how much you can leverage off of each other and how you can make the ride easy for each other. It was really eye opening for me.
“Everyone had their moments leading the pack and helping the group, and we can definitely take something out of that.”
Morris said that the boys were able to learn a lot from 2014 Herald Sun Tour Winner, Simon Clarke and Matt Keenan, SBS commentator and one of the most recognisable voices in the world of cycling.
“It was great having those guys down, he said.
“Their experience and knowledge on how to work within that team in the peloton was just invaluable for us and some of the stories they had can really relate to footy.”
Morris said that while the preseason has been challenging so far, he’s just excited that he’s been able to take part.
“For me, personally, it’s been the first time that I’ve been able to start preseason from day one in a while, so it’s been great to be out the on the track with the boys for the whole pre-Christmas block.”
As the group now heads off into Christmas break, Morris said that they were already looking forward to getting back on the track after the in early January.
“The boys are just excited that we’ve gotten through this block unscathed and the next block will lead into games. That’s when the real stuff starts.”
Matthew Suckling on the Great Ocean Road. Picture: Michael Willson 
The Bulldogs on the Great Ocean Road. Pictures: Michael Willson
Robert Murphy and Marcus Bontempelli get ready for the ride. Picture: Michael Willson
Eyes on the road: Shane Biggs having chat during the ride. Picture: Michael Willson
