Alex Johnson is ready for the People’s Ride

FORMER Sydney Swans footballer Alex Johnson is gearing up for the People’s Ride as part of this month’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

Johnson is an ambassador for the People’s Ride, and is looking forward to getting out on the same course that the world’s best cyclists will tackle.

“It’s a role I’m really enjoying. I’ve been a fan of the ride, it’s a great event to carry on Cadel’s legacy,” he said.

Speaking earlier this week, the 2012 premiership player said he was very familiar with the Great Ocean Road, as his family has a holiday house in Lorne.

“It’s a great bit of coastline, but it’s a little bit hairy to ride because of all the cars, so it’ll be awesome to have it closed to traffic and be able to ride it.”

He is also happy to talk up the virtues of cycling for rehabilitation – a subject he is unfortunately highly familiar with, having endured six knee reconstructions.

“For the past five to six years, cycling has been one of the few things I can actually do, because it’s low impact in terms of the effect on your joints.” Johnson regularly rides between 50 and 80 kilometres as part of his rehab, but passed on the 35km and 65km variants of the People’s Ride to sign up to the 115-kilometre course.

“So 115 kilometres might stretch me a bit, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Delisted by the Swans last year, Johnson has signed as a player for the Northern Blues in the VFL and has also been appointed the club’s head of development.

“The opportunity with Carlton and the Northern Blues was something I couldn’t turn down, and it’s been great, I’ve had access to all of Carlton’s medical facilities to help my rehabilitation,” he said.

“I’ve just had three weeks off, so I’m back into it today.

“I’m aiming to play round 1 in the VFL – whether I get there is another question, but that’s what I’m trying to do.”