From Broome to Bowral, a grandfather and grandson ride for time, family and hope
When 82-year-old Bob Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcom set off on their bikes in Broome on 22 June 2026, they’ll be chasing more than kilometres. They’ll be riding against time.
The avid cyclists are taking on an extraordinary journey from Broome to Bowral as part of Miles for MND: One Last Ride, a fundraising challenge supporting families living with motor neurone disease (MND). With no cure and an average life expectancy of just 27 months following diagnosis, time is the one thing people with MND don’t have.
For Bob and Tom, this cause is deeply personal. Bob’s cousin Judith died from MND in December 2014, an experience that left a lasting impact and inspired Bob’s ongoing commitment to raising funds and awareness for MND NSW.
“This is a charity I hold close to my heart. I continue to ride on behalf of people who no longer can.”
A lifelong sportsman, Bob has never let age slow him down. Alongside his wife Jenny, he ran the Nowra Bomaderry Squash Centre and later a sports centre in Helensburgh, sharing his love of physical activity with the community for decades.
Bob’s most significant challenge began at 70, when he cycled from the Three Sisters in Katoomba to Port Douglas to raise funds for MND—starting an ongoing commitment to long distance charity cycling.
Now, Bob embarks on his most meaningful ride yet, supported every step of the way by his family.
“Without my family’s support, my dreams would have been almost impossible to achieve.”
Riding Together
Riding alongside Bob is his grandson Tom, a competitive cyclist whose passion for the sport was inspired by his Papa. A member of Randwick Botany Cycling Club since 2019, Tom has competed in elite junior events across Australia, including the Australian National Road Championships.
“Cycling with my grandfather showed me the bike could be a tool to help others. That journey changed how I see cycling.”
Support Crew
1 Bob (Papa) — rider and fundraiser
2 Jenny — partner in life and logistics
3 Tom — riding alongside Papa
4 Tara — support crew, storyteller & road wrangler
5 Lucky — morale booster and resident roadie
Words from MND NSW CEO Liam O'Meara:
“Bob and Tom’s ride from Broome to Bowral is an extraordinary effort, not just in distance but in spirit. It reflects the best of our MND community - people choosing to push themselves so others facing this disease don’t have to do it alone.
Every day in Australia, two people are told they have Motor Neurone Disease. It’s a diagnosis that changes everything instantly. With no cure and limited time, the support we provide becomes absolutely critical.
For more than 40 years, MND NSW has been there for people living with MND, their families and carers. The equipment, the guidance, the care it all matters, and it’s only possible because of people like Bob and Tom who turn their effort into impact.
If you’re supporting this ride, thank you. You’re helping us deliver dignity, independence and support when it matters most.”
Follow their journey and support Miles for MND: One Last Ride: https://www.mndblue.org.au/milesformnd
Learn more at https://bobmontgomery.com.au/
Listen to Bob Montgomery and Liam O'Meara speak with Stefan Posthuma-Grbic from ABC Illawarra here
Watch Bob Montgomery, Tom Malcolm and Liam O'Meara speak with Sophie Watson from WIN News here
