After battling relentless headwinds, freezing mornings and road trains on narrow single-lane roads, 82-year-old Bob Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm will ride into Bowral this Sunday, completing their extraordinary "Miles for MND: One Last Ride".
The grandfather and grandson departed Broome on 22 June with a goal of raising $500,000 for Motor Neurone Disease NSW (MND). More than five weeks later, they are on the verge of completing the cross-country journey that has captured hearts across Australia and beyond.
Donations and messages of support have arrived from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. One donor, Tony Loui, wrote: "As a person living with MND, I can't ride, so I appreciate all that you are doing."
Bob said the messages of encouragement and the stories from people they met along the way had carried the pair through the toughest days.
"There have been days when the headwinds felt never-ending and mornings when we questioned how cold it could possibly get, but every time we met someone affected by MND, it reminded us why we were riding," he said.
The ride has tested both cyclists physically and mentally. Tom said the journey had taught him as much about resilience as endurance.
“On day 20, we rode 260 kilometres from Barkly Homestead in the Northern Territory to Camooweal in Queensland. It was pretty brutal, and we encountered some fierce winds.”
Despite the challenges, Bob and Tom have not backed down from their fundraising goal, earning descriptions from supporters including "fair dinkum legends", "absolute legends", and an "incredible pair" undertaking an "epic feat" and a "heroic ride".
Supporter, Murray Hickman wrote: “Mate, you blokes are fair dinkum legends. Travel safe and keep up the good work.”
Tom paid tribute to his grandfather's fundraising efforts across five previous rides, which raised more than $200,000 for MND NSW.
"Papa has actually already ridden much of the route we've travelled on his Broome to Port Douglas fundraising ride. He's covered all of Australia to be honest.”
"He’s one of the toughest and most determined people I've ever met. No matter how hard the conditions are, he’s ever the optimist and just keeps turning the pedals," he added.
For Bob, one of the most meaningful parts of the ride has been sharing the experience with his grandson.
"One of the greatest gifts of this journey has been spending so much time alongside Tom. Watching his determination day after day has given me enormous pride and confidence in what his future holds," he said.
MND NSW CEO Liam O’Meara has praised the efforts of the cycling duo and encouraged supporters to help them achieve their $500,000 fundraising target.
"At 82, Bob Montgomery is proving that determination has no age limit. This incredible ride across Australia with his grandson is an inspiring example of generosity, resilience, and purpose. The funds they raise will directly support people living with MND and their families, helping ensure they receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. We couldn't be prouder to have Bob and his grandson championing the MND community."
Bob and Tom are expected to end their 5,200 kilometre fundraising ride at the Bowral Golf Club at midday on Sunday 2 August.
Support Miles For MND: One Last Ride
Donations: https://bobmontgomery.com.au/
Follow the journey: Instagram: @broome2bowral.4mnd
Facebook: Broome to Bowral Miles for MND
