Bob Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm cross into the Northern Territory this week on their epic Broome to Bowral fundraising ride.
At dawn tomorrow 82-year-old Bob Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm will cycle across the WA/NT Northern Territory border on the infamous Victoria Highway, to Katherine. The duo is one week into their 5,000-kilometre fundraising ride across Australia to raise funds and awareness for families living with motor neurone disease (MND) after leaving Broome on 22 June.
Their toughest day so far came on the ride to Fitzroy Crossing, battling heat and relentless headwinds for over 230 kilometres.
"We had to spend some time riding behind the support vehicle just to stay upright," said Bob. "We had hoped to stop and set up camp at around 100 kilometres, but Tom was determined to keep going all the way to Fitzroy Crossing."
Tom inherited his love of cycling from Bob and has raced with Randwick Botany Cycling Club since 2019, competing in elite junior events including the Australian National Road Championships.
“I’ve grown up watching my grandad take on these incredible challenges to support others. Being able to ride alongside him on his last long charity ride is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Tom.
A former NSW State Cyclist, this is Bob’s sixth and final long-distance ride since turning 70. Over the past decade he has raised more than $200,000 for MND NSW riding a staggering 15,000 kilometres around Australia. This time, his target is $500,000.
Bob’s cousin, Judith O’Brien died from MND in December 2013, just days out from the end of his first ride for MND NSW from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, NSW to Port Douglas, QLD.
When Bob rides, he remembers Judith’s words after she was diagnosed with MND, in August 2012.
“I’ve had a good life. I’ve been blessed with two wonderful daughters and four beautiful grandchildren who are all happy and healthy, and if this is my lot, then this is my lot.” Judith O’Brien
Judith was 78 years of age when she died, 16 months after her diagnosis.
"This ride is simply about doing whatever I can while I still can for people whose bodies are letting them down," said Bob.
A lifelong sportsman, Bob has never let age slow him down. Bob’s wife Jenny is driving the campervan alongside the two riders. Jenny named this ride ‘Miles for MND - ONE LAST RIDE’.
CEO of MND NSW, Liam O’Meara has said that every kilometre of the ride will help fund practical support for families impacted by MND.
“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 diagnosed with MND, and two people die from the disease.
Donations: https://bobmontgomery.com.au/ or https://www.mndblue.org.au/milesformnd
Follow along on Instagram @broome2bowral.4mnd and Facebook Broome to Bowral Miles for MND
